Morning Wobbles
Posted by Frosteecat@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 153 comments
I’m starting to notice that I am incredibly unstable on my feet when I first get up in the morning. I legit have to pause and get my bearings before I start walking or I will most likely fall down. This seems to be occurring more and more and getting worse. Anyone else super unstable when they first wake up?
artsy7fartsy@reddit
Vitamin D, B12, and magnesium
Most people our age are deficient in all 3 and it leads to weakness in the legs and unsteadiness- among other things
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
They are in my regular rotation!
Camaschrist@reddit
Take your vitamin D with k2.
Camaschrist@reddit
I have to be careful to get up slowly because I have really low blood pressure. If I am dehydrated or not getting enough salt it makes it worse. I would get this checked out just to be safe. Getting “wobbly” might mean something.
GargleToes@reddit
Yes, go see your doc and consider what type of pillow you use. I changed mine and morning vertigo went away.
TinyCommittee3783@reddit
What pillow did you change to?
GargleToes@reddit
I went from a standard size shredded memory foam to a buckwheat hull filled cylinder shaped pillow. I think it was a neck position thing for me.
Zipper-is-awesome@reddit
I have naturally low blood pressure, that happens to me. I also found out I have anemia, although that causes unsteadiness at times other than wake-up.
Itchy_Undertow-1@reddit
Do you check your blood pressure? Might want to start. I usually take a minute and do small movements (shoulder/neck/ wrist circles) and a couple of deep breaths before I jump out of bed.
ShartlesAndJames@reddit
YES - F here and I chalk it up to lack of hormones?
whoops53@reddit
Oh is that a thing? I'm post menopause (I think) and not on HRT
ShartlesAndJames@reddit
of course, I'm not a doctor, but when I was on the patch (had to stop for financial reasons) I could hop out of bed like I always have. Now, I get up and most mornings I gotta take a few seconds and get my "sea legs"
so much has gone sideways since hitting peri/menopause I blame all the weird aches, pains, body issues on lack of hormones
Puzzleheaded-Focus12@reddit
They can pry my HRT from my cold dead hands. I’m not going back!
Boom_Gate_Lady@reddit
Do you actually feel dizzy, or is it more that your legs won't go in the direction you're trying to send them?
LuckyAd2714@reddit
Yea but I feel like I’ve always been like that
SilverAssumption9572@reddit
By wobbly do you mean muscles, or like dizziness? Either way, you need to get this checked out by your doctor.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Seems like a bit of both. I have a scheduled exam (diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes this last year) maybe I buried the lead on that? Didn’t think it would have that symptom but seems to line up.
Auslander808@reddit
Are your feet numb/tingly at all? T2D and peripheral neuropathy can be symptoms of sugar/insulin issues. I noticed the numbness and was having to take a few minutes to get moving normally in the mornings. I would start off just 'stilting' around.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Yes I am experiencing neuropathy in the pad of my left foot, most likely due to T2 Diabetes.
Murky_Possibility_68@reddit
Okay, you really need a see a doctor. Hope it all works out.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Thank you I have one on the books!
Murky_Possibility_68@reddit
Are you checking your sugar regulars? High numbers are dangerous, but super low numbers can be deadly.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Yes. I have the kit for this.
Princess_Jade1974@reddit
Although I do get water in my ear frequently ( I put a few drops of peroxide in my ears once a week). My bigger issue is the arthritis in my feet, the first few steps first thing hurt like hell
johninfla52@reddit
I had the same symptom when my plantar fasciitis was really bad. The first couple of steps are super painful!
Glad-Pen5593@reddit
Stretch them before you get up. Check out The Foot Collective on YouTube.
kalipatchia@reddit
See a doctor dude.
Mobile_Aioli_6252@reddit
Same thing here! Jump out of bed - got to steady myself a bit
Urbaniuk@reddit
This could be due to orthostatic intolerance.
Pheighthe@reddit
Yes OP should google POTS medical condition
Lily_V_@reddit
In the morning I’ve got to hurry up and pee, but it’s hard to get going on my knees.
NvGable@reddit
lol......um, are you walking to the bathroom on your knees? Or peeing on your knees?
AForse@reddit
lol!
