Dizziness when turning over in bed

Rolling to one side changes the position of the head and can briefly disturb signals from the inner ear. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is one possible explanation when spinning starts with rolling, lying down or sitting up and settles when still. That pattern is not enough to diagnose it at home.

Compare sides and note whether the sensation is spinning or faintness. Record how long it lasts, whether nausea or vomiting occurs, and whether there is hearing change, ringing, headache, weakness or palpitations. Dehydration, Heat Exhaustion, Hypoglycaemia, Anaemia and Iron Deficiency Anaemia can cause lightheadedness that may be noticed when getting up.

When symptoms begin, remain lying down until the room settles, then sit at the edge of the bed before standing. Keep a light within reach, remove trip hazards and consider support from another person if you feel unsteady. Turn slowly and avoid sudden bending. Do not attempt a positional exercise without advice if you have neck or back problems, severe vascular disease or an uncertain diagnosis.

Arrange a clinical review if episodes repeat, disturb sleep, cause a fall or make you avoid normal movement. Take notes about the side and position that triggers the sensation.

Seek emergency care for sudden dizziness with weakness on one side, facial drooping, speech trouble, fainting, a severe new headache, chest pain, severe breathlessness or inability to walk. Seek prompt care for new double vision, persistent vomiting, sudden hearing loss or symptoms following a head injury.

Does my position-triggered pattern fit an inner-ear problem? Can you test my balance safely and show me an appropriate manoeuvre if needed? Could my medicines, hydration or blood tests explain the faint feeling?