A question that I frequently hear from my patients is “ Why am I feeling dizziness when lying down and rolling over ?”
The answer is that, very commonly, people who are suffering with what’s called BPPV, or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo – which is the most common vestibular disorder or the most common “inner ear condition that causes dizziness” – often complain of dizziness when they lie down or roll over in bed.
This can affect them at any time when they are lying down or rolling over in bed, but often people with BPPV complain that it is worse in the morning.
What to Do if you are feeling dizziness when lying down and rolling over
So if you are someone who is suffering with feeling dizziness when lying down and rolling over in bed, I highly recommend for you to be evaluated by a Vestibular Specialist, which you can find at the website Vestibular.org. That’s the Vestibular Disorders Association where you can find a provider by geography, who specializes in this type of dizziness and its resolution.
If you would like more information about the patient care services that I provide to help people with symptoms of dizziness, vertigo and loss of balance find relief and live again, click here.
If you would like to read more helpful articles on feeling dizziness when lying down and rolling over as well as more information about BPPV, please visit our Vertigo and BPPV resource site.
[If your symptoms are caused by BPPV, the good news is that it can be fixed in 1-2 visits about 90% of the time, but you have to find the right provider who is skilled at this type of evaluation and treatment or it could persist for months to years.]
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content and any comments by Dr. Kim Bell, DPT are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The details of any case mentioned in this post represent a typical patient that Dr. Bell might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.
Hello! Dr. Kimberly..I just wonder, where is your office located? Do you have a clinic somewhere here in Idaho? I lived here in Idaho. That’s why I ask..Looking forward to your feedback.. Have a wonderful day!
Hi Zarrah,
My team and I make house calls for residents and medical tourists in San Diego County, California.
If you would like to search for a Vestibular provider in your area, you can use the links I provide in this blog.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Dr. Bell,
This morning after I woke up and made my mom breakfast, I went and lay down with her in my bed, but that’s when I felt the dizziness. I sat up and felt very minor nausea, and then I stood up to get her milk. I was mostly fine then, so I thought it was a one-time thing. But then it continued when I went to lie down again throughout the morning. Every source I turn to, they all say BPPV, but I’m only 17—is this possible at this age?
Thank you, looking forward to your response!
Hi Ariana,
You are a very sweet person to take such good care of your Mom!
To answer your question, yes BPPV is possible at your age.
Here are some blogs that may help you learn more:
How to Find a Vertigo Doctor in Your Area
Home Remedies that Help
Dizziness Lying Down
More Blogs on BPPV. You can scroll through the BPPV Blog category and read the blogs specifically on the topic.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Thank you very much, Dr. Bell! Greatly appreciate your kindness and time to link me these helpful articles. 🙂
Hi 6 months ago i am suffering vertigo my symtoms are nausea vomit balance problem that i am spining not walking feeling like i am rocking on bout. Sensetivity to light. Sensitivity to sound. Head ache left right back and front. Ringing in ear. Vision loss dots zigzaglines visual snow abnormal eye movement this symptoms are bppv or vestibular migraine
Hi Aiman,
I am sorry to hear what you are going through! I have a lot of helpful articles on both BPPV and Vestibular Migraine on my other blog at VertigoDetective.com.
Many people have both BPPV and vestibular migraine. BPPV is more common in people with vestibular migraine.
I hope you are able to find a skilled vestibular provider in your area to help you feel better!
Best regards,
Kim Bell, DPT
Good day Dr. Bell. Is lightheadedness one of the symptoms of an ear problem? I don’t experience vertigo or balance problems but I do experience lightheadedness especially when lying down.
Hi James,
Yes, lightheadedness triggered by lying down can possibly be a symptom of an inner ear problem.
You can check out my other blogs on BPPV at VertigoDetective.com to learn more.
You can find a provider in your area using the resources I share in this blog.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I feel like I’m pass out if I Lay down or get up and I’m getting very scared
Hi Anna,
You should report your symptoms to your doctor right away and seek individual medical advice.