Fuzzteam7@reddit
Yes 👍 But I never had a good sense of balance and my arthritic feet are very angry first thing in the morning.
Intrepid_Practice956@reddit
Yes, my joints are very stiff from arthritis when I get up. After some (slow) movement it gets better.
Fuzzteam7@reddit
Me too. But until they get more flexible my animals know enough to stay out of my way 😂
feralGenx@reddit
Take up Tai Chi. It will help with overall balance.
stuckinthewoods@reddit
Solid advice started months ago and overall movement is much
AnyDamnThingWillDo@reddit
My mother went through it for years. I discovered she had been prescribed vertigo medication that you take for a maximum of two weeks for two damn years.
Brought her to see a specialist and he cured her in about a week. There were crystals in her inner ear causing the problem. He gave her exercises to do and the problem disappeared. It all seemed a bit new age pie in the sky to me to be honest but, he was a highly respected doctor in his field.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
I will research that! I don’t care how granola something is if it actually works.
voodoo_babydoll@reddit
It's called the Epley Manuever. Not granola, MDs use for vertigo
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Sorry I wasn’t trying to be flippant—it comes naturally.
bloobityblu@reddit
I mean, it sounds sort of woo-woo/granola - crystals in your ear that have to be "balanced"?
But it's a legit thing. My dad had this several years ago and they did that maneuver thing and it helped.
voodoo_babydoll@reddit
I didn't think you were, it does sound crazy, but it works
Minimum_Republic_600@reddit
It's not some mystic medicine. There are legit crystals in your inner ear that control your balance and they need to come to rest in a certain spot in order for you to be balanced.
Head trauma, among other things, allow the. To travel past where they should. Google "Epley maneuver."
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Yes! I was just looking at that and found exercises! I HAVE had some serious head injuries in my life as well.
commonsense1954@reddit
This.
voodoo_babydoll@reddit
That's called the Epley Maneuver
Commercial_Ad_5419@reddit
I have vertigo issues, which is common with menopause. In the mornings I am like a pinball in a pinball machine.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
I feel you. My wife is going through this, but she is in fantastic shape compared to me. I think she’s finally decided to go see an endocrinologist for the hormone issues.
Commercial_Ad_5419@reddit
I went through physical therapy. But the most effective treatment was the epley maneuver.
fireflypoet@reddit
Can you describe what that is?
Commercial_Ad_5419@reddit
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/home-epley-maneuver
fireflypoet@reddit
Thank you.
TheGreatLabMonkey@reddit
My feet are so stiff when I wake up that this wobbliness description fits perfectly. My job is very walking-forward, and there are times I'm on my feet for 7+ hours. After walking a few meters it usually evens out and my muscles get used to moving again. But man, if I have to urgently pee those stairs to get down to the toilet are torture.
Roseliberry@reddit
Could be plantar fasciitis
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
I hear that! I’ve taken over the attic loft as my bedroom – – don’t judge people go sleeping as hard lol! But I do worry I am going to fall down those freaking stairs every night. I have to use the bathroom. I’m starting to see why chamberpots were popular at one point.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
I just wanna say how much I appreciate this sub. Everyone here has been direct, honest and kind. I think that is sort of the hallmark of our generation. We don’t act like we are trying to make people feel better but we do it anyways while being honest, I appreciate all of you.
Glad-Pen5593@reddit
One of THE best YouTube channels out there addressing things like balance and fall prevention/strengthening and stabilizing is Bob and Brad physical therapists. I highly recommend going to their channel and scrolling through their library of uploaded videos.
You may also want to consider talking to your doctor and getting a referral to an actual physical therapists.
I’ve had a hip and knee replacement and have learned a lot about how falling is a BIG concern once we start the aging process.
Our body and bones weaken as we age. We must take active measures to compensate for that.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Yes! I will head to YouTube to check this out! Hang in there—you’re almost bionic! ;)
WhiteReuben@reddit
IUnstable skeletal and muscle in lower extremities?
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Probably. I get weekly chiropractic adjustments.
