Handout for patients
Sleep Maneuver
Enhance your vestibular rehabilitation practice with our Sleep Maneuver PDF guide, designed for healthcare professionals. This user-friendly resource provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help patients perform the Sleep Maneuver safely and effectively at home. Support your patients in managing posterior canal BPPV, offering a structured approach to symptom relief and balance restoration.
Sleep Maneuver for Posterior Canal BPPV
The Sleep Maneuver is a therapeutic exercise designed to alleviate symptoms of Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). It helps reposition displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia), reducing dizziness and promoting balance restoration. This maneuver is straightforward to perform and can be an effective part of symptom management, tailored to either the right or left ear.
Right Ear Treatment
Starting Position:
- Start the maneuver sitting upright in your bed, with your head in midline.
Step 1:
- Next, lie down flat with your head supported on a pillow, keeping your head in midline.
- Wait for the dizziness to stop, then wait an additional 3 minutes before transitioning into the next position.
Step 2:
- Keeping your head in midline, roll over onto the left side (the unaffected side). Your head should remain in a neutral position, with your head and neck supported by your pillow on the bed.
- Remain in this position for 30 minutes at a minimum or as long as you are able to. Try sleeping in this position through the night.
Left Ear Treatment
Starting Position:
- Start the maneuver sitting upright in your bed, with your head in midline.
Step 1:
- Next, lie down flat with your head supported on a pillow, keeping your head in midline.
- Wait for the dizziness to stop, then wait an additional 3 minutes before transitioning into the next position.
Step 2:
- Keeping your head in midline, roll over onto the right side (the unaffected side). Your head should remain in a neutral position, with your head and neck supported by your pillow on the bed.
- Remain in this position for 30 minutes at a minimum or as long as you are able to. Try sleeping in this position through the night.
It’s important to perform the Sleep Maneuver smoothly and remain in each position for the recommended duration to allow your inner ear to adjust effectively. If you experience significant discomfort or if symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and support.
For visual instructions and more detailed information, download the Sleep Maneuver PDF today.