Feeling dizzy or unsteady can be unsettling — it can make even the simplest daily tasks feel difficult. Many people immediately wonder: Is it vertigo, or am I just tired? While both can cause similar sensations, they stem from very different causes.
Fatigue-related dizziness usually comes from dehydration, low blood sugar, lack of sleep, or overexertion. Vertigo, on the other hand, often involves the inner ear or vestibular system — the part of your body that helps you maintain balance and spatial orientation.
If you’re unsure which one is affecting you, there are a few simple, safe tests you can try at home before you decide whether to book a vestibular appointment.
Understanding the Difference
Before diving into the tests, it’s important to distinguish what you’re feeling.
- Fatigue-related dizziness often feels like light-headedness, weakness, or a floating sensation — it improves with rest or hydration.
- Vertigo feels like spinning — either you or your surroundings seem to move even when you’re still. It’s often triggered by changes in head position or sudden movement.
If your dizziness feels like spinning, the following home checks can help you understand what might be happening.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column]
The Dix-Hallpike Test (for Positional Vertigo)
What it helps identify:
A common type of vertigo called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) occurs when small calcium crystals inside your inner ear become displaced. This test helps reveal if that’s the case.
How to try it safely:
- Sit on your bed with your legs extended and a pillow behind you.
- Turn your head 45 degrees to one side.
- Lie back quickly so your head is slightly hanging off the pillow, tilted backward.
- Stay in that position for 30 seconds and observe whether you feel spinning or nausea.
- Sit up slowly, pause, then repeat on the other side.
What it may indicate:
If lying back triggers a short burst of spinning that stops after a few seconds, it could be BPPV. If not, your dizziness might be related to another cause.
Caution: If the test makes you feel very unsteady, stop immediately. Always have someone nearby to support you.
The Head-Impulse Test (for Vestibular Reflex Function)
What it helps identify:
This test looks at how well your eyes and inner ear work together to keep your vision stable when your head moves. It’s sometimes referred to as checking the vestibulo-ocular reflex.
How to perform it:
- Sit facing a partner who can assist you. Focus your eyes on a small target — like the person’s nose.
- Ask your partner to gently but quickly turn your head about 10 to 15 degrees to one side and back to center, keeping your eyes fixed on the target.
- Repeat several times on each side.
What it may indicate:
If your eyes stay fixed on the target during each movement, your vestibular system is likely functioning normally.
If your eyes “slip” off target and need to refocus after a head turn, that could suggest a mild vestibular imbalance on one side.
Caution: Skip this test if you have neck pain, stiffness, or any spinal concerns. Keep head movements small and gentle.
The Romberg Test (for Overall Balance)
What it helps identify:
This simple standing test evaluates how well your body maintains balance when vision is removed — giving clues about how well your vestibular and proprioceptive systems are working.
How to perform it:
- Stand upright with your feet together and arms resting by your sides.
- Hold this position with your eyes open for about 30 seconds.
- Now close your eyes and stay still for another 30 seconds.
What it may indicate:
If you become unsteady or start to sway significantly when your eyes are closed, it might suggest a vestibular or proprioceptive issue — meaning your brain is relying heavily on vision to stay balanced.
You can also try the Fukuda March Test:
- Stand with eyes closed and march in place for about 30 seconds.
- If you find yourself turning or drifting in one direction, it could point to an imbalance on one side of your vestibular system.
Caution: Stand near a wall or sturdy chair in case you need to steady yourself.
When to Seek Professional Help
While these home tests can give you clues, they’re not meant to replace a clinical assessment.
Book an appointment with a vestibular specialist if:
- Your dizziness lasts more than a few days.
- You experience hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or ear pressure.
- You have sudden imbalance, blurred vision, or difficulty walking straight.
- The spinning is so intense that it causes vomiting or falls.
Sometimes, dizziness that seems mild can stem from deeper vestibular issues that benefit greatly from early intervention and therapy.
The Bottom Line
Occasional light-headedness can often be linked to tiredness or dehydration — but if you’re experiencing a true spinning sensation or balance issues, your inner ear might be the source.
The Dix-Hallpike, Head-Impulse, and Romberg tests are safe, simple ways to get initial insights at home. They can help you recognize when it’s time to seek expert care.
Where to Turn for Expert Help
If you suspect your dizziness or vertigo might be more than just fatigue, consider visiting The Movement Mill. Their team of Exercise Physiologists and movement specialists are experienced in assessing and managing vestibular and balance disorders. They take a tailored approach — combining targeted movement therapy, balance training, and education — to help you regain stability and confidence in your everyday life.
Whether your symptoms are mild or persistent, The Movement Mill can guide you safely from uncertainty to recovery.