Margotkitty@reddit
Chiropractic adjustments don’t do anything. You need to do some physiotherapy so they can identify which of your muscle groups are weak, and compensating. Just because you’re aging doesn’t mean you need to become unstable and at risk for falling. I interact with geriatric patients and they vary from can barely walk across the room alone to walking a few kilometres a day - the difference is what they do on the daily and the excuses they make (or don’t).
Save the money you’re spending on chiropractic and use it for physiotherapy instead.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Fair enough. I am sure my sedentary job doesn’t help, but I have started adding laps around the building to my daily routine there— it’s not only mentally calming. It’s physically invigorating. I’m starting to see your point about the chiropractor. He just adjusts my leg every week and nothing long-term seems to change.
ranchoparksteve@reddit
There can be blood pressure issues when transitioning from laying down to sitting to standing up. There’s an “orthostatic” test a doctor can easily do.
Also, take more time to get out of bed. Flex your leg and butt muscles several times before standing.
concerts85701@reddit
And increase electrolytes.
I’ve had some orthostatic issues for a few years. I typically sit up, put my feet on the floor and wait a few seconds before I stand up - most of the time, not every time. But it’s a good practice. I do a lot of leg flexes if I’m sitting for a long time.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
I have been adding an electrolyte drink to my daily routine. Can’t tell if it helps or not but I do feel slightly better in general.
concerts85701@reddit
I use a lot. I buy in bulk powders since doing a whole LMNT packet in a single drink 2-3x/day.
Please consult your cardiologist first. It’s a lot of salt. But the salt helps constrict the vessels in the legs or something, so that helps keep the blood pooling in the legs.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
I’m on meds for high blood pressure. It’s more that my feet and legs are “locked up” and stiff when first trying to stand up—but there’s definitely some mild dizziness as well. Guess I will add that test to my next Doctor’s visit. Thanks for the tip!
ranchoparksteve@reddit
I’m on a blood pressure med too and the doctor needed to change it to one that didn’t have a diuretic component. It was messing up my electrolyte balance and causing weird side effects.
KingPabloo@reddit
Do you workout/run/exercise? If so, then this is an issue you need to get checked out. If not, this is your body telling you to start taking care of yourself. A wake up call either way.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Tough love but true, thank you.
KingPabloo@reddit
Yeah, but we GenX tough - much love to ya…
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Yes I appreciate it honestly. I will play some David Goggins and get to work lol!
FangioDuReverdy1@reddit
Go to the doctor! I have been feeling lightheaded/dizzy on and off for a few months. I went to my obgyn checkup and apparently I have terribly high blood pressure. I have a primary care appt Monday. I’m really worried
AlarmedWillow4515@reddit
We have excellent treatments for high blood pressure now. Since you caught it, you should be fine. Good luck!
FangioDuReverdy1@reddit
I REALLY appreciate those kind words thank you🫶my mind goes to terrible places and I get scared. I am glad I went to my check up. Like you said, I wouldn’t have known that was an issue. Explains the dizziness I guess. It really caught me by surprise. I’m a healthy weight and eat really healthy
Lily_V_@reddit
It’s not you, it’s genetics.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
It’s ok /alarmedwillow4515 is correct. It can be managed with diligence. I obviously have to make some adjustments.
2PlasticLobsters@reddit
Yeah, I reel around like a drunken sailor for about 10 minutes every morning.
geekspice@reddit
Are you actively training your stabilizing muscles and practicing your balance as you age? Because if you don't, this is what happens.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Nope but this just rocketed to the top of my already long list.
charliefoxtrot9@reddit
dancing is good
Ennuiology@reddit
My Apple Watch sent this alert to my phone. Apparently I’m unstable all the time.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Haven’t gotten one of those… yet.
Ckc1972@reddit
Did you ever check your blood pressure? I wonder if it's low when you wake up.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
I have a cuff. It’s always been high but worth checking in the morning.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Yikes I was expecting more company here.
SidewaysSynapses@reddit
You have company with me. A little foggy, I’m not stumbling around like a drunk, just feeling slightly off as I make my first walk to the bathroom say. I get up and stay seated for a minute, kinda open my eyes and get adjusted. My doc said it was probably bp from laying to standing up quickly.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Wobble Gang represents!
thiswasyouridea@reddit
Are you especially sleepy in the morning or feel like you're not completely awake yet?
