Is Autonomic Nervous System Disorder the Cause? Methods and Practices to Improve Dizziness from the Ground Up

Dizziness is a troublesome symptom that can greatly interfere with daily life. Many of you may have experienced sudden lightheadedness or dizziness that makes it difficult to concentrate on work or household chores. In fact, this dizziness may be caused by a disturbance in the autonomic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system plays an important role in regulating body temperature, blood flow, and organ function, and when imbalances occur due to stress or lifestyle disorders, symptoms may appear as dizziness.

Here we explain the symptoms and types of vertigo, the impact of the autonomic nervous system, and provide some basic remedies and specific practices. By reading this article, you will be able to identify the causes and learn remedies that are easy to incorporate into your daily life. Get a healthy life without suffering from vertigo.

 

Why does dizziness happen in the first place? Learn its symptoms and types.

Have you ever had that fluffy feeling of discomfort when you wake up in the morning, or experienced darkness in front of your eyes the moment you stand up? Or have you ever had the feeling that the ceiling is spinning around while you are at work? This is a symptom called "dizziness" and is one of the SOS from the body.

The word "dizziness" in a nutshell has a variety of causes and symptoms. Some may be affected by abnormalities in the inner ear or brain, while others may be quietly lurking in the background due to autonomic nervous system disturbances. Here, we will explain in detail the three typical types of vertigo, their characteristics, the timing and causes of onset, and unravel the symptoms, especially those involving the autonomic nervous system.

Typical types of vertigo and their characteristics

Dizziness can be broadly classified into three types. Understanding the symptoms, characteristics, and timing of occurrence of each is the first step in knowing your condition and considering countermeasures.

type	Main Symptoms	Timing of onset	Main Causes
rotatory vertigo	Sensation of ceiling and floor spinning	When you move your head or turn over	Inner ear abnormalities, Meniere's disease
floating dizziness	Unstable sensation of fluffiness on the ground	During fatigue or after prolonged sitting	Autonomic nervous system disturbance, stress
lightheadedness	Sudden darkening of the eyes, a sense of being in a daze	When you suddenly stand up.	Orthostatic hypotension, autonomic nervous system disorders

Rotational vertigo｜Sensation of the world spinning round and round

Rotational vertigo is an intense sensation that makes the world go round and round, as if you were on a coffee cup at an amusement park. Suddenly, the ceiling or floor feels as if it is spinning, and even standing up can become difficult. The most common time of onset is when you turn over in bed or move your head suddenly, and it is not uncommon for it to be triggered by trivial daily movements.

The main cause is an abnormality of the "semicircular canals" in the inner ear. The semicircular canals play an important role in maintaining the body's balance, and when abnormalities occur in these canals, the sense of balance is disturbed, causing spinning dizziness. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and Meniere's disease are typical examples. Symptoms may also be exacerbated when the autonomic nervous system is disturbed.

Floating vertigo｜Fluffy and unstable sensation

Floating vertigo is a persistent unstable sensation that "feels like I'm walking on a cloud" or "the ground feels soft." This type of vertigo makes it difficult to maintain posture and is accompanied by an uncomfortable feeling of being somewhat unsteady even when standing.

Floating vertigo is most likely to develop after prolonged sitting or when physical and mental stress and fatigue are at their peak. One reason is that blood flow to the brain is reduced, which disrupts the body's overall sense of balance. In addition, the autonomic nervous system can be disrupted, causing blood flow and body rhythms to be poorly regulated, which can lead to dizziness. In addition, accumulated mental stress can affect brain function, and in many cases, the symptoms become chronic.

Dizziness (agitated vertigo)｜A moment when you feel dizzy and your eyes go dark.

Dizziness (agitated vertigo) is characterized by such jolting moments as "my vision goes dark when I suddenly stand up," or "my head feels fuzzy and my consciousness seems to be fading away. Since it often occurs in daily life, it is often disregarded as "just a little tiredness," but if the symptoms persist repeatedly, it can intensify the feeling of anxiety and interfere with daily activities.

