Discomfort increases when turning the head.
It intensifies when looking upwards or maintaining the same posture for a long time.
There is stiffness or pain in the back of the neck and shoulders.
What you can do:
Perform gentle neck stretches every day, without sudden movements.
Avoid sleeping with too many pillows or with your head too high.
Keep your computer or cell phone screen at eye level.
Seek guidance from a physical therapist or healthcare professional if pain or stiffness is frequent.
Cause 4: Inner Ear Disorders
The Balance Center
Inside the ear are small structures called semicircular canals, which detect head movement and position. When these canals become inflamed, fill with fluid, or when small calcium crystals (otoliths) shift, the brain receives confusing signals, even when you are still.
This can cause:
A sensation of spinning (vertigo).
Intense dizziness when changing position.
Nausea, cold sweats, or unsteadiness when walking.
Benign positional vertigo (BPI) is very common in older adults and is often triggered by turning over in bed, looking up, or bending over.
How to Support Inner Ear Health
Consult a healthcare professional if the vertigo is severe or recurring; there are specific physical techniques that can help reposition these small crystals.
Promote circulation with regular physical activity and a balanced diet.
Consume foods rich in magnesium and vitamin B12, nutrients that help keep the blood vessels and nerves of the inner ear healthy (always under professional guidance, in the case of supplements).
Cause 3: Unstable Glucose Levels
When the brain runs out of “fuel”
Going many hours without eating or consuming meals very low in protein can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The brain uses glucose as its main source of energy, so when blood sugar levels drop too low, the following symptoms may occur:
Dizziness.
Blurred vision.
Cold sweats.
Feeling faint or extremely weak.
This can happen in people with diabetes as well as those without, especially if their diet is based on highly refined or sugary products.
How to stabilize glucose levels
Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast.
Include a combination of the following in each meal:
Protein (eggs, plain yogurt, legumes, nuts).
Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts).
Complex carbohydrates (oats, whole-wheat bread, brown rice).
Avoid overindulging in sweets and sugary drinks as a “quick fix,” because they cause blood sugar spikes that then crash.
Keeping glucose levels stable helps the brain function clearly and reduces dizziness related to prolonged fasting.
Cause 2: Shallow Breathing and Stress
When Air Doesn’t Reach the Brain Properly
In situations of tension, worry, or anxiety, it’s very common to breathe rapidly and shallowly. This pattern, known as chronic mild hyperventilation, alters the ratio of oxygen to carbon dioxide in the blood and can cause:
Dizziness.
A feeling of floating.
Confusion.
Head pressure.
The body enters a state of “permanent alert,” and breathing remains altered even when there is no longer a real reason for danger.
Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise
A simple practice to improve this is:
