1. Increase in Stress Hormones
Upon waking, the body releases cortisol, a hormone that helps activate the body. However, it also causes the heart to beat faster and the blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure.
2. Activation of the Nervous System
During sleep, the system responsible for rest dominates. But when we wake up, the alert system activates, releasing adrenaline and increasing heart rate.
3. Overnight Dehydration
After seven or eight hours without drinking water, the blood becomes slightly thicker. This forces the heart to work harder to maintain circulation.
For a young and healthy person, these changes are usually well tolerated. But in older adults—whose cardiovascular systems have already been working for decades—this transition can become a delicate moment.
The Morning Mistake Many People Make Without Realizing It
There is a habit that many people consider healthy but that can be risky for some older adults.
It involves taking a very cold shower immediately after waking up.
In recent years, cold showers have become popular because of their supposed benefits for energy and circulation. However, in older adults or people with cardiovascular conditions, the shock of cold water can trigger a sudden reaction in the body.
When the body experiences a sudden cold shock, a phenomenon called peripheral vasoconstriction occurs.
This means that thousands of small blood vessels in the skin and extremities suddenly contract in order to conserve heat.
The result is a sudden increase in blood pressure.
In some cases, this increase can be significant within just a few seconds.
