Benigner Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

One reason for dizziness while lying down can be the so-called benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo (benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo).This is a widespread dizziness disorder that occurs twice as often in women as in men. The probability also increases with increasing age. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo manifests itself with

Short, less than 30 second attacks of rotational vertigo
Occurs when the head posture changes, hence the name positioning vertigo (when turning around in bed, i.e. lying down, getting up in the morning or head movements in general)
Nausea and vomiting
Visual disturbances (oscillopsies): It seems to the person concerned that fixed objects tremble like a blurred video recording.

The disorder in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is located in the area of the inner ear, to be precise, it affects the so-called “ear stones” (otoliths) in the archways (organ of equilibrium).

These mediate the perception of equilibrium and can occasionally become detached from their structure. Head movements cause them to slide back and forth in the archway and generate false information about the state of movement. Contradictory information comes together in the brain and thus creates dizziness.

In benign postural vertigo, postural exercises can help to flush the detached crystals out of the arcade. First, the doctor must analyze where the crystals are located and how the corresponding counter-movement must be performed. Medical treatment attempts, chirotherapeutic measures on the cervical spine and acupuncture have proven to be essentially ineffective in the diagnosis of benign positioning vertigo. Aggravation or even chronification can occur if the affected person automatically avoids any movement causing dizziness. For more information about the exercises, read:

Positional vertigo – the exercises

Cervicogenic vertigo

Age- or accident-related changes or anomalies in the area of the cervical spine (cervical spine) can also cause dizziness when lying down. If the dizziness is caused by the cervical spine, it is called cervicogenic dizziness. In addition to dizziness, the following symptoms occur when lying down with cervicogenic cause:

Tensions in the neck area
Neck headaches
Restriction of movement

This is caused by activation or damage to the sensory cells responsible for the transfer of information from the muscles and tendons of the cervical spine to the organs of equilibrium. These complaints can be addressed on a medicinal basis with Furthermore, excessive alcohol consumption leads to attacks of dizziness, which are classically noticed when alcohol is consumed in the evening, usually while lying down.

Painkillers
Inflammation inhibitors
Muscle relaxant drugs
Physical therapy and physiotherapy