Dizziness or Light-headedness
Dizziness and lightheadedness are common symptoms experienced by individuals with anxiety for several reasons:
1. Hyperventilation: Anxiety often leads to rapid, shallow breathing or hyperventilation, disrupting the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Low carbon dioxide levels can result in symptoms such as dizziness and lightheadedness. To regulate these levels, it’s important to take slow, deep nasal breaths and exhale slowly with pinched lips.
2. Stress Hormones: Prolonged anxiety triggers the release of stress hormones, including adrenaline. These hormones prepare the body for the “fight-or-flight” response, leading to an increased heart rate and dilated airways. This physiological response can cause dizziness as the heart pumps more blood and oxygen to the muscles, affecting blood pressure.
3. Muscle Tension: Anxiety often causes muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders. This tension can affect blood flow to the head, potentially resulting in lightheadedness or dizziness.
4. Sensory Sensitivity: Anxiety can heighten sensory perception, making individuals more aware of bodily sensations. People with anxiety may become hyperaware of normal bodily functions, leading them to notice and focus on sensations like dizziness or lightheadedness that they might otherwise overlook.
If you experience dizziness and/or lightheadedness, it’s important to consult your doctor to rule out any underlying medical issues. Typically, as anxiety levels are managed and panic attacks are addressed, these symptoms tend to resolve.