Why Do I Feel Dizzy When I Roll Over in Bed?

Have you ever felt a sudden, short burst of dizziness after you moved your head or body a certain way, like when you rolled over in bed or bent down to tie your shoe? If so, you may have experienced benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV. Vertigo is a sudden sensation that you are spinning or that the room around you is spinning. BPPV causes brief episodes of dizziness-usually a few seconds-and is often caused by a change in your head’s position.

Here’s how it works. Inside your ear, there is a small organ called the vestibular labyrinth. It includes three semicircular canals that contain fluid and small sensors that monitor your head’s rotation. Otolith organs in your ear also monitor your head’s movements and position in relation to gravity. These organs contain crystals, and when these crystals become dislodged, they can move into one of the semicircular canals, leading to temporary dizziness.

The good news is that BPPV is not a condition that is dangerous to your health. While it may be uncomfortable, treatment is available if needed. For more information regarding BPPV, contact NYHD Institute for Hearing & Balance today.