Vertigo When Rolling Over in Bed: Causes and Treatment (BPPV)
Many people have experienced the unsettling sensation of rolling over in bed only to suddenly feel like the room is spinning. This type of dizziness can be frightening, particularly if it comes on suddenly. One of the most common causes of this symptom is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is a type of dizziness where you feel as though you or the environment around you is spinning or moving. It is often accompanied by nausea, loss of balance and difficulty focusing your eyes.
Vertigo episodes may last seconds, minutes or longer depending on the cause.
Why does vertigo occur when rolling in bed?
If vertigo occurs when rolling over in bed, getting in or out of bed, looking up, tilting your head …the cause is often BPPV.
BPPV occurs when small calcium crystals inside the inner ear move into another part of the your vestibular system. When you move your head into certain positions, these crystals shift and stimulate the balance sensors incorrectly. This creates the sensation of spinning.
What is the vestibular system?
The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and plays a vital role in maintaining your balance and awareness of where your body is in space. It works closely with your eyes, your muscles and joints and your brain.
When these systems are working well together, you can move your head and body while remaining stable and balanced. If something disrupts this system, symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, nausea and imbalance can occur.
Symptoms of BPPV
Common symptoms include can include brief episodes of spinning dizziness after you have moved your head, nausea or feeling off balance after the episode
These symptoms usually last less than a minute, although the feeling of imbalance may persist for longer.
How is BPPV treated?
The good news is that BPPV is very treatable. A vestibular physiotherapist can perform a specific assessment to confirm the diagnosis and determine which ear and canal is involved.
Treatment usually involves a repositioning manoeuvre (such as the Epley manoeuvre) designed to guide the crystals back to their correct location within the inner ear. Many people experience significant improvement within one to three treatment sessions.
Vestibular physiotherapists are trained in:
Diagnosing different causes of vertigo
Performing repositioning manoeuvres for BPPV
Providing balance and vestibular rehabilitation exercises
Onward referral to your GP or specialist if your vertigo may be caused by another condition.
At The Rehab Team, our Vestibular Physiotherapists regularly assess and treat people experiencing vertigo and dizziness. Our mobile service means that we assess and treat you in your own home throughout Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa. Contact The Rehab Team to arrange an appointment if you are experiencing vertigo.
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