Waking up shivering is often due to your bedroom being too cold or not having enough blankets, but it could also indicate an underlying health issue like an infection.
Here's a breakdown of the potential reasons:
Common Reasons for Shivering
- Cold Environment: This is the most likely culprit. If your bedroom temperature drops too low during the night, your body will shiver to generate heat.
- Solution: Ensure your thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature, use a heavier blanket, or wear warmer pajamas.
- Insufficient Bedding: Similar to a cold room, inadequate blankets or clothing won't provide enough insulation, leading to shivering.
- Solution: Add extra blankets, use a duvet, or consider a heated blanket for colder nights.
Less Common, But Possible, Reasons
- Infection and Fever: Shivering can be a sign of a fever, which is your body's response to an infection (bacterial or viral). Your body shivers to raise its internal temperature.
- Solution: If you suspect an infection, check your temperature. If you have a fever, consult a doctor.
- Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Low blood sugar levels can sometimes cause shivering, especially in people with diabetes.
- Solution: If you have diabetes and experience shivering, check your blood sugar. If it's low, follow your doctor's instructions for correcting it.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause shivering as a side effect.
- Solution: Review your medication list with your doctor to see if shivering is a known side effect.
- Anxiety or Panic Attacks: In some cases, shivering can be a physical symptom of anxiety or a panic attack.
- Solution: If you suspect anxiety is the cause, consider relaxation techniques or seeking professional help.
- Dehydration: Not having enough fluids can impact your body's ability to regulate temperature correctly, potentially leading to shivering.
- Solution: Make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day.
When to See a Doctor
While shivering is often harmless, consult a doctor if:
- You have a persistent fever.
- You experience other symptoms like chills, body aches, or fatigue.
- Shivering occurs frequently and you can't identify a clear cause.
- You have underlying health conditions like diabetes.