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Absolutely. Massive brain fog when I wake up. I need some kind of waking routine before I stand I suppose.
thiswasyouridea@reddit
So the reason you can't stand is because you're not fully awake yet and your brain is confused whether you should be walking yet. Remember, when we sleep we are generally unable to move much. So what's happening is you're still partly asleep and the paralysis we get during sleep is still partly in effect.
Waking completely will help. And maybe figuring out why you're "sleep hungover" In the mornings. Are you waking a lot during the night?
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Yes. My sleep hygiene has gone from fantastic to poor, mainly due to not taking cutting off fluids early enough seriously.
thiswasyouridea@reddit
You're waking up to pee, so it is interfering with your sleep.
The problem is you don't want to get dehydrated, either. So cutting off fluids too early is also bad.
This might be worth talking to your doctor about.
jaime_riri@reddit
Ok try this: first thing wake up and just remain in bed sitting up drinking water with a teaspoon of salt for 30 minutes before you actually get up and definitely before coffee. If that helps, you’re having low blood pressure issues and/or electrolyte imbalance. If that helps, great. If it doesn’t, no harm is done but that info will be useful to your doctor.
vladsquirrlchrst@reddit
Yep, I can't get in the shower too fast. When I close my eyes for washing my hair it feels like I'm in orbit and the world is spinning outside of my head. Waiting a few minutes clears it up.
thirtyone-charlie@reddit
Try some strength and balance exercises for a couple of weeks and see if that changes.
MhojoRisin@reddit
I like to start the day with a couple of sun salutations with a warrior pose or two mixed in. Not a real yoga workout or anything but gets me limbered up.
formercotsachick@reddit
I recently started doing Pilates as my former excellent balance and core strength was going right down the tubes. It's been had going, but I can really feel how it makes a difference in my day to day life.
BlackberryHill@reddit
I bet you are dehydrated. Leave a giant drink of water on the bedside. Drink it either when you half wake up at 3-5am, or drink when you wake for the day and wait 20 minutes to stand.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Will do!
jaime_riri@reddit
But add salt. Just because your blood pressure is high when it’s tested and you’re already up and about doesn’t mean you’re not experiencing orthostatic issue after having been laying down all night.
FangioDuReverdy1@reddit
Salt is bad for high blood pressure
jaime_riri@reddit
Taking medication to lower blood pressure and then laying down for 8 hours can definitely make your blood pressure TOO low
Affectionate-Cow3737@reddit
Go back to pt
commonsense1954@reddit
Could be benign vertigo, easily treated, look into it.
Bogeysmom1972@reddit
Ya, idk if that’s just a normal, age related issue. I do that some mornings, but I had a THR about a year ago. Even before surgery, with all the pain and issues, I didn’t have that problem. I’d get it checked out
silvermanedwino@reddit
Please talk to a doctor. Too young for this.
JanaT2@reddit
This isn’t normal
You need a check up
allaboutaphie@reddit
Nope, just when I have 1 to many.
2hands_bowler@reddit
This is what happens when you do 25 squats twice a day.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Ok seems helpful!
Hey_Laaady@reddit
I've had some problems with dizziness. I also take BP meds. My doctor put me in a potassium supplement and it's been helping.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Do you take them at night or as part of a daily routine…?
Hey_Laaady@reddit
I have been on a liquid that I mix in cold water and sip with breakfast. A specialist prescribed it. My GP took over on that and switched me over to tablets which I will start tomorrow.
So, they can be in the form of pills that you take with food once a day.
gilbert10ba@reddit
I got vertigo for the firs ttime back in 2020, it lasted 2 months. Couldn't drive to work for those 2 months, had to work from home, then the COVID forced WFH started. LOL. Anyway, once it went away, I still have to just sit on the side of the bed for a minute to make sure I've got my balance.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Oh good I was definitely needing some more dedicated time to contemplate my poor decisions lol!
Big_Message_7824@reddit
This happened to me after getting COVID the first time. I now have a diagnosis of persistent postural dizziness, chronic fatigue, as well.
Cool_Wealth969@reddit
I have low blood pressure. So I move a bit slower on purpose when I wake up.
pocketdare@reddit
Could LBP also be the cause of that brief sense of vertigo I often experience when I stand up after sitting for a while?