This blog discusses reasons to seek emergency care.
This blog can help you find a Vestibular Provider in your area.
This blog is about dizziness when standing up.
This blog is about dizziness when lying down.
I hope you feel better soon!
Hi.. when i was laying down this morning i turned my head to the right and i felt the whole room spinning. And a little bit later i tried again and it happened once again. Is this the same thing too?
Hi Vanessa,
It sounds like it!
I cannot say for sure since I have not evaluated you but most people with BPPV have bed spins when they lie down or roll over.
These three articles may help:
Specifically, this blog may help you find a provider in your area.
Vertigo Home Remedies that Help
How to Track and Report symptoms
I hope you feel better soon!
Any advice for someone who suffers from severe vm? The vertigo has gotten so so bad. I am 30 but already can hardly get around. This has been going on for years. I have done vestibular pt, and have a neuro who seems to be at a loss. I have pretty much given up on the idea of ever playing with my daughter again. It gets worse all the time and I fear what life will be like if I continue on like this.
Hi Jodi,
Yes as a vestibular migraine sufferer myself for most of my life, I have a boatload of advice on how to deal with it. However, I have not yet published anything that I can share with you at this moment.
I think a good place to start is reading the book called “The Migraine Brain.” That was a breakthrough book for me in terms of understanding my condition.
Also, Upper cervical care helped me significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. I went through a few different providers before finding my best one to get weekly neck adjustments.
Finally, I had to completely overhaul my diet and lifestyle with a wellness practitioner who specialized in migraine.
I had to deal with food sensitivities, food triggers, sleep issues, ergonomic set up of my home office computer, stress management, etc.
It is not easy, but it is possible to improve your quality of life!
Best wishes
Hello Dr. Kimberley my name is Isaia and lately I have been experiencing this unusual feeli of dizziness when I roll from side to side on my bed. I am currently suffering with stomach inflamation due to h pylori and I am also experiencing a stiff neck and shoulders at the same time. Could this be the cause of this dizziness?
Hi Isaia,
I wrote this article about dizziness rolling from side to side in bed. Vestibular health issues can cause neck tension.
It is possible that the gut issue is linked to your neck tension. Check out this chart for the link of C1 upper cervical issues and Food sensitivities.
Or you may have three separate issues occurring at the same time.
You may need a team of specialty providers to address all of the root causes of your discomfort for your maximum level of recovery.
Dealing with the H.Pylori infection must be a priority. I encourage you to seek out a provider who is skilled to guide you through that!
I do have serious tension in my head, this started when I started using tab aldomet, such that I feel like falling down when I walk. Recently, I feel dizzy whenever I try to stand up or lie on my back with my eye closed. I live in Nigeria. I really need your help
Hi Afolayan,
I am sorry to hear what you are going through!
Medication side effects are a common cause of dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems.
I suggest for you to talk to the doctor who prescribed that medication.
Your doctor can advise you on next steps.
This blog may help you talk to your doctor.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Is it something that will hurt me if left untreated? It’s only very mild, no nausea or anything, only a mild dizzy feeling
Hi,
This blog talks about the possible consequences of choosing to live with vertigo.
This blog and this blog talk about reasons to get it treated.
This blog can help you find a provider in your area.
Best wishes!
I was in a wreck in July where the airbag hit my face on the left. Here and there since then I have noted a lot of pressure in my left ear and dizziness especially when I lay down and roll on my side. It sometimes will bother me as with orthostatic vitals but my BP mostly stay in good range. I did get check after wreck and my ear drum was fine. I’m wondering if it has to do with the crystals in my ear?
Hi Brittany,
Of course I advise you to consult with your primary doctor for all the necessary and appropriate care after the car wreck.
I would say that loose crystals in your ear is a reasonable possibility, given what you shared.
I suggest for you to consult a Vestibular Physical Therapist.
You can use this article to search for someone online.
This article may be helpful to reduce your discomfort in the meantime.
You may also have an upper cervical issue as I described in this article.
