Can Rainy Days Make Your Head Feel Dizzy?

Factors Contributing to Dizziness

Several studies have established a relationship between monsoon and diseases. You will notice a sudden spike in mosquito-borne diseases (like malaria, dengue, Chikungunya, etc.), waterborne diseases (such as cholera, typhoid, etc.) and airborne diseases (common cold, flu, etc.) during the rainy season.

While all these ailments show fever and fatigue as symptoms, the most common is experiencing heavy, dizzy feeling in the head. Here are some factors that can cause this feeling:

• Fluctuation in Atmospheric or Barometric Pressure

During monsoon, you will notice an increased humidity in the atmosphere which naturally causes the pressure to drop. These changes in pressure levels can disrupt the functioning of your vestibular system, a system which takes care of your body’s balance, movement, and gravity. So, when the vestibular system is affected, you will experience faintness and dizziness.

• Mental Health Issues

The rainy season can severely impact your mental wellness. Your mood swings and calmness are controlled by certain happy hormones called serotonin and melatonin. Studies have proved that these hormones work well when your body is exposed to sunlight, but during monsoon, the skies are dark and the weather is gloomy.

• Increased humidity

Sometimes, just before the onset of rain, it becomes too hot and the atmosphere has far higher humidity levels than normal. This can cause you to sweat profusely, leading to dehydration. When you are dehydrated, it can eventually affect your balance, thereby causing frequent spells of faintness and dizziness during the rains.

• Deficiency of Certain Nutrients

One of the most important factors contributing to dizziness during monsoon is the deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals in your daily diet. Eating enough nutrients, such as vitamin B6, vitamin D, and magnesium, is essential, as these help regulate your body’s balance and control your vestibular system's functioning. Inadequate intake of these nutrients affects your body’s balance, making you feel dizzy and lightheaded.

• Existing Health Conditions

If you are already undergoing treatment for certain health conditions, you are more prone to dizzy spells during monsoon. These conditions include:

• Sinus Troubles

• Migraine Issues

• Sleeping Disorders

• Vertigo Issues

Coping Strategies

Here are some tips you can start following in your daily life for the same —

• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

• Always eat fresh and light home-cooked meals during the monsoon, as infection due to contaminated food/water can increase your dizzy spells.

• Never drink water from unhygienic sources. Always stick to purified and/or boiled water only.

• Keep yourself hydrated adequately. If you don’t feel like drinking water, you can try other healthy options like coconut water, lime juice, and oral rehydration solutions.

• Never attempt any intense physical work, such as running, when you feel dizzy.

• Start your day with a warm beverage to reduce your faintness and dizziness during the monsoon. These beverages can include green tea, peppermint tea, ginger tea, etc. When you feel energised by the beverage, the chances of lightheadedness decrease considerably.

• Include foods rich in magnesium, calcium, vitamin B6, and other nutrients in your daily diet. Some examples include whole grains, whole nuts, fresh fruits, cooked green leafy vegetables, etc.

• Do simple stretching or workouts indoors to keep yourself busy and energised. This can reduce your overall gloomy feeling during the monsoon. Simple yoga postures, breathing exercises, and stretches alleviate dizzy spells.

FAQs

1. How to control the dizzy spells during monsoon?

Leading a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious food, and keeping yourself energised are some effective coping strategies you can follow to avoid dizzy spells during the monsoon.

2. Why do only certain people feel dizzy during the monsoon?

People with an existing medical condition, such as ear infections, blocked arteries, vertigo-related disorders, chronic ailments, depression/anxiety, etc., are more likely to experience lightheadedness during monsoons than others.