When I sing hard I feel like I might faint
Mary says: I am trained classically, but I also sing in an a capella ensemble that requires a great deal of straight tone. I feel I do pretty well on the straight tone, keeping it very forward and bright to avoid throat tension, but on several occasions, usually singing a big powerful piece, I become lightheaded and have the sensation I might pass out. I used to think maybe this was due to lack of breathing or good support, but after doing some research, I wonder if it’s a combination of creating too much pressure behind the vocal chords to create a loud sound in straight tone and/or hyper-functional breathing, which I’ve read can affect the nervous system. Do you have any insight? I appreciate your help and have enjoyed reading all of your encouraging answers to other questions!
Answer: Mary, thank you for your encouragement. I don’t consider myself an authority on this – in the way that a well-trained Ears-nose-throat specialist should. However, let me share my observations: ‘light-headedness’ seems to be triggered by two opposite conditions: first is hyper ventilation – usually caused momentarily by getting more oxygen into the body than the brain can process. Second, and much more commonly experienced, light-headedness is caused by insufficient oxygen-rich blood getting to the brain. The first is what a swimmer who is going to test how far he can swim under water will intentionally do before diving into the water – so as to remain under as long as possible. However, what you describe fits the classic imbalance of exertion and insufficient oxygen, or, the adrenalin rush and insufficient oxygen to balance it going to the brain.
There is a third possible cause, experienced by a few singers, particularly those working on vocal development, in which they experience such a concentration of vibratory sensations in their head when producing clear efficient tone, that it makes them light headed. I’ve had students tell me that they are experiencing this.
What I would suggest is that you assure yourself that you are breathing deeply and regularly, particularly when you are going to call upon energy resources from your body—as when singing ‘powerfully.’ Exhale thoroughly and inhale deeply. It is possible for a singer to get caught in the trap oboists have to learn to avoid. Oboists learn to exhale before they inhale. If, when singing, quick breaths seem to follow one another while sustaining energetic forte singing, the singer must make sure that she has exhaled sufficiently before inhaling again. Without proper exhalation, carbon dioxide builds up in the body … and a faint quickly follows. I’m sure you’re thinking sensibly, and can protect yourself from experiencing a faint, if you keep your mind in gear and perhaps practice (in rehearsal) what you need to do to keep your equilibrium. Be sure that your standing posture includes keeping your knees flexed (never locked back) so that blood flow upward has smooth passage. Those are my “2 cents.”
Best wishes.
Tags: adrenalin, blood flow, lightheadedness, oxygen to the brain