Have you ever passed out in public? It happened to me several years ago and it totally freaked me out. Of course, I was terrified that something was seriously wrong with me and wanted to avoid fainting in the future.
My doctors ran tons of tests, including MRI, EEG, Holter Monitor, EKG, etc., but they were all negative.
Finally, they came to the conclusion that I was dehydrated. I didn’t think I went that long without water, but now, to avoid feeling faint, I carry a water bottle everywhere I go.
Fainting (syncope) is caused by a vasovagal syncope. My sister has fainted numerous times. It’s not a dangerous condition in itself unless you fall and hurt yourself. And, not surprisingly, it’s common for people over 50 so we need to take steps to avoid it.
What makes you faint?
Fainting is caused by a drop in blood pressure. Have you ever sat on the toilet, trying to crank out a stubborn number 2, and suddenly felt hot or weird? (sorry about the visual) It probably means your blood pressure dropped. If you aren’t careful, you might land butt-side up on the floor. Not a pretty picture.
Fear or panic also causes people to feel lightheaded and dizzy. My sister blacks out at the mention of having a shot so if you’re like her, make sure to warn the person giving you the shot so you won’t fall off your chair.
Other causes of fainting may include standing up too long, becoming overheated, drinking alcohol when you’re dehydrated, or going too long without eating.
Both times I fainted I had been standing up for a long time on a warm summer day, had a little wine, waited too long to eat, and didn’t drink enough water.
To avoid fainting again, I did some research on how to prevent it.
The 12 best ways to prevent feeling faint
- Sip water throughout the day. Professor Richard Sutton, Professor of Cardiology suggests drinking 4 liters a day. That sounds like you have to suck up a lake but staying hydrated is essential. As long as you wet your whistle as soon as you feel thirsty, you should be good.
- Eat MORE salt. We’re always told to eat less salt, but if you faint easily you need more of it. Salt helps to hold water inside your body. If you faint easily, don’t feel guilty about sprinkling a little extra salt on your food.
- Don’t drink alcohol outside your home unless you’re at a friend’s house or in a protected environment. If you’re standing at a cocktail party table drinking, you may pass out on the floor. Take it from me, that can be embarrassing as hell. And remember, you don’t want to hurt yourself. The phrase, “I’ve fallen and can’t get up” now has a new meaning.
- Sleep with your head raised up slightly and your feet elevated. When you wake up, Dr. Sutton suggests you ask whoever you live with to bring you a biscuit and tea. He’s English, can’t you tell? I wouldn’t mind having someone bring me a biscuit and tea in bed. If you live alone put some crackers or a cookie on your nightstand.
- Eat small and frequent meals. If you get lightheaded when you wait too long to eat, don’t cut out snacks, and be careful with intermittent fasting. You don’t want your blood sugar levels to drop. If you begin to feel loopy, snack on healthy food like a slice of apple or a handful of almonds rather than junk food.
- Do some form of moderate cardiovascular exercise every day. Walking or riding a stationary bike is a good way to do this. Avoid exercises that cause you to stop and start like interval training.
- Wear compression stockings if you have to stand up for a long time. You want to keep the blood in your legs circulating. Better yet, avoid standing in long lines. If you have to, bring a small camp chair.
- Don’t lift objects that are too heavy. When you’re strength training, use light weights with more reps instead of heavy dumbbells.
- Be careful when you get too warm like when you’re in a steam room, sauna, hot car, or in a muggy climate you’re not used to like the Caribbean.
- Don’t sit on tall chairs at bars or restaurants. If possible, sit in a booth surrounded by people who will catch you. I have personal experience fainting off a tall bar stool and it wasn’t pretty.
- If you feel like you’re going to pass out, hit the floor immediately. Don’t worry about being embarrassed. Sit with your head between your legs or lie on the floor with your feet elevated. If you hesitate, for even a second, you may end up with your face on the barroom floor.
