Are we more tired standing?
updated the 13 June 2014 à 23:16Pay attention to the hormones responsible for that sneaky fatigue. This is to ensure the balance of your diet to better counter fatigue.
Feeling light-headed and jelly-legged every time we get up or remain upright is typical of aldosterone deficiency, especially if everything returns to normal as soon as we lie down or stretch out.
The mechanism involved.
Though not very well-known, aldosterone is the key hormone in regulating blood pressure. Synthesized by the adrenal glands, it binds water and salt in the body to maintain sufficient pressure in the blood vessels to ensure the brain is properly irrigated even while standing. A deficit therefore drops our blood pressure the moment we stand.
How to remedy it?
In case of doubt, consult your doctor to measure your blood pressure in a different position and get prescribed for additional laboratory tests. If hypotension is serious, hypertensive drugs will definitely be prescribed. And if the lack of aldosterone is confirmed, hormonal rebalancing should be considered (fludrocortisone tablets). Also remember to drink plenty of water (1.5 l /day minimum) and to ingest enough salt (1-3 g /day).
Thierry Souccar
Read more from our Fatigue series:
Morning fatigue: Causes and solutions
Why do we get tired in the day?
How do we regain energy during the day?
How to reduce listlessness at night?
