Dizziness When Lying Down
Sometimes, dizziness is not a cause for concern, especially when you’ve had an exhausting day. It should even resolve itself on its own within a few days. However, you must see your physical therapist if you experience dizziness frequently, especially when lying down.
Your physical therapist can examine and diagnose you to develop a tailored treatment plan. This article explores dizziness when lying down and balance physical therapy treatment used to address the problem.
What Are The Causes Of Dizziness?
If you feel dizzy frequently, it may be a result of one of the following;
- Inner ear problems
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Infection
- Meniere’s disease
- Migraines
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Poor blood circulation
- Medications
- Anxiety
- Anemia
- Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.
What Causes Dizziness When Lying Down?
If you feel dizzy only when you lie down, it may be due to a problem with your peripheral vestibular system.
The primary cause of dizziness when lying down is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This condition occurs randomly and may be triggered by head injury, reduced blood flow, and lying down for a long time.
Your ears have tiny calcium crystals known as otoconia. When the otoconia detaches from your inner ear and moves into the semicircular canals, it causes BPPV. Therefore, when you move your head, the crystals move and send conflicting messages to your brain and eyes, causing dizziness.
What Are The Symptoms Of BPPV?
Besides dizziness, BPPV may be present with other symptoms like;
- Hearing loss
- Vision problems, including feeling like objects are jumping or moving
- Loss of balance
- Feeling like you are spinning
- Feeling like your environment is spinning
- Nausea and vomiting
When Should You See A Doctor For BPPV?
Although BPPV may resolve on its own, it may take a few weeks to months. Unfortunately, in some cases, it can come back. Therefore, you should see your doctor for treatment if you notice any of the following;
- Inability to walk or stand
- Severe vomiting
- Tremors
- Slurred speech
- Double vision
- Sudden, severe headache
How Can Physical Therapy Help With Dizziness When Lying Down?
Physical therapy can address the causes of dizziness when lying down. When you visit your physical therapist, they will ask questions about your condition and symptoms. They may also carry out a physical examination to diagnose you. This diagnosis is then used to create a customized treatment plan for you.
Your physical therapist will monitor your progress and make necessary changes. You will also learn lifestyle modifications and proper posture to prevent a recurrence.
Physical Therapy For Dizziness When Lying Down
There are several physical therapy techniques for treating dizziness. The most common involves manoeuvres that move the loose crystals in your ear into another spot that won’t cause dizziness. These manoeuvres include;
Epley Maneuver
The Epley manoeuvre is also known as canalith repositioning. This treatment involves a series of head movements that address the symptoms of BPPV by removing the calcium carbonate crystals from the semicircular canal of your inner ear.
How To Do The Epley Maneuver
- Sit on the edge of a bed
- Turn your head to the right at 45 degrees or as far as is comfortable
- Quickly lie back until your shoulders are on the pillow
- Maintain your position for 30 seconds after your dizziness subsides
- Turn your head till it is 45 degrees to the left without lifting it
- Maintain this position for 30 seconds
- Turn your head and body another 90 degrees into the bed till you are lying on your left side.
- Maintain this position for 30 seconds
- Slowly sit up
- Repeat on the other side
Semont Maneuver
The Semont manoeuvre also focuses on repositioning the canaliths in your ear to eliminate the symptoms of BPPV. Garland physical therapy will first diagnose the side of your vestibular system affected by BPPV. Afterwards, depending on the affected side, they will move you rapidly from one lying position to the other.
How To Do The Semont Maneuver
- Sit on the edge of a bed with your legs hanging over the side.
- Turn your head about 45 degrees away from the affected side.
- Quickly move to a lying down position on the affected side. You should be looking at the ceiling. If you experience dizziness, maintain that position till it passes.
- Once the dizziness passes, move back to the sitting position and quickly onto your other side. You should be looking at the floor. If you experience dizziness, maintain that position till it passes.
- After the dizziness passes, move back into the sitting position.
Brandt-Daroff Exercise
The Brandt-Daroff exercise dislodges and breaks up the crystals that move into the semicircular canals of your ear. This exercise involves shifting from lying to a sitting position and retraining your body to cope with dizziness safely.
How To Do Brandt-Daroff Exercise
- Sit upright on the edge of a sofa or bed.
- Turn your head to the left at 45 degrees or as far as is comfortable.
- Lower the right side of your body while keeping your head in that position.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds or till your dizziness stops.
- Slowly return to the starting position and turn your head back to the centre.
- Repeat the exercise on the other side.
Foster Maneuver
The Foster manoeuvre, also known as the half-somersault manoeuvre, is an effective exercise that does not require the assistance of a bed or another person.
How To Do The Foster Maneuver
- Kneel and place your hands on the floor.
- Tilt your head up and back. Wait for your dizziness to pass.
- Place your forehead on the floor and tuck your chin towards your knees.
- Turn your head by 45 degrees in the direction of the affected ear to face your elbow.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds.
- Keep your head at 45 degrees and raise your head until it is level with your back and shoulders.
- Hold the position for 30 seconds.
- Raise your head to the fully upright position.
In Conclusion,
If you frequently experience dizziness when lying down, getting physical therapy can help relieve your symptoms. You can visit FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Garland Campbell for appropriate treatment. Our physical therapists are patient. They will assess you to understand the cause of your dizziness and prescribe a tailored treatment plan.