Surviving Seasonal Changes with Dysautonomia

If you live with POTS or another form of dysautonomia, you probably know that changing seasons can feel less like a beautiful transition and more like a physical rollercoaster. Whether it’s the first hot day of spring or a cold snap in fall, sudden weather shifts can throw your body off balance and make symptoms flare up.

Let’s talk about why this happens—and how you can better manage seasonal changes with a little preparation, smart hydration, and the right tools.

Why Weather Affects Dysautonomia

People with dysautonomia often have a sensitive autonomic nervous system, which controls things like heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature regulation. When the weather changes—especially with heat and humidity—your body can struggle to keep up.

In the heat, blood vessels expand to cool your body down. For someone with POTS or low blood volume, that can cause more blood pooling, dizziness, or fatigue. On the flip side, cold weather can trigger vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), which sometimes leads to blood pressure swings or body aches.

Even a few degrees can make a big difference.

Stay Ahead of Hydration

Hydration isn’t just about drinking water—it’s about keeping the right balance of electrolytes, especially sodium. Many people with dysautonomia struggle with hydration because their bodies don’t hold onto fluids efficiently.

Adding an oral rehydration solution (ORS) like to your routine can help you replace both fluids and electrolytes. Unlike plain water, ORS uses the WHO-approved sodium-glucose ratio for optimal absorption, so you can stay hydrated through every season.

Dress Smart for the Weather

Dressing strategically can make a surprising difference. Here are a few dysautonomia-friendly clothing tips:

• Layer up in the fall and winter so you can adjust as your body temperature fluctuates.

• In the summer, go for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton or linen.

• Keep a cooling towel or neck fan handy for hot days, and a heated blanket or hand warmers for chilly mornings.

Small swaps can make daily life more comfortable—and help prevent flare-ups.

Manage Temperature Extremes

No matter the season, keeping your environment steady can help your body stay calm:

• Use a dehumidifier or air conditioning to manage humidity in summer.

• Keep your bedroom cool at night, especially if you have heat intolerance.

• Warm up slowly on cold mornings with stretching or a warm drink to get blood flowing.

These little routines can help your body adjust without such a shock to your system.

Listen to Your Body

Perhaps the most important tip of all: listen to your body’s cues. If you feel off balance, dizzy, or overly tired, that’s your signal to slow down, rest, or rehydrate. Seasonal transitions are tough—but pacing yourself can make them smoother.

Final Thoughts

Living with dysautonomia or POTS means learning to adapt—and seasonal changes are no exception. From hydration and temperature control to self-awareness, each small step helps you stay ahead of your symptoms.

And as you shift with the seasons, remember—hydration is a daily practice. NormaLyte can be a helpful part of your year-round routine to keep your body supported and your electrolytes balanced.

Here’s to making each season a little easier, one sip at a time. 💧🍂