Understanding BPPV: The Most Common Cause
Do you feel dizziness rolling over in bed or turning your head, you're not alone. One of the most common causes of this type of dizziness is a condition known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Most people describe it as a brief spinning sensation, often at night, triggered by turning in bed or changing position. These episodes usually last less than 60 seconds.
In BPPV, tiny calcium carbonate crystals (called otoconia) shift out of place and move into your semicircular canals. These crystals disrupt your inner ear's balance signals and make your brain think you're moving when you're not—leading to that sudden feeling of vertigo.
BPPV is common, affecting about 2–3% of the population and up to 10% of older adults. The good news? It's highly treatable, often with simple, gentle repositioning techniques.
What Causes Dizziness Rolling Over In Bed?
- Tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear, called otoconia, can become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals, where they don't belong. Once there, they interfere with the fluid movement your inner ear uses to detect head position. As a result, your brain receives false signals of motion, which trigger dizziness and spinning sensations—hallmarks of BPPV.
- Several factors can trigger this displacement of crystals, including ageing, head trauma, ear infections, prolonged bed rest, migraines, or sometimes for no known reason at all.
Recognising the Symptoms
- Brief spinning (lasting ≤60 seconds) when rolling over, tilting your head, or changing positions in bed
- Nausea or lightheadedness, often triggered by movement
- No other neurological symptoms (such as weakness, numbness, or slurred speech)
These episodes may occur daily for a short period and then settle for weeks, months, or even longer—especially following treatment. For many people, once BPPV is resolved, it doesn't return for a long time. However, occasional recurrences can happen and are usually manageable with the same repositioning techniques.
Diagnosing BPPV
- A Dix–Hallpike manoeuvre, performed by a trained clinician, can confirm posterior canal BPPV.
- While the Dix–Hallpike test is used to diagnose the most common form of BPPV (involving the posterior canal), other manoeuvres may be needed to assess less common types affecting the horizontal or anterior canals. Your chiropractor or vestibular specialist will select the appropriate test based on your symptoms and response to treatment.
Effective Treatment: The Epley Manoeuvre
The Epley manoeuvre is a well-researched repositioning technique that gently guides the dislodged inner ear crystals (otoconia) back into the utricle, where they no longer trigger dizziness. It's simple, non-invasive, and highly effective—many patients experience significant relief after just one session.
This approach is widely supported and used by chiropractors, physiotherapists, and vestibular specialists around the world.
If you're experiencing dizziness rolling over in bed, don't wait—book a consultation with our Narre Warren team. We can assess your symptoms and, if appropriate, perform the Epley manoeuvre to help restore your balance and confidence.
Not sure what to expect from chiropractic care? Our guide on what's involved in an adjustment explains the gentle techniques we use, and our article on what chiropractic is covers the basics of how we can support your overall health and balance.