Dizziness: Is It Just Fatigue or Something More?

Please ask your question?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask you about a heavy feeling in my head.
I've been staying up late playing games for the past few days, sometimes until around 4:45 AM, and then I sleep until 9 or 10 AM.
For the past two days, I've noticed that when I use my phone, my head feels a bit heavy, but I don't feel dizzy or nauseous.
I visited a traditional Chinese medicine doctor this morning, and he mentioned that my late nights combined with internal dampness could be the cause.
He suggested that if I go to bed by 11 PM and get enough sleep, the symptoms should naturally resolve, unless they worsen, in which case further examinations would be necessary.
However, I'm concerned that this could be Meniere's disease or Parkinson's disease.
I previously had tinnitus and went to an ENT specialist who conducted several tests and said everything was normal, suggesting that I might just be overly tired.

Earlier tonight, I pressed on both sides of my neck and took a short nap, which made me feel inexplicably better, but I still occasionally experience that heavy feeling when playing games on my phone.
I also noticed while showering that if I stand on one leg with my eyes open, I can maintain my balance quite well for a long time.
However, if I close my eyes, I can still stand but only for about 10 seconds, and I feel less stable and more conscious of trying to balance.
Is this normal? Why does it feel so different with my eyes closed? Thank you!

Jack, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/01

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, based on your description, the main issue is discomfort caused by staying up late.
The only solution is to maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late.
Additionally, regular exercise can also be helpful.
These symptoms are not indicative of Meniere's disease or Parkinson's disease.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2021/07/01

More Info

Dizziness can be a perplexing symptom, and it’s understandable to be concerned about its underlying causes, especially when it’s accompanied by fatigue and lifestyle factors such as late-night gaming. Based on your description, it seems that your dizziness may be related to a combination of factors, including sleep deprivation, fatigue, and possibly some musculoskeletal issues.

Firstly, sleep is crucial for overall health, and chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a range of symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. When you stay up late and wake up early, your body does not have enough time to recover, which can lead to feelings of heaviness or dizziness. The fact that you mentioned feeling better after massaging your neck suggests that muscle tension could also be contributing to your symptoms. Poor posture during gaming can lead to neck and shoulder tension, which may affect blood flow and contribute to feelings of dizziness.

Your concern about conditions like Meniere's disease or Parkinson's disease is understandable, especially if you have experienced ear ringing (tinnitus) in the past. However, Meniere's disease typically presents with episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus, while Parkinson's disease is characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Since you have previously been evaluated by an ENT specialist and found to be normal, it is less likely that these conditions are the cause of your current symptoms.
The fact that you feel more stable when standing on one leg with your eyes open compared to when your eyes are closed is a normal finding. This is because visual input helps maintain balance. When your eyes are closed, your body relies more on proprioceptive and vestibular input, which can be less stable if there are underlying issues with balance or coordination.

To address your symptoms, here are some recommendations:
1. Prioritize Sleep: Aim for a consistent sleep schedule, ideally going to bed around the same time each night and ensuring you get sufficient rest. Adults typically need 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

2. Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Try to reduce gaming and screen time at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your sleep cycle.

3. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can also contribute to dizziness, so ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day.

4. Manage Stress: Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to help reduce stress and tension in your body.

5. Physical Activity: Regular physical activity can improve circulation and help alleviate tension. However, if you experience dizziness during exercise, it’s important to stop and rest.

6. Posture Awareness: Be mindful of your posture while gaming. Ensure your workstation is ergonomically set up to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders.

7. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If your dizziness persists or worsens, or if you develop additional symptoms such as severe headaches, vision changes, or persistent ear ringing, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

In summary, while your symptoms may be related to fatigue and lifestyle factors, it’s important to monitor them closely. If they do not improve with lifestyle changes or if you have any concerns, seeking further medical advice is always a prudent step.

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