What Can Be Done About Heart Palpitations At Night?

Has your heart been racing and thumping while lying down, making you feel like it wants to jump out? Well, this condition is medically termed heart palpitations and are very common at night. Usually, they are not an indicator of any significant deviation in the body; however, some may need attention. Let’s shed some light on it.

5+ Reasons for Heart Palpitations at Night

Some of the common causes include:

1. Sleeping Position
   Sleeping on one side may make you susceptible to nighttime heart palpitations. This is due to the unique positioning of the body that increases internal pressure, which makes the heart flutter at night. Moreover, palpitations may go unnoticed during the day and can resurface at night.
2. Medical and Mental Health Conditions
   Heart palpitations at night can also be linked to various medical and mental health conditions. Issues like heart disease, post-heart attack damage, and arrhythmias become more noticeable when lying down at night.
   Other than that, conditions like sleep apnea, with its interruptions in breathing during sleep, can stress the heart and lead to palpitations. Moreover, chronic anxiety may also increase the likelihood of arrhythmias.
3. Alcohol and Caffeine
   Our habits influence nighttime heart palpitations. If you happen to have a high level of alcohol consumption, it heightens the risk of heart size enlargement. Caffeine can elevate heart rate and add extra beats that may feel like flutters. Therefore, having caffeine in the afternoon and evening may amplify the chances of nighttime palpitations.
4. Physical Condition
   Your body’s hydration and nutritional levels play a pivotal role in nocturnal heart palpitations as well. Less water intake leads to a fast and pressured heartbeat, making dehydration a potential contributor. Additionally, electrolyte imbalance may result in arrhythmia too.
5. Other Causes
   Beyond the factors mentioned above, more conditions that make the heart flutter:
   • Thyroid problems
   • Pregnancy
   • Anemia

Recognizing Symptoms

Symptoms of this condition include:

1. Rapid heart rate
2. Irregular rhythm
3. Fluttering sensation
4. Pounding in the chest or neck

Managing Heart Palpitations at Night

Here are some things you can do to lessen this condition:

1. Adequate Hydration
   Maintaining appropriate levels of hydration is a good way to minimize palpitations. Not only can it accelerate heart rate, but it may also lessen the duration of sleep, increasing the chances of noticing palpitations.
2. Identifying Triggers
   One of the ways to manage this condition is to jot down triggers. Key parameters like the time of the episode, duration, emotional well-being before and after, existing worries, engaged activities, and any atypical behavior preceding bedtime are crucial.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
   You must learn what affects your heart palpitations. People are encouraged to consider quitting or reducing tobacco and alcohol intake. Embracing a healthier lifestyle can significantly contribute to the prevention of palpitations.

Closing Note

All in all, appropriate lifestyle practices, like adequate hydration and nutrition, can make your nighttime sleep more peaceful, minus the discomfort of palpitations. If you have more questions in mind, contact Dr. Rajesh Ramineni, MD, FACC, FSCAI, a 5-star rated cardiologist in The Woodlands, certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the field of Echocardiography, with advanced training in Interventional Cardiology and Advanced Heart Failure/Transplant Cardiology at Healthy Living Heart and Vein. Our expert team can diagnose the root cause with their latest techniques and expertise. Do not hesitate to call us at (936) 978-0466 to schedule an appointment. Your health is our priority, and we are ready to assist you in every way possible.