This dizziness is most likely to appear when you suddenly get up from a chair or bed or after spending a long time in the same position. The cause is orthostatic hypotension, a temporary lack of blood flow to the brain due to the body's inability to regulate blood pressure. This is more likely to occur when the autonomic nervous system is not functioning properly to control blood pressure, and is also closely related to lack of sleep, overwork, and stress.

Characteristic symptoms of autonomic nervous system involvement

The autonomic nervous system regulates blood flow, organ function, and body temperature by maintaining a balance between the "sympathetic" and "parasympathetic" nerves inside the body. However, when this balance is disturbed, the following characteristic symptoms may appear.

• Strong dizziness upon waking up in the morning
• Fluffiness after working at a desk or using a phone for long periods of time
• Often accompanied by fatigue and headache
• Palpitations and breathlessness.

These symptoms tend to occur when stress, lack of sleep, and irregular lifestyle habits combine. In particular, in today's society, the increased time spent using smartphones and PCs puts strain on the neck and eyes, making it easier for the autonomic nervous system to become unbalanced.

 

Autonomic Nervous System and Dizziness

In many cases, the rotational or floating dizziness and standing dizziness mentioned in the previous chapter are also caused by disorders of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system works silently but ceaselessly in our bodies to maintain the balance between body and mind.

However, when this important nerve system is disturbed, various functions in the body can be disrupted, resulting in a disorder in the form of dizziness. So what role does the autonomic nervous system play and how is it disrupted, causing dizziness?

Role of the autonomic nervous system｜Importance as the body's command center

The autonomic nervous system is the nerve that regulates our body's functions unconsciously, regardless of our intentions. The two functions, sympathetic and parasympathetic, balance each other and support us from within the body.

• Thermoregulation: Maintains a constant body temperature by shivering when cold or sweating when hot.
• Blood flow control: dilates and constricts blood vessels to send necessary blood throughout the body.
• Regulates internal organ functions: manages the heartbeat and digestive system.

For example, your heart rate increases when you are nervous at work, and your breathing naturally deepens when you are relaxed, all of which are evidence that the autonomic nervous system is working. However, when the autonomic nervous system is disturbed, this elaborate regulatory function is disrupted and various disorders surface.

Causes of Autonomic Nervous System Disturbances｜The Invisible Stress of Modern Man

There are a number of factors that can cause an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system in our lives. For example, stress is one of the most common factors. The accumulation of small problems at work, in relationships, and in daily life can cause the sympathetic nervous system to work excessively and the body to be in a constant state of tension. If we spend time without taking time to relax, the autonomic nervous system will eventually lose its balance, and the disorder will begin to manifest itself.

Lack of sleep is another problem that cannot be ignored. Sleep is an essential time for the parasympathetic nervous system to become dominant and for the body to recover, but staying up late or having an irregular rhythm of life can disrupt the autonomic nervous system. Chronic sleep deprivation, in particular, can further upset the balance between body and mind.

Furthermore, in women, changes in hormonal balance have a significant impact. Hormonal fluctuations due to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and even menopause affect the autonomic nervous system, making it easier to feel changes in one's physical condition. This is a delicate problem unique to women and is one of the factors causing autonomic nervous system disorders.

In addition, excessive use of smartphones and PCs cannot be overlooked in today's society. Staring at screens for long periods of time puts strain on the eyes and neck and overstimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Persistent eye fatigue and stiff neck can reduce blood flow to the brain and easily disrupt the balance of the autonomic nervous system.

As a result of the complex interplay of these factors, the autonomic nervous system gradually loses its regulatory power, and blood flow and organ functions in the body become poorly regulated. As a result, the symptom of "dizziness" surfaces. Although autonomic nervous system disorders may be an unavoidable problem for those of us living in modern society, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms by understanding the mechanism and taking countermeasures.

Mechanism of Autonomic Nervous System Disturbance Causing Dizziness

When the autonomic nervous system is disturbed, various effects on the body's regulatory functions occur, especially "decreased blood flow" and "disruption of equilibrium" are more likely to occur. This often results in symptoms of dizziness.

