Published on: 6/26/2025
Is it possible to fall asleep while standing up, and what does it suggest?
It is possible to fall asleep while standing, but it is unusual. Falling asleep while standing could be a sign of a sleep disorder. It is also important to determine if something other than falling asleep is happening, such as fainting or a seizure, which have a variety of causes.
Explanation
Falling asleep while standing is unusual but possible. The likelihood of falling asleep can change based on behavior and situation. People with excessive sleepiness (also called hypersomnia) can fall asleep at times that are inconvenient or even dangerous. More information about excessive sleepiness and other sleep disorders is available at https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/.
Additionally, it is important to determine if something other than falling asleep is happening, such as fainting or a seizure -- these are not sleep disorders and have a variety of causes.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, a healthcare provider can provide a personalized medical assessment to determine the cause of these symptoms. The healthcare provider also can recommend an appropriate treatment plan to reduce or prevent these symptoms.
(References)
- Johns MW. (2002). Sleep propensity varies with behaviour and the situation in .... Journal of sleep research, 11869428.
- Riksen NP, Rutten J, Bloem BR, & Deinum J. (2022). [Dizziness upon standing: consider autonomic dysfunction]. Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde, 35736363.
- Frauscher B, Nomura T, Duerr S, Ehrmann L, Gschliesser V, Wenning GK, et al. (2012). Investigation of autonomic function in idiopathic REM sleep .... Journal of neurology, 22064976.
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