Height Variations: Morning vs. Evening Measurements

Height issues?

Thank you for your response, Dr.
Li.
I have one last question to ask you: why is it that when I measure my height in the morning and in the evening, there is usually only about a one-centimeter difference? I have used the same machine for several measurements, and the difference consistently remains around one centimeter.
I speculate that it might be due to the effects of gravity when I first get up in the morning, and then my height quickly returns to what is influenced by gravity throughout the day.
Or is it that the 2-3 centimeter difference you mentioned could only occur when measuring while lying down? Thank you, doctor.

Xiao Yue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/08/04

Dr. Li Yongheng reply Orthopedics

If you have a job that requires prolonged standing and heavy lifting during the day, your height may decrease by 2-3 centimeters at night; however, if you do not engage in heavy lifting, the difference is typically around 1 centimeter.

Reply Date: 2019/08/04

More Info

The difference in height measurements between morning and evening is a common phenomenon that many people experience, and it can be attributed to several physiological factors. Your observation that the height difference is around one centimeter is quite typical for many individuals, especially if you do not engage in activities that put significant stress on your spine throughout the day.

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 are filled with fluid, have the opportunity to rehydrate and expand. This can lead to a slight increase in height upon waking. When you stand up in the morning, gravity begins to exert its influence on your body, compressing these discs throughout the day. As a result, by the evening, you may lose some of that height gained overnight due to the cumulative effects of gravity on your spine.

The typical height loss throughout the day can range from one to three centimeters, depending on various factors such as your age, physical activity level, and overall spinal health. For individuals who spend a lot of time standing or carrying heavy loads, the height difference can be more pronounced, potentially reaching up to three centimeters or more. However, if you lead a relatively sedentary lifestyle or do not engage in heavy lifting, a one-centimeter difference is quite normal.

Your hypothesis about gravity's role in this height variation is correct. The gravitational force acts on the body throughout the day, compressing the spinal discs and leading to a decrease in height. The extent of this compression can vary based on individual factors, including body weight, muscle tone, and the overall health of the spine.

It's also worth noting that the measurement technique can influence the results. For the most accurate height measurement, it is essential to stand straight against a wall with your heels, buttocks, and shoulders touching the wall, and your head in a neutral position. Any deviation from this position can lead to discrepancies in height measurements.

In summary, the one-centimeter difference you observe between your morning and evening height measurements is likely due to the natural compression of the spinal discs caused by gravity throughout the day. This is a normal physiological response and varies among individuals based on their lifestyle and physical activity levels. If you have any concerns about your height or spinal health, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

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