Vertigo, a sensation of feeling off balance often characterized by a spinning sensation, can be a challenging condition to live with. One of the major challenges individuals with vertigo face is difficulties with sleep. However, by implementing certain strategies, improving sleep quality when dealing with vertigo can be achieved.
Understanding Vertigo
First, it's essential to understand what vertigo is. Vertigo is a symptom, not a disease. It's usually a result of an issue in the inner ear or brain, and it can lead to dizziness, a loss of balance, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Certain positions can trigger vertigo, and for many people, lying down can cause an episode. As you can imagine, this can make sleeping quite difficult.
1. Optimize Your Sleeping Environment
Creating a calm, relaxing, and vertigo-friendly sleep environment is a critical first step. Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet. Use earplugs or a white noise machine if needed. The idea is to reduce any stimuli that could potentially disrupt your sleep.
2. The Right Pillow Matters
An orthopedic pillow that keeps your neck and head in a neutral position can be helpful. This can reduce the chances of a vertigo episode being triggered by an awkward sleeping position.
3. Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position can have a significant impact. Generally, elevating the head can be beneficial. Consider using an adjustable bed or a wedge pillow to keep your head elevated about 30 degrees. Sleeping on your back, if comfortable, can help keep the body aligned and reduce the chance of positional vertigo.
4. Limit Triggers Before Bed
Avoiding potential vertigo triggers before bedtime can be beneficial. This includes limiting intake of caffeine and alcohol, avoiding heavy meals, and steering clear of intense physical exercise.
5. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding naps, and using the bed only for sleep and sex can improve overall sleep quality and reduce the chance of nighttime vertigo episodes.
6. Regular Exercise
Regular, moderate exercise can help reduce symptoms of vertigo. However, try to avoid exercising close to bedtime, as this can make it harder to fall asleep.
7. Consult a Chiropractor
Some individuals with vertigo find relief through chiropractic treatments, specifically upper cervical chiropractic care. Upper cervical chiropractors specialize in the vertebrae at the top of the spine that are crucial for maintaining balance. Misalignment in this region can potentially cause or exacerbate vertigo symptoms, so ensuring proper alignment might help in managing the condition.
We Are Here To Help
Dr. Gordon Elder specializes in the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique, an advanced chiropractic method that employs diagnostic imaging to carefully realign the upper cervical spine. This realignment promotes the natural functionality of the spinal column and kick-starts the body's inherent healing capabilities.
In addressing vertigo, Dr. Elder follows a systematic two-step process to identify and treat the condition. First, patients undergo a screening to determine whether their vertigo might be linked to spinal misalignment. This initial screening usually lasts between 25 and 30 minutes.
If a misalignment is detected, the initial consultation is followed by a second appointment. During this session, Dr. Elder utilizes advanced 3-D imaging tools to pinpoint the exact location and angle of the vertebral misalignment. After this, you'll receive a comprehensive report detailing the findings from your consultation. At this stage, you'll also have the chance to discuss any questions about your treatment options with Dr. Elder.
To rectify the misalignment, Dr. Elder will apply a series of precise, gentle adjustment techniques to reposition the misaligned vertebrae to their natural state. This process decreases the surrounding inflammation and promotes normal nerve flow.
After the initial adjustment, patients are scheduled for regular check-ups that become gradually less frequent to verify that the adjustment has remained in place for three months. Over a span of 3 to 5 months, most patients have approximately 10 to 15 appointments with Dr. Elder.
If vertigo is negatively affecting your quality of life, reach out today to discuss upper cervical treatment options with Dr. Elder. Blair Chiropractic Clinic is based in Lubbock, Texas, but also serves Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.