- If you start feeling like you can’t breathe, have chest pain, blurry vision, headache, or you’ve never fainted before, see a doctor immediately. Have a complete medical workup with a cardiologist and neurologist. Don’t take any chances because your condition may be more serious.
This post was updated 7/2023
Have you ever fainted? Do you have any tips to avoid fainting you’d like to share? Please leave a comment below.
Great tips! Tweeting for you!
Thanks so much Teresa!
I remember one summer, I had so many fainting spells or near fainting spells I lost track. I decided to go see my doctor to see if there was anything seriously wrong. The biggest suggestion she gave me was also the number one suggestion you gave. Drinking water is so important to help your body function normally and for your heart to be able to pump enough blood to your body. I definitely agree that if you take this precaution, you will substantially be able to avoid fainting.
Wow Meg, that must have been scary. You’re right about drinking water. I never go anywhere without carrying a bottle and drink it all day. Dehydration is the cause of a lot of accidents and illnesses especially as you get older. Thank you so much for highlighting that fact. I hope you feel much better now.
It definitely wasn’t the highlight of my summer, I can tell you that! I agree with you, though, that making sure you have your water bottle, and you’re drinking enough water is vital. Thanks again for your great post!
Thanks again for the tip. It’s so important. Stay well!
Just recently my doctor told me about eating small meals and drinking more water after my wife told him how I would sometimes faint out of nowhere. The cardiology procedures with the doctor focused on some tips that are similar to the ones described in the article.. They’re definitely good to learn about and teach others who also go through the same thing as me.
That’s so good to know. It’s a good idea to eat small meals and drink more water if you are prone to fainting. Not a good time to go on a fast or cleanse.
I fainted one time so far when I was at a restaurant I had the little rumbly stomach feeling of going to puke so I went to the restroom. I tried to puke but could not had chest pain (at the moment thought that was my puke stuck right there) then woke up facing upwards
A few months later went back to the same place had that puke feelings again and I knew that would not be the case instead of laying down like you said I was forcing myself to stay awake talked to myself hit myself screamed a little (scared a poor kid in there) everything was going blury I thought if I fell asleep I might not wake up I managed to not faint after wetting my face a few times
The best way to prevent fainting is to clench and tighten all your muscles to increase blood flow to brain. This can be done by sitting cross legged or crossing your legs if standing, tighten your abdominal muscles and pulling interlocking hands. Anecdotal reports suggest closing your mouth and gasping or forcefully sniffing also helps. Tilt training has been shown to reduce episodes of fainting.
Wow! Just saw this. Sorry about that. Great tips on how to prevent fainting. Thanks, for letting me know.
It’s nice to have all this clarified again. I have been having seizures brought on by reflex vasovagal syncope for about 25 years and fainted regularly before then. I am 33 now.. I have seizures around twice a year which often involve incontinence, vomiting and of course, convulsions. No cure available just an attempt to prevent them which doesn’t always pan out. I had one in June this year in front of my 11 year old kid (she’s well versed in what to do though). I nearly had one today at home, I managed to get to my bed in time and put myself in a head down/bum up position. This has stopped an attack three times for me now. Once in the middle of a bank!!
Don’t worry about looking stupid. It’s definitely better than passing out and in my case, spoiling yourself in public!
Hope this helps someone.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Laura. I’m glad you’re able to control your seizures without becoming injured. It sounds like it’s been happening to you for a long time. Wow! Stay safe.
Thanks for the advice Laura . I was looking for a non embarrassing way to lay down in a restaurant when I feel the prodrome. I know that I would hesitate laying down on the floor because of the panic (in others) that would ensue. Plus, old men lying on the floors of restaurants isn’t exactly attractive to their business clientele. I suppose fainting isn’t either.
I know how you feel, Tim. I felt the same way that it would be embarrassing. But it’s way more embarrassing and painful falling on your head. Believe me, I know from experience.
It would be nice to have a house boy to bring you a biscuit and tea in bed 🙂 funny one!
Wouldn’t it? We can always dream! LOL