Why does my head buzz as soon as I lie down in bed at night, and what should I do about it?

Jan 12, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
You may feel a buzzing sensation in your head when lying down at night, which could be caused by mental stress, environmental factors, neurasthenia, cervical spondylosis, anxiety disorder, etc. Appropriate measures can be taken according to the specific situation. If you experience any physical discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital as soon as possible and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment. It is also advisable to try some relaxation techniques before bedtime, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.

When lying down in bed at night, a buzzing sensation in the head may be caused by mental stress, environmental factors, neurasthenia, anxiety disorder, or cervical spondylosis. Management should be based on the specific cause. If any physical discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment.

1. Mental Stress

If you experience significant stress or emotional tension during the day, your brain may remain in an excited state when lying in bed at night. It is recommended to practice relaxation techniques before sleep, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, to help relieve physical and mental tension.

2. Environmental Factors

If you spend the day in a noisy environment, you may become more sensitive to subtle sounds in a quiet setting at night. Internal bodily sounds might seem amplified, leading to a perceived buzzing in the head. Using a white noise machine or playing soft natural sounds—such as ocean waves or rainfall—can help mask these internal noises.

3. Neurasthenia

Chronic late-night habits causing sleep deprivation, or excessive work and life stress, may lead to neurasthenia. Symptoms include mental excitement, irritability, slowed reactions, memory decline, and a buzzing sensation in the head. Under medical guidance, patients may take neurotrophic medications such as mecobalamin tablets, oryzanol tablets, or vitamin B6 tablets for treatment.

4. Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorder may be related to biochemical and neurological factors. Persistent anxiety and restlessness can affect the nervous system, resulting in a buzzing sensation in the head. Patients may take medications such as lorazepam tablets, estazolam tablets, or alprazolam tablets as prescribed, along with psychotherapy. Techniques like pre-sleep relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness can improve sleep quality.

5. Cervical Spondylosis

A buzzing sensation in the head upon lying down at night could be due to cervical spondylosis, where local nerves are compressed, causing abnormal sounds. This may also be accompanied by neck pain. Treatment options under medical supervision include acupuncture and massage. Medications such as Jingfukang granules, Shujin Huoxue tablets, or chlorzoxazone tablets may also be used as directed to alleviate symptoms.

In daily life, it is advisable to slightly elevate the head before sleeping—for example, by using a thinner pillow or raising the head of the bed. This helps regulate cerebral blood perfusion, reduces pressure on blood vessel walls, and promotes better sleep.