Dizziness when lying down is a symptom that can be caused by situations such as labyrinthitis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, migraine or Ménière’s syndrome.
Depending on the cause of this condition, dizziness when lying down may also be accompanied by symptoms such as hearing loss, nausea, vomiting, memory loss and sensitivity to light.
In cases of frequent or persistent dizziness at bedtime, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner to identify the possible cause and initiate the most appropriate treatment, which can include medication, physiotherapy, changes in diet and, in some cases, surgery. .
7 main causes of dizziness when lying down
The main causes of dizziness when lying down are:
1. Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is an inflammation that affects the region of the inner ear, which is responsible for hearing and balance, and can cause symptoms such as dizziness when lying down or in another position, vertigo, hearing loss, nausea or general malaise. Know how to recognize the symptoms of labyrinthitis.
What to do: the treatment recommended by the otorhinolaryngologist consists of the use of medications, such as flunarizine, dimenhydrinate or betahistine dihydrochloride, as they help to treat symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, ringing in the ears, nausea or vomiting, and physiotherapy to treat and reduce inflammation, and improve balance problems.
Additionally, avoiding bright lights, stopping smoking and avoiding drinking alcohol are some ways to alleviate dizziness. See other ways to relieve dizziness.
Don’t ignore the signs your body is giving you!
2. Neurite vestibular
Vestibular neuritis is an inner ear disorder that causes symptoms such as dizziness when lying down, sudden and intense vertigo, imbalance, nausea and vomiting. Learn more about vestibular neuritis.
What to do: treatment generally involves controlling symptoms with the use of medications such as meclizine, promethazine hydrochloride, antivirals, antibiotics, benzodiazepines and steroids, which must be prescribed by an otorhinolaryngologist.
3. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a disorder of the inner ear that causes symptoms such as the sensation that the world is spinning, loss of balance and dizziness when lying down, getting up or turning over in bed during sleep or when quickly looking up, for example.
What to do: treatment must be carried out by an otorhinolaryngologist, or general practitioner, by performing the Epley maneuver, which are specific maneuvers to reposition the calcium carbonate crystals within the inner ear.
In some cases, the doctor may also recommend medications to relieve vertigo, such as meclizine, to relieve nausea and vomiting, such as ondansetron or metoclopramide, for example. Find out how paroxysmal positional vertigo is treated.
4. Migraine
Migraine is a chronic neurological condition that causes dizziness, including when lying down, in addition to other symptoms such as moderate to severe headache, nausea, vomiting, tingling in the body and sensitivity to light.
What to do: treatment can be carried out by a neurologist, who may recommend the use of anti-inflammatories, analgesics, triptans or antiemetics. In addition, the doctor may also recommend rest and acupuncture. Understand better about migraine treatment.
5. Pregnancy
The pressure of the uterus on the pregnancy blood vessels can cause dizziness when lying down during pregnancy, especially when the woman lies on her back. This happens because the baby’s weight on the vena cava can make it difficult for blood to return from the legs to the heart, leading to dizziness. Check out other causes of dizziness during pregnancy.
What to do: to avoid dizziness, it is recommended to lie on your side, facing the left side, or place a high pillow under your legs, to avoid pressure from the uterus on the blood vessels and facilitate the return of blood to the heart.
Furthermore, avoiding standing for long periods, wearing loose, comfortable clothing, and avoiding hot baths also help with circulation, preventing dizziness during pregnancy.
However, if the dizziness does not improve with these measures, it is important to consult an obstetrician to carry out a complete assessment and recommend the best treatment, if necessary.
6. Ménière’s syndrome
Ménière’s syndrome is a rare disease that affects the inner ear, which causes excessive accumulation of fluid within the ear canals, causing dizziness or when lying down or in any other position, vertigo, hearing loss and frequent tinnitus. Learn more about Ménière’s syndrome.
What to do: the treatment recommended by the otorhinolaryngologist includes the use of medicines to reduce nausea, dizziness and vertigo, such as meclizine, metoclopramide or lorazepam. In addition, the doctor may also recommend changes to the diet, such as reducing salt intake and avoiding caffeine, chocolate and alcohol.
7. Head injuries
Head injuries, such as concussion, fracture or head trauma, are conditions that can arise due to automobile accidents, during sports or recreational activities or falls, causing symptoms such as dizziness when lying down or in another position, vomiting, headache intense and memory loss.
What to do: in milder cases, treatment involves the use of pain medication and sutures and/or wound dressings. In addition, sometimes it may be recommended that the person remains under observation for 4 to 6 hours before being allowed to go home.
In moderate or severe cases, surgery may be indicated to relieve pressure on the head and control bleeding. In these cases, hospitalization in the ICU for a few days is usually necessary.
When to go to the doctor
It is recommended to see a doctor when dizziness when lying down is persistent, or when it is accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Difficulties speaking;
- Hearing loss;
- Fever;
- Loss of vision or double vision;
- Chest pain;
- Tingling or numbness.
Furthermore, it is also important to consult your general practitioner in cases of fainting or if the person is at high risk or has a history of stroke.