You can find an orthopedic manual physical therapy provider for that using this directory.
So you may need to see two different types of providers to address both possible root causes, in addition to whatever care your doctor recommends.
I hope that helps!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi, I have rheumatoid arthritis for the last 20 years or so. Right now the only medication I’m taking is prednisone, a low maintenance dose of 5 mgs twice a day. The last 3 days when I roll over in bed or sit up in bed, I feel a little bit dizzy. It doesn’t last long, only a few seconds. Could my RA be causing this? I plan to tell my doctor at my next appointment in 2 months. Can it wait til then? Any advice is great, thanks
Hi Crystal,
Prednisone can cause vertigo as a side effect.
However, whenever someone describes feeling dizzy while rolling over in bed, I think of BPPV.
I suggest you search for a vestibular provider on this directory and seek a consultation.
Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause a weakening of the ligaments in your neck, so you may need to have your neck evaluated if the vestibular exam is a dead end.
Best wishes!
For the last 3 or 4 nights while in bed and I roll over or move my head I feel that I am dizzy. Then the feeling stays that way for a bit when I wake up and get out of bed. Then all of a sudden it goes away. I am not sure what would be causing this.
Hi Karen,
You may want to check out this article.
This article can help you search for providers who specialize this type of dizziness.
I hope you find answers and get relief soon!
Hi Dr Bell
3 weeks ago I crashed my bicycle and hit my head, fracturing my cheekbone along with cuts, scratches and bruising. Most of this has now healed and my specialist confirmed today no surgery is required – Yay!
I also mentioned that I get dizzy (i.e. room spins for 1–15 seconds) whenever I’ve been laying down and then sit up… and my specialist suggested this could be concussion symptoms (as I was knocked out in the crash) or even a sign of whiplash.
Investigating whiplash online, it suggests dizziness can be a symptom, and like concussion it normally lasts 2-3 weeks but can extend from 3-6 months or in rare cases up to a couple of years. Remedies included doing a test for BPPV as some of the crystals in my inner ear may have shifted in the accident and I may need a healthcare professional, such as an otolaryngologist or physical therapist move my head/body to shift them back into place.
I don’t have any nausea or other symptoms… and it does seem to be improving slowly. How long do you think I should wait before seeking expert help? Thanks.
Hi David,
I’m sorry to hear this! Concussions are tough!
Typically when people contact me after a minor concussion and if I think my care is appropriate for their situation, I schedule them for an vestibular physical therapy evaluation to hopefully put them out of their misery sooner than later.
A major concussion is best addressed by a neurologist to start, to get medical clearance before attempting physical therapy.
There are now clinical practice guidelines online for concussion care, which may answer some of your questions.
You can use this article to search for a vestibular PT or specialty doctor who treat dizziness and vertigo.
Dysautonomia can occur after concussion. This can cause your heart rate and blood pressure not to respond normally to position changes, like standing up.
Your vestibular PT or other doctors can check you for that. The vestibular PT exam is typically very thorough, especially if you find someone who is dedicated to that type of care.
Many people need to work with a multidisciplinary team of various specialty providers to recover from a concussion.
For example, you may also need an orthopedic manual physical therapist to treat any whiplash.
You can use this online directory to search for an orthopedic PT if your muscles or your neck need care.
When I was recovering from my third concussion, I used dynamical neurofeedback. If appropriate, you can rent a unit like I did from this website. Please tell Nikki I referred you. That helped me with symptoms that did not improve with vestibular PT and orthopedic PT.
I presented a webinar available on this page for Beyond Concussion, a concussion support group, years ago. I discuss BPPV post concussion.
I hope that helps!
I hope you feel better soon.
Thanks so much Dr Bell. I’m based in Melbourne Australia.
I will follow your suggestion and start with a neurologist and seek a VPT evaluation based on that outcome.
Fortunately I don’t have any neck pain and my blood pressure has been tested several times and is good.
I’ll definitely read through your other links and articles too.
Much appreciated, Dave.