Why Do I Have Palpitations At Bedtime?

Nighttime palpitations may be related to a problem with blood pressure or sleep apnea. To be sure of their cause, it is best to see your doctor if they occur recurrently.

Palpitations are defined as the perception of the heartbeat. They are common, and although they are of concern, they are generally not harmful. The heartbeat is perceived as a strong beat. In fact, the palpitations are usually accelerated or very strong. Most people find the palpitations uncomfortable.

Palpitations are usually caused by exercise, stress, or certain medications. On the other hand, they can also be the symptom of a pathology. They are even accompanied by other chest ailments or breathing difficulties.

In this article, we explain what palpitations are, and more importantly why they occur when you lie down.

What are the causes of palpitations?

As we mentioned, bedtime palpitations aren’t a problem most of the time. Therefore, it is difficult to find their cause. However, some of the most common situations in which they occur are as follows :

• Fever.
• Certain changes such as pregnancy or menstruation.
• Thyroid disorders, especially hyperthyroidism.
• Times of stress or anxiety. Although this is subconscious and prolonged stress, palpitations can appear as a symptom.
• Exercise tends to speed up your heart rate and cause palpitations. They usually go away with rest.
• Substances such as caffeine, nicotine, or arousal drugs. Cocaine and amphetamines are distinguished by the risk of palpitations.

Heart disorders such as arrhythmias usually present as palpitations. Therefore, although they are usually not serious, it is important to investigate the cause if they persist or cause other discomfort.

What should I know about nocturnal palpitations?

Sometimes people don’t notice palpitations until they go to bed. In these situations, they are usually felt on the neck or throat. This is often due to a change in blood pressure. And, when you sleep, your blood pressure is usually lower.

In fact, stress tends to increase during the day, reaching its peak in the afternoon. However, it can sometimes drop excessively at night. The heart beats faster to be able to maintain the irrigation in all the organs. As a result, palpitations appear. Pain and shortness of breath may even occur.

On the other hand, you should not forget that stress is one of the main causes of palpitations. It’s no wonder that stressful thoughts come to you at bedtime. Accumulated anxiety and stress often disrupt sleep and rest.

Another cause of nighttime palpitations can be sleep apnea. It is a disorder where breathing is interrupted or becomes very shallow. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to a few minutes and repeat throughout the night. The person with sleep apnea cannot get enough rest.

Likewise, it is important to stress that the posture at bedtime is decisive. When you sleep on your side, the pressure makes your heart beat faster.

Are there any associated complications?

The risk of suffering from a complication is low. However, when they are due to heart disease, the risk is high. Fainting can occur because blood pressure drops when the heart beats too fast.

A stroke can even occur. For example, when it comes to atrial fibrillation, the blood forms clots. If these come off, they can obstruct cerebral circulation.

Palpitations can be a symptom of a cardiac arrhythmia. They make the heart beat inefficiently and can lead to cardiac arrest.

Calm down ! They usually don’t indicate anything serious

Bedtime palpitations are very common and generally do not represent any pathology. This is usually a simple physiological situation in which the heartbeat is perceived more intensely. However, when they are more persistent or are accompanied by other symptoms, they should be checked by a doctor.

Likewise, when they occur at night, they can indicate altered blood pressure or sleep apnea. In case of doubt, it is advisable to go to the doctor.