Dizziness is often marked by a spinning sensation often described as vertigo. Lying down or moving around in bed can involve head movements that can cause or worsen vertigo.
In particular, the most common type of vertigo is called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which can occur when lying down, changing positions, or slightly lifting your head to look up.
What Causes of Dizziness?
Dizziness is a symptom that can be caused by a number of problems that affect the vestibular system, which is how the body maintains balance. Dizziness is more common in older adults, who are more likely to have health problems that lead to dizziness. Other potential risk factors for dizziness include head injury, a history of migraines, and the use of certain medications.
Causes of dizziness are classified as either peripheral or central disorders. Peripheral disorders involve the inner ear, while central disorders affect the brain.
Peripheral disorders cause vertigo because the inner ear plays an important role in maintaining balance. It is estimated that about 80% of cases of vertigo are peripheral.
Three specific types of peripheral disorders are most likely to cause vertigo:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This common peripheral disorder occurs when loose calcium deposits in the inner ear disrupt the body’s perception of movement. BPPV can result from a head injury or other disorders that affect the inner ear, but in many cases, there is no clear cause. Vertigo caused by BPPV often occurs when a person changes head position, such as when getting in or out of bed. BPPV episodes usually last less than a minute.
- Vestibular neuritis: This condition is caused by inflammation of the nerves in the ear. People with vestibular neuritis will experience severe vertigo that may get worse with head movements. They may also have other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. The worst symptoms of vestibular neuritis usually last only a few days and then gradually go away, but some vertigo can last for months.
- Meniere’s disease: Fluid buildup in the inner ear can lead to Meniere’s disease. Risk factors for Meniere’s disease include ear infections, head trauma, allergies, alcohol use, and certain medications. The duration of vertigo episodes from Meniere’s disease is quite variable, lasting from 20 minutes to 24 hours. Hearing loss or abnormal sounds and sensations in the ear may occur along with vertigo. Although it can become chronic, Meniere’s disease can often be effectively treated or even go away on its own.
Common Symptoms of dizziness
Vertigo is a sensation of movement that occurs when a person is not actually moving. People with vertigo may feel like they are spinning, tilting, or swaying. They may also feel that their surroundings are moving or spinning around them. These sensations can cause feelings of lightheadedness and loss of balance.
In some cases, vertigo may be accompanied by other symptoms, including: Sensitivity to light or sound, headache, nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing or speaking, double vision, sweating, shortness of breath.
Remedies for dizziness when lying down
The main way to reduce vertigo when lying down is to avoid positions and movements that may cause or worsen vertigo.
1. Keep movements slow
As much as possible, minimize head acceleration when lying down or getting out of bed. Try to move slowly and deliberately rather than quickly or suddenly. Elevating the head
Sleeping with the head elevated at least 45 degrees can be effective in reducing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Pillows can be used to elevate the upper back, neck, and head to achieve this elevation.
2. Sleeping with the unaffected ear facing downward
Vertigo caused by inner ear conditions such as BPPV may affect only one ear. Vertigo episodes are more likely to occur when the affected ear is facing downward. For this reason, keeping the affected ear out of this position while lying in bed may be helpful.
3. Avoid aggravating activities
Activities such as reading and watching TV in bed can make vertigo worse, so you may want to eliminate these from your bedtime routine. Exposure to bright light can also make vertigo worse.
