Not feeling 100% when lying down or rolling over? Below are some things you can do if you get vertigo with lying down or rolling over in bed.

What you can do

Vertigo with lying down or rolling over in bed usually lasts for less than one minute.

People who feel vertigo with lying down or rolling over have an option to stay put in that position and “wait it out.”

The other option is to sit up or prop up on at least two pillows to interrupt the vertigo experience.

This of course depends on how you feel, because some people are unable to move safely to sit up while they are having vertigo and they have to wait it out.

What causes Vertigo with Lying Down or Rolling Over?

Most often vertigo with lying down or rolling over in bed is caused by BPPV, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. The good news is that BPPV can be resolved in 1-2 sessions of “particle repositioning” about 85-90% of the time.

The bad news is that finding a skilled provider who can treat BPPV is not easy, because it requires a clinical specialty. You can search for a provider who performs “particle repositioning maneuvers” at vestibular.org.

Specific Technique: The Active Rest

In the meantime, you can use the following strategies to manage the vertigo with lying down or rolling over. This technique is called the “active rest.”

1. Sit on a chair or lie down propped up on at least two pillows, if possible.
2. Keep your head still.
3. Concentrate on the points of contact between your skin and the supportive surface.
4. Either stare at a vertical line, or close your eyes if your eyes are bouncing around, whichever feels better.
5. Take slow deep breaths to try to remain calm.
6. Avoid moving back into any “provoking positions” or triggering motions, until you are evaluated and instructed by a Vestibular Specialist (BPPV expert).

For example, if you got the vertigo rolling onto your left side, then don’t do that again until you are treated by a BPPV expert.

Avoidance of the triggering motion or provoking position should be temporary.

Eventually, you will resume all normal activities with the help of a skilled provider. But until BPPV is resolved, you might just make yourself feel miserable.

Note: Vertigo with lying down or rolling over in bed is most commonly caused by BPPV, but it can also have other causes. Your Vestibular Expert can assess you for other root causes as well.

Learn more

For more information on managing vertigo and a video link, check out this the blog post at BetterBalanceInLife.com called “FAQ: How Can I Manage an Episode of Vertigo?”