Height Fluctuations: Morning vs. Evening Measurements

Height differences throughout the day?

I would like to ask the doctor why my height measured at the health center in the morning was 170.8 cm, but in the afternoon and evening, it measured 168.8 cm.
Which measurement reflects my true height, the one in the morning or the one in the afternoon and evening?

BASS, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/22

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

BASS / 20 years old / Male user
Hello,
1.
The difference in height measurements may be due to the use of different equipment at the health center compared to what is used at home.

2.
If measurements are taken at the health center in the morning, afternoon, and evening, it is important to consider that gravity can compress the body throughout the day.
This compression affects the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and knees, potentially leading to a reduction in height.
Additionally, if you are carrying heavy objects or a heavy backpack, this could contribute to a loss of height of up to 2 centimeters.

Finally, I wish you well.

Director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department at Fengyuan Hospital / Associate Professor at the General Education Center of Chung Tai University, Dr.
Lin Ching-Chung / MD

Reply Date: 2017/02/22

More Info

The fluctuations in height that you experience between morning and evening measurements are quite common and can be attributed to several physiological factors. In general, it is well-documented that a person's height can vary throughout the day due to the effects of gravity and the compression of the spine.

In the morning, after a night of sleep, your body is in a horizontal position for several hours. During this time, the intervertebral discs in your spine, which act as cushions between the vertebrae, are rehydrated and expand. This can lead to a slight increase in height, which is why you may measure taller in the morning, as you noted with your height of 170.8 cm.

As the day progresses and you engage in various activities—especially those that involve standing or sitting for extended periods—gravity exerts a compressive force on your spine. This compression causes the intervertebral discs to lose some of their fluid content, leading to a decrease in height. By the afternoon or evening, when you measured 168.8 cm, this compression has typically resulted in a height loss of about 1 to 2 centimeters, which is entirely normal.

Regarding your question about which measurement represents your "true" height, it is important to understand that both measurements are valid but reflect different states of your body. The morning measurement may be considered your maximum height, while the evening measurement reflects the cumulative effects of daily activities and gravity.
In clinical practice, it is common to use the morning height measurement for certain assessments, particularly in contexts where height is used to calculate body mass index (BMI) or to assess growth in children. However, for most practical purposes, your height can be considered to be somewhere between these two measurements, and it is not unusual for individuals to experience a height difference of 1 to 3 centimeters throughout the day.

Additionally, factors such as hydration levels, posture, and even the type of footwear you wear can also influence height measurements. For instance, if you are well-hydrated, your intervertebral discs may retain more fluid, potentially resulting in a slightly taller measurement. Conversely, if you are dehydrated, you might experience a more significant height reduction.

In summary, both your morning and evening height measurements are accurate reflections of your height at those times. The morning measurement is typically higher due to the rehydration of the discs during sleep, while the evening measurement accounts for the daily compression effects. If you are concerned about your height or any related health issues, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your overall health and lifestyle.

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