Dizziness when lying down is a common form of dizziness often seen in individuals with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Additionally, there are various other causes leading to this condition, such as Ménière’s disease, migraine headaches, ear damage, and more. So, what is dizziness when lying down, what causes it, and how is it treated?
What is Dizziness When Lying Down?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
The primary cause of dizziness when lying down is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
BPPV is a type of vestibular system disorder that occurs when we suddenly change the position of our head, such as feeling dizzy when transitioning from sitting to standing or when lying down. During such episodes, you may feel like you or objects around you are spinning.
BPPV episodes often occur suddenly and are not life-threatening. They can range from mild to severe but typically do not last longer than a few minutes. Most cases of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo resolve within a few weeks, but in some instances, the condition can become chronic.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the cause of dizziness when lying down.
Other Underlying Conditions
Several other medical conditions can also lead to dizziness when lying down, including:
- Migraine Headaches
- Ménière’s Disease
- Vestibular Neuritis
- Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure
- Labyrinthitis
- Brain Tumor or Head Trauma
- Cold or Flu
- Heart Failure
- Atherosclerosis
- Osteoporosis
The Causes of Dizziness When Lying Down
The phenomenon of dizziness when lying down primarily stems from medical conditions, especially benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). However, aside from that, there are several other reasons that can lead to dizziness when lying down, such as:
- Insufficient Blood Supply to the Brain
- Excessive Stress and Anxiety
- Prolonged Sleep Deprivation
- Physical Weakness or Fatigue
- Sunstroke
- Alcohol Intoxication …
In general, experiencing dizziness when lying down can result from various causes, and it’s advisable not to self-diagnose. Seeking consultation at a reputable healthcare facility is essential, where specialized doctors can assess your health condition.
Weakness in the body can also lead to dizziness when lying down.
When Should You See a Doctor?
In general, dizziness when lying down is not typically a severe symptom. However, this doesn’t mean we should take frequent bouts of dizziness lightly.
If your dizziness is accompanied by severe headaches, hearing loss, or signs of a stroke (inability to move limbs, facial drooping, slurred speech, etc.), it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Additionally, if episodes of lying down dizziness recur frequently over an extended period, it’s advisable to visit a hospital for a more thorough evaluation.
You should visit a doctor if you frequently experience dizziness when lying down.
Diagnosing the Condition
To determine the underlying cause of your dizziness, a doctor may ask you some questions such as:
- Do you have any neurological, cardiovascular, or other medical conditions?
- Is the lying-down dizziness continuous, and how often does it occur?
- Do you experience fatigue or any other symptoms before the dizziness?
- Does your dizziness come with other accompanying symptoms?
- Do you or your family have any history of lying-down dizziness?
Furthermore, depending on the associated symptoms, the intensity and frequency of dizziness, and other factors, your doctor may recommend blood tests, CT scans, MRI scans of the brain, or other diagnostic tests.
How to Treat Lying Down Dizziness
The treatment for lying down dizziness depends on the underlying cause. Typically, this condition is not severe and can resolve on its own over time, so there’s usually no need to worry excessively.
However, if you experience frequent episodes of lying down dizziness without a clear cause, it’s best to consult a neurologist or visit a hospital for a proper assessment to determine the most appropriate course of action.
For cases where dizziness when lying down is caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), specific medication is generally not required. Most cases tend to resolve on their own within a few weeks or months. If the condition doesn’t improve, a doctor may recommend repositioning maneuvers for ear crystals, prescribe medications, or suggest vestibular rehabilitation exercises, such as the Semont maneuver, Epley maneuver, improved Semont maneuver, or Brandt-Daroff exercises, to treat your lying down dizziness.
After treatment for 1-2 days, you may feel tired or unsteady on your feet. However, these symptoms should quickly subside, so you can rest assured. If your lying down dizziness does not improve after this, it’s advisable to return to the hospital for a follow-up examination.
If your dizziness is due to fatigue, physical weakness, anemia, or other factors, your doctor may recommend additional vitamins and minerals, provide dietary guidance, and suggest suitable lifestyle adjustments to improve your condition.
Advice for Those Who Experience Dizziness When Lying Down
If you frequently experience dizziness when lying down, consider the following advice:
- People who experience dizziness in general, and especially when lying down, should establish a proper resting routine to stabilize their nervous system. This includes getting a full 8 hours of sleep each day and ensuring deep sleep. If you struggle with restless or interrupted sleep, you can try foot massages or soaking your feet in warm water before bedtime to facilitate falling asleep and achieving deeper sleep.
- If you wake up in the middle of the night and sit up before lying down again, do so gently and slowly.
- When experiencing dizziness when lying down, lie still without moving for 5-10 minutes to allow the dizziness to pass. Avoid trying to sit up or move during this time.
- Efforts should be made to reduce stress in both work and life. Relaxation methods like watching movies, listening to music, painting, arranging flowers, and more can help.
- Consider herbal teas, ginger tea with honey, lemon water, aloe vera juice, or even a glass of sugared water to restore balance after a dizzy spell.
- Work on maintaining a healthy diet, ensuring you get all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Prioritize foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin B6.
- Limit stimulants such as alcohol, beer, coffee, and sweets.
- Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Light walks, gym workouts, or yoga sessions for about 20-30 minutes a day can be beneficial.
- Keep track of your lying-down dizziness episodes, noting any accompanying symptoms, frequency, your activities leading up to them, etc. This information can be helpful when discussing your condition with a doctor during a check-up.
Individuals who frequently experience dizziness when lying down should limit their alcohol intake.
How to Minimize Dizziness When Lying Down
To prevent experiencing dizziness when lying down, consider the following measures:
- Avoid sudden changes in position. It’s best to transition slowly, whether you’re moving from sitting to lying down or vice versa. Even when lying down and wanting to turn to one side, do so gradually to allow your body to adapt.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol, beer, and stimulants.
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Stay well-hydrated, avoid excessive salt intake, and incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your meals. Supplement your diet with essential vitamins and nutrients.
- Adopt a moderate and well-regulated lifestyle, avoiding staying up too late and overexerting yourself.
Dizziness when lying down can have various underlying causes. Therefore, if you experience any symptoms, it’s important not to self-diagnose or self-treat at home. Seek care at a reputable healthcare facility where a doctor can examine and diagnose your health condition.
John Alen was born in 1971 and is a doctor in the healthcare and psychology fields with many years of experience. He is currently working at easyhealthylive.com, a leading health and psychology blog. Having studied at Y1 National Medical University named after IM Sechenov, John Alen is using his knowledge and experience to help improve the physical and mental health of people in the United States.