Cool_Wealth969@reddit
Yes, all of it is related.
stuck_behind_a_truck@reddit
Orthostatic hypotension, yes. It’s a thing.
PinkyLeopard2922@reddit
Another low blood pressure person. I need to try to do this for my own safety.
jaime_riri@reddit
I have to just sit up in bed for like 30 minutes first thing and drink a bottle of water with a few pinches of salt. It’s an acquired taste…
Cool_Wealth969@reddit
Yes. I will feel fine, then jump up and get to the door knob, and completely black out with my lips and fingers tingling. I was able to stand but freaked out the entire time....
stuck_behind_a_truck@reddit
You might look into a tilt table test if you have orthostatic hypotension to this degree. Look up POTS.
No-Reading-4384@reddit
Been happening to me for the last 2 years
SalamanderTight5378@reddit
As a sufferer of BPPV (positional vertigo), yes, I am unstable. But I too think this is something you should bring up with a doctor to see if it's anything other than positional vertigo.
tbodillia@reddit
I feel like a damn hippy talking about ear crystals. It's been hitting me every 2-3 months since last year. I hate the epley maneuver.
Criseyde2112@reddit
Same! I didn't know there were ear crystals.
Nervous-Rooster7760@reddit
You need a doctor. Could be low blood pressure but also whole list of possibilities. I would also talk to doctor about doing balance exercises. Finding a program to add 15-20 of balance work a couple times a week could be beneficial. Good luck.
jaime_riri@reddit
Yep. That’s my issue. My blood pressure plummets overnight
No_Owl_250@reddit
Get a physical and also consider all meds you're on. Some are ototoxic and can affect the inner ear nerve connected to balance. Plenty of other possibilities too so it's good to check things out with a professional.
TripMaster478@reddit
100%. This sounds like something more than Gen X aging stuff.
StreetFriendship1200@reddit
Please see your doctor ASAP
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
On the books! Thanks for your kind concern.
StreetFriendship1200@reddit
Good luck! Hope all is ok! One thing that you can consider, even if you are not having these types of symptoms, …try checking an over-the-counter UTI test to make sure you do not have a urinary infection. Symptoms present differently in women as you get older. Balance issues, and instability on your feet is one of the symptoms of that.
Crikiribay@reddit
It could also be an inner ear issue after laying flat all night. It’s worth a trip to the doctor to check out.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
First the eyes, now the ears. Great. People in my family are generally long lived but I don’t want to be 25% of myself for another 40 years.
Complex-League3400@reddit
Worth getting checked medically cos of BP etc but may also be worth getting checked by a physical therapist. I'm one myself and regularly see GenX and you're almost certain to pick up natural age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia). If there's no underlying issues, it's really fixable with strengthening and balance exercises.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Ok yes I guess seasonal weight lifting is no longer effective.
MNSoaring@reddit
Assuming you aren’t ill in other ways, That’s not normal. Go see a physician.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
sigh
chompy_jr@reddit
I started a yoga class a couple months ago. It’s done wonders for my balance.
Complex-League3400@reddit
Exercise is the thing! Free and effective. Yoga, for some weird reason kills me but Pilates is fine. I have no idea why other that I probably didn't stick with yoga for long enough and found Pilates in the mean time. Tai Chi, as u/SlowEmphasis3676 said is really good too.
Frosteecat@reddit (OP)
Yes. That’s a pretty major factor missing in my life. I lift but generally only in the nice weather months as my home gym is outside—but I live in rainforest country lol.
SlowEmphasis3676@reddit
Balance exercises are incredibly important as we age, as falls are a significant cause of disability and death. I started doing Tai Chi exercises and I am much more steady and limber.
skeeterbmark@reddit
Go to the doctor. Soon.
ChiliSama@reddit
Another one thinking low blood pressure and you should get checked.
Jimmy-the-Knuckle@reddit
No; you need to talk to your pcp.
Old_Goat_Ninja@reddit
Nope, that doesn’t sound normal at all.
Stubborn_Strawberry@reddit
No. That's not normal. It could be a touch of vertigo or hypotension.