Many individuals in our community with POTS find that mornings can be most difficult. Given how reliant many of us are on proper hydration to help us maintain adequate blood volume, central venous pressure, and stroke volume, it makes sense why waking up dehydrated would leave us more susceptible to orthostatic intolerance in the mornings. Although everyone in our community is different, and we recommend passing your routine by your medical team prior to starting, here are a few suggestions you and your team could consider:

1.) Keep needed medications, fluids, compression garments, and clothes for the next day next to your bed, perhaps on your nightstand.

2.) Take needed AM medications at least 30 minutes prior to getting out of bed, with as much fluid as is recommended for you. Talk to your medical team about what medications they recommend, in addition to how much you should drink (and what you should drink) before getting out of bed, as this will vary. If certain medications require you to eat prior to taking, this is a discussion you should have with your team. Perhaps they can recommend certain foods you can eat from bed and prepare the night before! The goal is to make your mornings easier and reduce symptom severity, as much as possible.

3.) When you feel ready (if tolerated), slowly transition from a lying position to a sitting position. While waiting, this may be a great opportunity to employ a mindfulness exercise, brief meditation, or gratitude exercise to start the day.

4.) If recommended for you, you can consider placing compression garments on at this time, prior to getting out of bed. You can also consider getting dressed for the day while in a sitting position, as tolerated.

5.) Once you feel ready, slowly transition to a standing position, as tolerated.

6.) Keep something sturdy next to your bed that you can hold on to for added support.

7.) Begin walking if comfortable and sit down as needed, listening to your body and what it needs in each moment.