Fatigue is extreme physical and mental tiredness that does not improve with rest or sleep. Dizziness is a sensation that can involve feeling off-balance, lightheaded, or a spinning sensation known as vertigo. These two symptoms frequently appear together, and fatigue can directly cause dizziness.
The Physiological Connection Between Fatigue and Dizziness
When the body experiences extreme tiredness, several physiological changes can contribute to dizziness. Reduced blood flow to the brain is one mechanism; the body’s circulatory system may not efficiently deliver oxygen and nutrients to the brain, leading to lightheadedness or a woozy feeling. The brain’s ability to process sensory information, particularly from the vestibular system in the inner ear, can also be impaired. This system helps maintain balance and coordination, and fatigue can disrupt its normal functioning, causing feelings of unsteadiness or spinning.
Changes in blood pressure can also contribute. Fatigue can sometimes lead to lower blood pressure, which may result in dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly. Additionally, dehydration, which often accompanies fatigue, can further reduce blood volume and contribute to a drop in blood pressure, exacerbating dizzy sensations. Fatigue’s impact on cognitive function can also affect balance and coordination, making an individual feel less steady.
Other Factors Contributing to Dizziness When Fatigued
Beyond the direct effects of tiredness, various underlying conditions can cause both fatigue and dizziness simultaneously. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a common culprit, as insufficient levels can lead to dizziness, shakiness, and tiredness. This can happen if one hasn’t eaten in a while or as a side effect of certain diabetes medications.
Certain medications, including some antidepressants, antiseizure drugs, heart medications, muscle relaxants, and sleeping pills, can also list dizziness and fatigue as side effects. Anemia, a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells, can result in fatigue and dizziness due to reduced oxygen delivery. Furthermore, conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) feature profound fatigue as a primary symptom, often accompanied by dizziness, which can be linked to issues with metabolism, immune and nervous system changes, and impacts on blood flow to the brain. Stress and anxiety can also manifest as both fatigue and dizziness, and poor sleep quality itself can be a direct cause of both symptoms.
When Dizziness and Fatigue Signal a Deeper Issue
While fatigue and dizziness can often be managed, certain signs indicate the need for medical attention. If dizziness is severe, sudden in onset, or persistent, it warrants a doctor’s consultation, and immediate medical care is advised if dizziness or vertigo occurs alongside other serious symptoms.
These concerning symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness or weakness in the limbs or face, vision changes like double vision, or trouble walking. Additionally, if dizziness is accompanied by a rapid or irregular heartbeat, fainting, seizures, confusion, slurred speech, or ongoing vomiting, prompt medical evaluation is important. These combined symptoms could suggest a more serious underlying health condition that requires diagnosis and treatment.