How to sleep with vertigo
Sleeping with vertigo can be challenging, but with the proper precautions, you can achieve an undisturbed night of sleep.
We'll dive into the best way to sleep with vertigo below. 👇
Elevate the head
The National Library of Medicine [1] suggests sleeping with your head elevated to treat vertigo.
The NHS [2] backs this up and recommends sleeping with 2 or more pillows.
However, one firm and high loft pillow, such as the Simba Hybrid Firm pillow, could also work well.
This high loft pillow is designed with adjustable layers, so once you’re no longer experiencing vertigo, you can readjust it to your preferred height and firmness. 🛠️
Sleep on your back
The best sleeping position for vertigo is on your back.
Experts [3] recommend sleeping on your back to keep you still and prevent your inner ear crystals from moving around.
Sleep with the unaffected ear facing down
Some types of vertigo, such as BPPV, mean you experience vertigo symptoms in just one ear. 👂
If you’re a side sleeper struggling to fall asleep on your back, you can try sleeping with your head position to the side and your “good ear” facing down.
Studies [4] tested this on patients with BPPV vertigo, and sleeping on the unaffected side was found to lessen vertigo symptoms for a more restful sleep.
Create a calm sleep routine
Stress and anxiety are known to increase the symptoms [5] of vertigo.
We always recommend good sleep hygiene and having a relaxing sleep routine to help you fall asleep more easily.
A dark and cool room with a comfortable mattress can help create a safe and cosy space ready for sleep.
We also recommend a warm bath, listening to calm music or ASMR, reading a book, and avoiding screens and other stimulants as you wind down for bed. 😴
Rise slowly
To prevent a vertigo attack or lessen the symptoms of vertigo, you should move your head as little as possible when you wake.
Move slowly if you need to get up in the middle of the night, and avoid using loud alarm clocks in the morning that might jolt you awake. 📢
Instead, try calmer waking methods, like a sunrise alarm clock or gentle music that helps you rise slowly.
Use a suitable pillow
As well as a firm and high loft pillow, experts also recommend an ergonomic or wedge pillow, which offers more control and height. ⬆️
Ergonomic pillows like those by Tempur, for example, has been specifically designed to correct your posture and provide better support for sleep. 🤝
Body pillows can also benefit side sleepers with vertigo to prevent you from rolling onto the wrong side during sleep.
Our favourite pillows for vertigo:
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![Tempur Original Pillow]()
![Tempur Original Pillow]()
Tempur![Tempur]()
Original PillowPrice from £ 139 £ (149 )The ergonomic shape of the Tempur Original Pillow is contoured for optimal neck support.The ergonomic shape of the Tempur Original Pillow is contoured for optimal neck support.Price from £ 139 (£ 149 ) -
![byre wedge pillow 5 in 1]()
![byre wedge pillow 5 in 1]()
Byre![Byre]()
Wedge Pillow 5 in 1 Support PillowPrice from £ 41.99The Byre Wedge Pillow 5-in-1 is a versatile support pillow made from premium memory foam.The Byre Wedge Pillow 5-in-1 is a versatile support pillow made from premium memory foam.Price from £ 41.99 -
![Kally Body Pillow]()
![Kally Body Pillow]()
Kally Sleep![Kally Sleep]()
Body PillowPrice from £ 59.99The Kally Body Pillow offers full-body support and comfort.The Kally Body Pillow offers full-body support and comfort.Price from £ 59.99
What causes vertigo?
Vertigo can stem from various problems impacting the vestibular system [6], our body's balance regulator.
This sensation is more common in the elderly since they are more susceptible to health conditions leading to imbalance.
Those who suffer from migraines, experience head trauma [7] and use certain medications can also increase the risk of vertigo. 💫
But there are different types of vertigo causes, which we’ll unpack below.
BPPV
The most common cause of vertigo (affecting around 50% of people) is BPPV or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo [8].
This often stems from an ear infection or head injury, which causes small calcium crystals to become dislodged and float in the fluid of the inner ear canal.
BPPV is not usually a cause for concern and disappears after a few days or weeks.
Meniere’s disease
Meniere's disease [9] arises from fluid build-up in the ear, which can be caused by changes in pressure, such as flying.
Those with Meniere’s disease often experience hearing loss and tinnitus, which can sometimes be permanent. 🦻
Typically, Meniere's disease occurs between the ages of 20 and 50.