First, the autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling the contraction and dilation of blood vessels and supplying necessary blood throughout the body. However, when the autonomic nervous system is disturbed, its regulatory function is impaired, resulting in insufficient blood flow to the brain. As a result, the brain is temporarily deprived of oxygen, causing lightheadedness and dizziness. The symptoms of "lightheadedness" are particularly likely to appear upon waking up or standing up suddenly, and can cause anxiety in daily life.

In addition, the "semicircular canals" in the inner ear are important organs that control the body's sense of balance. When the autonomic nervous system is disturbed and the inner ear is not functioning properly, the sense of balance may not be maintained properly, resulting in rotational vertigo. For example, symptoms such as "the ceiling feels like it is spinning" or "the ground seems to be shaking" are caused by such dysfunction of the inner ear.

Furthermore, when stress accumulates, the sympathetic nervous system is overactive and the body is in a constant state of tension. This state of tension leads to excessive muscle tension and worsens stiffness in the shoulders and neck. Poor circulation can also affect blood flow to the brain and sense of balance, causing fluffy, unstable floating dizziness.

 

Causes of Dizziness Due to Autonomic Nervous System Disturbances and Checklist

In the previous chapter, we explained how autonomic nervous system disturbances can affect blood flow and sense of balance, and how this can result in various types of dizziness. However, if the causes of autonomic disturbance in daily life are not noticed, the symptoms will repeat themselves.

Here we will identify the main causes of autonomic nervous system disorders and show you how to review your condition using a self-checklist. And we will also tell you the criteria to use when you are wondering, "Should I consult a hospital about this?" and "Should I consult a hospital for this? By reviewing your daily lifestyle, you can take the first step toward improving your dizziness.

Self-checklist for dizziness due to autonomic nervous system disturbance

Check how many of the following items apply to you. By knowing your condition objectively, you will be able to take early countermeasures.

checklist	YES/NO
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy when waking up in the morning
Tired but have difficulty sleeping at night or wake up in the middle of the night
Continuous desk work or smartphone operation causes eye fatigue and stiff neck/shoulders
Habitually drink several cups of coffee or energy drinks per day
Suddenly standing up may cause a feeling of dizziness or darkness in front of the eyes
Often feel tired and sluggish during the day, even when doing nothing
Stress can cause headaches, heart palpitations, and anxiety
Do not feel rested even on holidays and have difficulty in getting rid of fatigue

If there are three or more YES's, the autonomic nervous system may be disturbed. Make a conscious effort to review your lifestyle and take time to relax.

When to consult with a hospital and how to recognize symptoms

Dizziness due to autonomic nervous system disturbance may be improved by lifestyle modification if it is mild. However, if any of the following symptoms appear, do not hesitate to visit a hospital.

• Recurring dizziness that interferes with daily life
• Severe dizziness or lightheadedness, almost falling over
• Headache, tinnitus, nausea, and numbness in the limbs
• Increased palpitations, breathlessness, and anxiety

In addition to autonomic nervous system disturbances, these symptoms may be hiding abnormalities in the brain or inner ear. It is especially important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if dizziness occurs suddenly or worsens.

 

How to adjust your lifestyle to improve vertigo

We have explained how autonomic nervous system disorders can cause dizziness, its mechanisms and factors. However, it is quite possible to regulate the autonomic nervous system and alleviate the symptoms of dizziness by simply reviewing a few lifestyle habits.

The autonomic nervous system is greatly affected by our daily diet, sleep, stress management, and a few morning routines. Our bodies and minds are created by the accumulation of our daily routines, which is why improving lifestyle habits is the fundamental countermeasure to dizziness. Here are some specific ways to improve dizziness and regulate the autonomic nervous system.

Importance of regular sleep and diet

Our autonomic nervous system is greatly influenced by our daily sleep and diet. In particular, sleep plays an important role as "the best time to restore the autonomic nervous system. During sleep, the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, a time for the body and mind to relax and recover. However, when sleep is inadequate or sleep quality is poor, this cycle of recovery is disrupted and the autonomic nervous system can easily become unbalanced. If this persists, blood flow and body rhythms are disrupted, causing dizziness such as lightheadedness and dizziness.

