Is Your Child or Teen Getting Dizzy in the Heat? It Could Be More Than Just Dehydration

As the weather heats up, it's common for children and teenagers to complain of feeling dizzy, lightheaded or faint. While dehydration is often the first thing parents think of, there's another reason we frequently see these symptoms at Bodyright—especially in young people with hypermobility.

Many children and teens with hypermobility experience problems regulating their circulation, and hot weather can make those symptoms much worse.

The good news? There are some simple strategies that can help.

Why Does Hot Weather Make Dizziness Worse?

When temperatures rise, your body naturally widens (dilates) its blood vessels to help cool itself. At the same time, you lose fluid and electrolytes through sweating.

For most people, the body adapts well. But for some children and teenagers—particularly those with hypermobility—the circulatory system doesn't respond as efficiently.

Blood can pool in the legs instead of returning to the heart and brain, leading to symptoms such as:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Feeling faint or actually fainting

• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Blurred vision

• Racing heart

• Weakness after standing for long periods

These symptoms are often worse after standing in queues, taking hot showers, exercising, or spending time outdoors on hot days.

At Bodyright, we commonly see these symptoms in young people with hypermobility, and while they can be concerning, there are often practical ways to help manage them.

Simple Strategies That Can Help

Stay Ahead of Hydration

Don't wait until your child feels thirsty. Encourage regular water intake throughout the day, particularly before sport or outdoor activities.

Replace Electrolytes

When children sweat heavily, they lose more than just water—they also lose important electrolytes, particularly sodium.

On especially hot days, during sport, or after prolonged activity, an electrolyte solution or hydration salts may help replace what's been lost. These aren't necessary for everyone, but they can be beneficial for children who are prone to dizziness or have been advised to use them by their healthcare professional.

Don't Skip Snacks

Low blood sugar can add to feelings of dizziness.

A light snack before activity and foods rich in potassium—such as bananas—can help replenish nutrients lost through sweating as part of a balanced diet.

Get Those Muscles Working

Your calf muscles are sometimes called your body's "second heart" because they help pump blood back towards the heart.

Simple movements such as:

• Heel raises

• Marching on the spot

• Crossing and uncrossing the legs

• Gently engaging the core and leg muscles while standing

can all encourage better blood flow and reduce blood pooling in the legs.

These techniques are particularly helpful if your child has to stand for long periods, such as during school assemblies, concerts or sporting events.

Keep Cool

Whenever possible:

• Seek shade.

• Wear lightweight clothing.

• Take regular cooling breaks.

• Avoid prolonged activity during the hottest part of the day.

Small changes can make a big difference.

When Should You See Your Doctor?

While occasional dizziness on a very hot day is common, it's worth seeking medical advice if your child:

• Frequently feels dizzy when standing up

• Has repeated fainting episodes

• Experiences palpitations or chest pain

• Has persistent fatigue that isn't explained by activity

• Continues to have symptoms despite good hydration

• Finds that dizziness is affecting school, sport or daily activities

For some young people, persistent dizziness may be related to hypermobility, orthostatic intolerance, or other conditions that benefit from proper assessment and management.

When Is It an Emergency?

Seek urgent medical care immediately if your child:

• Becomes confused or difficult to wake

• Stops sweating despite being very hot

• Has a seizure

• Loses consciousness and doesn't recover promptly

• Has difficulty breathing

• Has a very high temperature with hot, flushed skin

These can be signs of heat stroke and require immediate medical attention.

The Bottom Line

Hot weather can be challenging for children and teenagers, particularly those with hypermobility or conditions that affect blood pressure and circulation.

Simple strategies such as staying well hydrated, replacing electrolytes when appropriate, eating regular nutritious snacks, engaging the calf and core muscles, and avoiding prolonged standing can often make a significant difference.

At Bodyright, we regularly help children, teenagers and families manage dizziness, hypermobility and related conditions. If your child is experiencing ongoing dizziness—especially if it's becoming more frequent or affecting everyday life—our team can assess what's contributing to their symptoms and develop a personalised management plan.

You don't have to simply "put up with it." With the right advice and treatment, many young people can feel more confident, comfortable and active—even during the hottest months of the year.

we cant really assess all causes of dizziness, but where more serious causes have been outrules we can often help with practicle stratagies

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The Bottom Line

Hot weather can be particularly challenging for children and teenagers, especially those with hypermobility or conditions that affect blood pressure and circulation.

Simple strategies such as staying well hydrated, replacing electrolytes when appropriate, eating regular nutritious snacks, engaging the calf and core muscles, and avoiding prolonged standing can often make a noticeable difference in managing symptoms.

At Bodyright, we regularly work with children and teenagers experiencing hypermobility and related conditions. While it's important that dizziness is medically assessed and more serious causes are ruled out, we can often help with practical strategies to improve day-to-day symptoms, increase confidence with activity, and support better management of orthostatic symptoms.

If your child is experiencing persistent or recurrent dizziness, it's always worth speaking with your GP or healthcare provider. Once any underlying medical concerns have been excluded, physiotherapy and targeted management strategies may play an important role in helping them feel their best.