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Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and head position during sleep
Kohichiro Shigeno1, Hideaki Ogita, Kazuo Funabiki
1Shigeno Otolaryngology Vertigo-Hearing Impairment Clinic, Nagasaki, Japan. shigeno@ngs2.cncm.ne.jp
Journal of Vestibular Research : Equilibrium & Orientation
|November 13, 2012
Summary
Sleeping with your head down on the affected ear may increase the risk of recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This specific head position facilitates otoconia aggregation in the semicircular canals, potentially triggering BPPV.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Vestibular System
Background:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular disorder.
- The exact etiological factors, especially for recurrent cases, require further elucidation.
- Understanding sleep-related head positioning may offer insights into BPPV pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific head positions during sleep and the occurrence of BPPV.
- To identify if particular sleeping postures correlate with BPPV recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Head position during sleep was monitored for 3 days using a gravity sensor in 50 BPPV patients and 25 controls.
- Positional angles were recorded at 5-second intervals during sleep.
- Patients were categorized based on BPPV recurrence and affected semicircular canal (posterior or lateral).
Main Results:
- Recurrence of BPPV was observed in 22 out of 50 patients.
- BPPV patients with recurrence were significantly more likely to sleep in an affected-ear-down 45-degree head position (P<0.02).
- This head position places the posterior and lateral semicircular canals in an earth-vertical orientation, facilitating otoconia aggregation.
Conclusions:
- The affected-ear-down 45-degree head position during sleep is a potential etiological factor for BPPV.
- This sleeping posture is particularly relevant for patients experiencing recurrent BPPV.
- Clinical recommendations may include advising patients to avoid this specific sleep position.
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