No, your morning height isn't necessarily your "real" height, but it's generally considered your maximum height for the day.
Understanding Daily Height Fluctuations
Throughout the day, your height fluctuates slightly due to the compression and expansion of the cartilage in your spine. This is a perfectly normal process.
- Morning: After a night's rest, your spine is less compressed, resulting in slightly increased height. This is why you're typically tallest in the morning.
- Evening: During the day, gravity and physical activity compress the intervertebral discs in your spine, leading to a slight decrease in height. This reduction is usually minimal.
Dr. Harikishan notes that the maximum height is achieved in the morning, and the minimum height in the evening. The difference, according to Dr. Batra, is typically small—around a quarter to half an inch—and varies from person to person. [Source: News report citing Dr. Harikishan and Dr. Batra, 05-May-2023].
Therefore, while your morning height represents the tallest you are likely to be on a given day, your "real" height is an average across this daily variation. It's the height measured when your spine is in a neutral, relaxed position, free from significant compression or expansion.
Factors Influencing Height Variation
Several factors can influence your daily height changes beyond simple spinal compression:
- Hydration: Proper hydration can support optimal disc health and minimize height reduction.
- Physical activity: Strenuous activities can lead to greater compression.
- Age: Cartilage naturally degrades with age, potentially leading to a greater reduction in height over time.
