Getting light-headed during bowel movement?

Question

I have quite an extensive history of anxiety/panic disorder headlining with hypochondria. When I was 16 I started having heart palpitations and had an ECG for 24-hours with all tests positive. Years later, after my freshman year of college, I had symptoms that I THOUGHT resembled diabetis, but, again, inconclusive. Now, for the last month or so, I have been getting light-heading during bowel movements. I am not sure if this is in my head again or not. It is coinciding with my lack of sleep from a hectec work schedule, so I'm eithar thinking that it is my body reacting oddly to lack of sleep(unlikely), or my body's reaction to excessive stress and anxiety(most likely). If anyone has an opinion that would be great.

Answer 1

There is a condition called a vasovagal responce from bearing down to have a BM. Bulk up on the fiber and ge some stool softeners if you bm are hard and difficult to pass. Are you on any meds for the panic attacks? Most psych meds cause some GI problems.

Answer 2

I wonder if you are having to bear down too hard when you evacuate your bowels, as in the situation of constipation. When you do this you press on the vagal nerve and this can cause your symptoms. Otherwise, I would suspect that it is indeed the lack of sleep and poor coping skills for the stressors in your life.

Answer 3

I too think it may be from constipation, or just stress in general. DRINK lots of water and drinks such as gatorade to be sure your hydrated.