Knitting has been proven to be an especially healthy hobby for the vast majority of people who indulge in it. But for some knitters, it can cause some distressing symptoms. If this is you, you might be concerned and have asked yourself: why does knitting make me dizzy?
Knitting can make people dizzy for a few reasons, not all of which are cause for great concern. Most of the reasons that knitting can make you dizzy have some simple fixes, such as avoiding knitting when you’re too tired and making sure you’re set up in a comfortable position before pulling the needles out.
It’s important to listen to your body when it tells you that it’s time to put your knitting project down so that it doesn’t become an unhealthy hobby.
The Link Between Knitting and Dizziness
When you knit, you’re required to concentrate in a small spot, meaning your eyes are focused on one thing. If you try to multitask when you knit, your eyes and brain are going to be pulled in too many directions and that could lead to both dizziness and headaches.
It’s also very easy to get lost in your knitting to the point where you might not realize how hard you’re concentrating or how stiff your body has become. It’s not until you decide to take a break that you realize the pain that’s coming on.
All of a sudden, the dizziness can hit you pretty quickly. Sometimes it’s because when you concentrate too hard, you’re not regulating your breathing.
Additionally, the focus could put a strain on your eyes, especially if you’re someone who wears glasses or contact lenses. If you’re trying to knit in bad lighting or when it’s too dark, you might also be causing your eyes excessive strain which will make you feel dizzy.
Knitting and Vertigo: How the Two are Connected
Some people who live with vertigo find that knitting seems to trigger their symptoms, making them dizzy, disoriented, or nauseous. For others, knitting helps their brain relax enough that it has the opposite effect.
If you have vertigo and want to try knitting, it should only be done in short intervals, increasing the amount of time you knit in small increments until you know how it makes you feel. It’s also recommended you avoid working with multiple colors or busy patterns as the stress these can put on your eyes could cause a dizzy spell.
How to Avoid Dizziness While Knitting: Tips and Tricks
It is very easy to get lost in your knitting, especially when you’ve become proficient and knitting is like second nature to you. Knitting can transition from relaxing to uncomfortable unexpectedly to the point where you could become dizzy. There are numerous ways you can avoid getting to this point so your favorite hobby doesn’t get ruined for you.
If you need some light while you knit, check out this cool LED neck light. It goes around your neck for hands free use.
Be sure to set yourself up in a comfortable, upright position where your back and your neck are supported. If you usually wear glasses, be sure you’re wearing them unless you don’t need them to see up close. Make sure you have a light on that allows you to see what you’re doing so you’re not squinting or straining in order to continue your pattern.
You should consider taking small breaks during your knitting time to relax your eyes, your brain, and your body. While knitting should be a relaxing activity, it can easily become distressing if you engage in it for too long. If you find yourself becoming dizzy, take a break, close your eyes, and focus on taking slow, deep breaths until the dizziness subsides.
What Are the Side Effects of Knitting?
Knitting can be a very relaxing, meditative, and calming hobby but it is not without its potential side effects. These side effects don’t usually come on if you are pacing yourself while knitting. Some of the potential side effects include headaches, dizziness, hand cramps, and straining in the neck or back.
Regardless of your personal health, staying in one position and doing a repetitive activity can put a strain on your body, even if it’s not a particularly strenuous activity that you’re doing. It’s important to take breaks to shift your body around or even stand up and walk around so you’re not having to deal with muscle stiffness.
Additionally, the consistent use of your fingers, hands, and wrist can cause cramping, discomfort, and pain that, over time, can lead to potential issues. Again, this isn’t a major risk if you’re not pushing yourself too hard when you’re knitting. If you knit for hours upon hours every day, you might develop Carpal tunnel or something similar.
Can Knitting Make You Tired?
Knitting does tend to make people enter a sleepy state, which is one of the many reasons why it’s a great nighttime activity. However, when you try to continue on when you’re too tired, you might find yourself becoming dizzy. You shouldn’t force yourself to continue your knitting when you’re feeling sleepy or you could easily become disoriented.
You can use knitting as a natural sleep aid; in fact, many people who have sleep issues will spend a few minutes knitting in order to put them into a relaxed and tired state. The key to this is making sure you put your needles down when you start to feel your eyes drooping and your body relaxing.
Check out my other article that talks about knitting making you sleepy. It’s a must read if you are looking to use knitting as a natural sleep aid.
Final Thoughts
The idea of knitting shouldn’t scare you because it makes some people dizzy. It’s not an activity that is meant for everyone, but most people can thoroughly enjoy the practice so long as they set themselves up for success.
Before you get back to your knitting, make sure you have solid back support, sit up straight, and don’t let yourself get too lost in what you’re making. Taking small breaks can ensure you don’t push yourself to the point of dizziness. Too much of a good thing can become a bad thing when you don’t pace yourself, and that includes knitting.
Make sure to follow my tips and recommend products to ensure your knitting project turns out amazing! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your Q&A’s. Happy knitting!