Light headed during flying

It happens to me, but largely from fatigue and lack of sleep the night before the flight. I would think that being adequately fed, hydrated, and having enough sleep would do the trick for most people who are generally healthy. Also lightheadedness could be a sign of hypoglycemia, in which case getting some orange juice should help. Everyone has a different health/risk profile when faced with pressurized cabins on the plane, so talk to your doctor if this is truly a recurring theme and no countermeasures seem to work.

If you only feel dizzy after a nap, it could just be that normal "feeling out of it" type of feeling when your sleep is broken. You are passing time zones and it's normal to have your circadian rhythms get out of whack (hence jet lag). I usually feel out of it if woken for a meal while napping.

Fly a 787 since they have higher cabin pressure.

Or an A380 or A350.

Candy,

I understand that traveling solo and a potential health issue popping up can be scary. My last couple of trips to Italy have been solo. I write basic but vital med info (including doc's name) on an index card or two and put them in my Passport book. In case of anything emergent, health, allergies, surgeries, any meds taken or being taken won't need to be second guessed by an EMT or doctor.

After things settle and passengers are tucked in and plane is in air, perhaps notify a FA of what happened to you before. Maybe they can keep an eye on you as they walk the aisle.

It is also good to stay hydrated during the flights -- before, during and after. It helps to minimize jet lag. And I also have a protein bar in my bag just in case.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol if at all possible. I never drink on flights. When you can, it is good to get up and move around a bit.

Oh, I just thought of something else: Sometimes the cabin can be too warm; especially if it's a full flight. If you cannot turn on the air above your seat, ask the FA to turn down the heat a bit or turn up the air -- either way. Dressing in layers may help.

You don't have to answer on the forum, but if you have an issue with vertigo, sometimes that can cause your symptoms. It might be good to carry some "Bonine" -- found in most pharmacies, especially Walmart. They are chewable and come in a little cylinder for easy carry.

Still, I think perhaps a call to your doctor or a check-up may be in order before your next trip.

Absolutely, Task Number One: Go see your doctor, describe what happened, get a check-up.

Advice and anecdotal observations from well-meaning folks on the internet is no substitute for a diagnosis from a trained medical professional. It might turn out to be nothing at all. It might turn out to be something you need to know about and deal with (and might have nothing to do with traveling). Go see the doc.

There are many causes of light headedness, but a very common one is dehydration. Keep yourself well hydrated - water, not alcohol. But talk to your doctor to make sure there's no underlying cause.

And please: If you feel light-headed, or racing heart, etc., please do NOT go to the restroom on your own and lock the door. If perchance you should pass out, no one may know for quite awhile that you are in there and need help. Please notify a flight attendant before you go, and ask them to be aware of how long you are in there.

Perhaps you have undiagnosed Sleep Apnea or some other unknown medical issue. Please see your doctor. Only he or she can truly help.

I can get a Migraine when I fly, but not always. Hopefully I won’t on my flight to Frankfurt next fall.

candyb,

This could be caused by a number of factors. One that comes to mind is Orthostatic hypotension, which can be caused by a number of factors. As others have mentioned, the best policy would be to check with your family physician, as h/she has a more complete picture of your particular situation based on your age and any medical issues you have.

On one of my flights to Europe, I attended a passenger who had suffered a Syncopal episode during the flight, and that may have been the cause. This had apparently happened to her on a number of previous occasions, and no problems were found when Paramedics examined her on arrival in London.

As mentioned up thread the best advice is to consult with your established healthcare provider.

I join the crowd suggesting that your question is best answered by a medical practioner, not by a travel forum. Do a internet search for "syncope in-flight emergency":

David C Sprigings & Paul TG Davies September 26, 2009: "In-flight medical emergencies",
The Lancet Vol 374, Issue 9695, pp 1063:

Syncope is the most common in-flight medical emergency. Serious causes
such as pulmonary embolism must be considered, although most cases
are clearly benign. We propose that the term “benign in-flight
syncope” be used to denote a syndrome of recurrent syncope occurring
exclusively during air travel, with no other cause apparent. Its
mechanism is uncertain; we have seen other patients who have had
syncope during air travel and also vasovagal episodes in other
circumstances. The rarity of syncope during long-distance coach or
rail travel suggests that air cabin pressure or air quality might be
contributory factors.

Medical issues during a flight can be a problem for both patient and the patient's fellow passengers. I was on a flight that left the gate and was close to our departure runway position when we had to turn back to the gate. A passenger experienced a medical episode. We were met at the gate by airport paramedics who checked out the passenger who was laid out on the floor behind me. At some point she indicated that she was feeling fine but the paramedics took her off the plane commenting that she already delayed a plane full of passengers.

Before flying again on a long trip, you really should be checked out by a doctor. You could possibly have sleep apnea or another respiratory problem.
I was referred to a sleep clinic, and the doctor was telling me that the majority of physicians in our community are on CPAP. Men with size 17 or larger shirt sizes, weigh 200+ lbs., feel sleepy mid afternoon and snore loudly usually have it. And they so often choke in their sleep and hold their breath--and don't even know it.
I've known people to have a history of multiple wrecks driving when drowsy and light headed,. I've seen people sleeping at red lights due to sleep apnea. They're also known to have too many headaches from their bad sleep patterns.
It's just not worth the risk to avoid having the light headedness checked out.

Thank you all so much for responding. I will see my doctor. The fact that it only happens on my way TO somewhere, and not RETURNING makes me wonder if it's psychological--fear of going to a new place by myself.

Understandable that you’re nervous. Good luck at your doctor’s appointment!