Is lightheadness a sign of overtraining?

“Orthostatic hypotension — also called postural hypotension — is a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down. Orthostatic hypotension can make you feel dizzy or** lightheaded**, and maybe even faint”

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/orthostatic-hypotension/symptoms-causes/syc-20352548

When I feel like I’m getting “in shape” and training is going well there seems to be a corresponding lightheadedness when getting up too fast.

Is this a symptom of over training, the body pushes back and you need to back off?

Or does the body adapt and the lightheadedness goes away as you get fitter?

What do you do and how do you work this?

For me it is, yes
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I don’t know about overtraining. For me it happened when I was training a lot and in good shape, which is probably going to correlate with overtraining or close to it. Could have been dehydration, low blood glucose, prolonged vasodilation after a workout, etc.

I’ve found it’s easy to avoid by not getting in shape.

my light headedness only really shows up when my blood sugar is low or i havnt eaten enough.

the few times ive went really calorie restricted that was my sign i knew i was doing what i was trying to do.

my light headedness only really shows up when my blood sugar is low or i havnt eaten enough.

the few times ive went really calorie restricted that was my sign i knew i was doing what i was trying to do.

Yeah mine was always worse if I was losing weight.

Again, easily avoidable…

Yup. I get it too. Like others here I associate it with low blood sugar and/or dehydration. Definitely more common when I’m more fit than not and when it’s on the warm side.

You’re conflating a symptom (lightheadedness) with a diagnosis that might cause it (orthostatic hypotension).

Lots of things can cause lightheadedness. Without more info, it’s awfully hard to have any idea what’s causing it. As multiple people who’ve responded have noted, it can be caused by a variety of things.

You’re conflating a symptom (lightheadedness) with a diagnosis that might cause it (orthostatic hypotension).

Lots of things can cause lightheadedness. Without more info, it’s awfully hard to have any idea what’s causing it. As multiple people who’ve responded have noted, it can be caused by a variety of things.

Your right as it’s hard to have an idea what is causing it. Yet, the purpose of the post was to throw it out there and hear from other people’s experiences.

So far the responses suggest that it is related to training load and might respond to better hydration and eating more. I could do better with hydration and eating and will be even more motivated to do so if that prevents the lightheadedness.

Thank you to those who have helped me with your experiences and what’s worked for you.

So far the responses suggest that it is related to training load and might respond to better hydration and eating more. I could do better with hydration and eating and will be even more motivated to do so if that prevents the lightheadedness.

But that’s exactly my point. That MIGHT help, but you’re no closer to a cause and/or solution than when you started. It’s like saying “My chest hurts” and then going with the answer that sounds best to you.

Having said that, hydrating better and making sure you’re not eating too little for your current goals are never a bad thing.

For me, it’s underfueling, and usually when I’m lower on carbs when trying to cut weight. A few salty chips and a LOT of water and I’m good to go.

+1 lack of hydration or calories or not eating enough before
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Yes, I get orthostatic hypotension frequently. I have for about 30 years, since high school cross-country. Has nothing to do with nutrition or hydration. Just happens when standing up from a relaxed state. I passed out once while in high school, have been more careful since.

I don’t think it’s overtraining for me, but it seems to occur more frequently when I’m well trained.

I feel it as well. I always thought it was due to a very low resting heart rate (from getting in good shape) and getting up too fast.

Once I’m up and moving I don’t ever feel it. If it was dehydration, lack of salt or low calories do you think one would feel it at times other than when rising?

I feel it as well. I always thought it was due to a very low resting heart rate (from getting in good shape) and getting up too fast.

Once I’m up and moving I don’t ever feel it. If it was dehydration, lack of salt or low calories do you think one would feel it at times other than when rising?

I hear you. Is it low heart rate, low blood pressure? It doesn’t occur while we are active. It happens after we have been sitting or lying down for a while. We could still be dehydrated after we stop working out, don’t replenish and then it really catches up with us?

Glad I asked because not many people train as much as we do with many resting pulses under 50 and blood pressure at rest probably below normal too. To see that it seems rather common to us, feels a little more normal. Will try hydration and eating well as they are very inexpensive while healthy remedies if they work.

Yes, I get orthostatic hypotension frequently. I have for about 30 years, since high school cross-country. Has nothing to do with nutrition or hydration. Just happens when standing up from a relaxed state. I passed out once while in high school, have been more careful since.

I don’t think it’s overtraining for me, but it seems to occur more frequently when I’m well trained.

Same. At one time, my thoughts were “I’m getting in better shape”. Friends in the Air Force said that pilots that are really fit experience it too and have to be wary of it.

Now it seems more of a nuisance though having to remember to breathe before standing or waiting while standing until it passes.