The ideal amount of sleep is 7 to 8 hours per day. Going to bed and getting up at a fixed time each day is an important point in regulating the rhythm of the autonomic nervous system. It is also important to avoid stimulating the brain by avoiding the use of smartphones and computers for an hour before bedtime. Dimming the lights in your room and creating a quiet and relaxing environment will help you get a deeper and better quality sleep.

On the other hand, daily diet is also an essential element in regulating the autonomic nervous system. In particular, a good awareness of the nutrients that support nerve function will help maintain good health from the inside out. For example, protein is essential as a material for hormones and enzymes that support the autonomic nervous system. Consciously consume protein-rich foods such as chicken meat, eggs, fish, and soy products.

In addition, B vitamins help nerve function and relieve fatigue. Pork, brown rice, natto (fermented soybeans), and bananas are rich in B vitamins and promote energy metabolism. We must also not forget magnesium, which helps relieve muscle tension and increase relaxation. Actively incorporating seaweed, nuts, spinach, etc. will help relieve tension in the mind and body and support stable autonomic nervous system functioning.

For example, combining the following foods in your daily diet will naturally balance your nutritional needs.

nutrient	function	Typical Foods
protein	Supports the autonomic nervous system as a source of hormones and enzymes	Chicken meat, eggs, fish, soy products
vitamin B group	Helps nerve function and promotes recovery from fatigue	Pork, brown rice, natto, banana
magnesium (Mg)	Relieves muscle tension and enhances relaxation	Seaweed, nuts, spinach

Both sleep and diet are the foundation for regulating the autonomic nervous system. First of all, start with small improvements by being conscious of "going to bed early and getting up early" and "eating a nutritionally balanced diet. These cumulative efforts in our daily lives are the first step toward regulating the autonomic nervous system and reducing the symptoms of dizziness.

Points of care that can be practiced on a daily basis

method	Expected Effects
deep breath	The parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, relieving tension.
Smartphone/PC breaks	Reduces muscle tension in the eyes and neck and improves blood flow.
Measures before bedtime	Sleep quality is improved and recovery of the autonomic nervous system is facilitated.
bask in the morning sun	The body clock is reset and vitamin D is secreted. Immune system is strengthened.
going for a short walk	It wakes up the body, improves blood flow and refreshes the body.

Stress is a major factor that disturbs the autonomic nervous system. Continued tension can cause the sympathetic nervous system to work excessively, making it easier for physical discomfort to manifest itself. In such cases, we should actively adopt methods to relax the body and mind.

For example, deep breathing is an easy relaxation technique. Breathe in slowly through your nose, and when you feel your stomach expand, exhale slowly through your mouth. By repeating this several times, the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, and you will naturally relax.

Also, take a break from your phone or computer every hour to look away from the screen, look into the distance or close your eyes. This alone will relieve tension in your eye and neck muscles and improve blood flow. Posture is also important. Keep the screen at eye level and be conscious of keeping your back straight to reduce strain on your neck.

In particular, you should avoid using your phone before bedtime. Blue light stimulates the brain and reduces the quality of sleep, so avoid smartphones and computers one hour before bedtime and prepare your mind and body in a quiet environment.

One of the easier things to practice is to get some morning sun. By opening the window after waking up and basking in the morning sun, the body's internal clock is reset and the sympathetic nervous system naturally begins to work. The pleasant morning light helps awaken the body and mind. Morning sun exposure also secretes vitamin D, which helps boost the immune system.

In addition, light exercise such as regular walking and light stretching will promote blood flow and gradually awaken the body. The key is to move your body lightly within a range that you can continue without strain.

 

summary

Here we have described in detail the characteristics and countermeasures for dizziness caused by disorders of the autonomic nervous system. By adopting regular sleep, a nutritionally balanced diet, stress care and simple daily care, the autonomic nervous system can be regulated and dizziness can be improved.

We have also introduced methods that can be easily integrated into daily life, such as sunrise exposure, light exercise, and relaxation techniques. Continuous care is the key to a healthy body and mind. If symptoms persist, remember to consult a specialist as soon as possible. By regulating your autonomic nervous system, you can have a comfortable, dizziness-free daily life.

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