Vestibular neuronitis/labyrinthitis
Vestibular neuritis [10] is an inflammatory disorder in the ear which can cause intense dizziness, loss of balance, nausea, and vomiting. 🤢
Experts believe that viral infections are responsible for causing vestibular neuritis.
This cause of vertigo is less common, with vestibular neuronitis and labyrinthitis affecting around 6% of patients.
Can you sleep with vertigo?
Sleeping with vertigo can be a struggle, but it doesn't have to be. 😟
You can enjoy restful and restorative nights with the right strategies, even with vertigo.
Remember to elevate your head, sleep on your back, or keep the unaffected ear facing down.
Embrace a calming sleep routine and rise slowly in the mornings. 🌄
And choose the right pillow to support your sleep.
Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to a better night’s sleep.
When to see a doctor
If your vertigo symptoms worsen or persist, we recommend booking an appointment with your local GP.
You should see your healthcare specialist if you have difficulty hearing or speaking, experience blurred vision, or have other severe symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
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Can a lack of sleep cause vertigo?
Studies [11] suggest that vertigo sufferers experience lower sleep quality.
But can lack of sleep cause vertigo?
Some doctors attest that severe sleep deprivation can cause BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo).
Doctor Steven Park [12] believes that lack of sleep heightens the nervous system, which can then lead to experiencing some of the classic vertigo symptoms.
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Sleep disorders and vertigo
Researchers [13] found that those who suffer from sleep disorders like sleep apnoea are also more likely to experience vertigo.
However, evidence of dizziness disorders and sleep quality needs further research.
Sleep can significantly impact your overall health, so we always recommend good sleep hygiene as part of your healthy lifestyle routine.
Avoiding stimulants and screen time before bed and sleeping on a cosy pillow and supportive mattress is an excellent place to start.
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Should you stay in bed with vertigo?
How you should deal with your vertigo symptoms depends on the type and the severity of your vertigo.
Healthcare professionals advise resting when symptoms are severe [14] but avoiding bed rest and staying active with vestibular neuritis.
Practising head movement exercises (canalith repositioning manoeuvres [15]) can actually help to cure BPPV, so staying still isn’t always the best move.
We recommend speaking with your local GP before trying any treatment.
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How to sleep with BPPV vertigo
If you're wondering how to sleep with positional vertigo, consider lying on your back with your head elevated.
A six-month study [1] found that sleeping on your back with your head up could lessen the symptoms of BPPV vertigo.
The results from the study showed that vertigo symptoms disappeared significantly in the "HUS" (head-up sleep) group.
You should try sleeping on your back with the head elevated if you are trying to figure out how to sleep with positional vertigo
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How to sleep with cervical vertigo
Experts recommend sleeping on your back with the head slightly elevated to lessen the symptoms of cervical vertigo.
Similar to BPPV vertigo, elevating the head by at least 45 degrees can help you sleep better at night.
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Can I sleep on my side with vertigo?
Sleeping on your back is recommended for those suffering from symptoms of vertigo.
But side sleepers may struggle to fall asleep when lying on their back.
In this case, you should try sleeping on your side with the unaffected ear facing down.
This may lessen your vertigo symptoms and help you sleep better at night.
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What is the best pillow position for vertigo?
The best sleeping position for dizziness and vertigo is on your back with your pillow elevated.
Research recommends sleeping with the pillow elevated (by at least 45 degrees) to help lessen the symptoms of vertigo.
Therefore, a wedge pillow for vertigo is ideal.
Alternatively, you could prop your head up with a couple of pillows to create more elevation.
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References
- 1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc6580063/
- 2 Vertigo - NHS
- 3 Vertigo and Sleep: How to Get a Better Night’s Rest with Vertigo
- 4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc3867465/
- 5 Can Stress Cause Dizziness? | Associates in Neurology
- 6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/nbk532978/#:~:text=the%20vestibular%20system%20functions%20to,signals%20from%20its%20individual%20components.
- 7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc8764304/
- 8 Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) | NHS Lanarkshire
- 9 https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/menieres-disease#:~:text=m%c3%a9ni%c3%a8re's%20disease%20is%20a%20rare,pressure%20deep%20inside%20the%20ear.
- 10 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/nbk549866/#:~:text=vestibular%20neuritis%2c%20also%20known%20by,preceding%20or%20accompanying%20viral%20infection.
- 11 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc5841657/
- 12 Doctor Steven Park - YouTube
- 13 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc3146317/
- 14 CKS is only available in the UK | NICE
- 15 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc1949221/
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