Sleep and Heart Palpitation

Introduction

Heart palpitations are the unsettling sensations of irregular or rapid heartbeats, often grab our attention with their unexpected presence. While they can be harmless, they sometimes signal underlying health concerns, prompting a closer examination of their origins and implications.Concurrently, the significance of sleep in our lives cannot be overstated. It serves as a cornerstone of well-being, nurturing our physical, mental, and emotional health with each nightly journey into restorative sleep.

Read on as we uncover the science behind the relationship between sleep and heart palpitations, its causes and implications, and some of the remedies and medical treatments available to improve the symptoms for a better sleep. 

 

What Are Heart Palpitations 

Heart palpitations refers to the irregular heart beat that we experienced and may vary in intensity and duration and are often described as rapid, pounding, fluttering heartbeats. These sensations may be felt in the chest, throat, or neck and can sometimes be accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort caused by low carbon dioxide in blood due to rapid breathing.

Causes of Heart Palpitations

While it is not uncommon for individuals to experience heart palpitations, occasional heart palpitations can be caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, caffeine intake, physical exertion, or hormonal changes. However, persistent or severe palpitations may indicate an underlying medical condition, such as arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), heart valve disorders, thyroid problems, or electrolyte imbalances.

The Impact of Sleep on Heart Health 

Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart failure. The lack of quality sleep poses negative impact on our physical and mental wellbeing overtime resulting in chronic heart palpitations and other sleep related issues like sleep apnea. 

 

Sleep Disorders Related to Heart Palpitations 

Sleep disorders related to heart palpitation includes sleep apnea, insomnia and restless legs syndrome, which contributes to heart rhythm disturbances. Take sleep apnea for example, an individual experiencing this sleep disorder is likely to be waken up by a sudden jerk as the brain sends signal to awaken the body due to the lack of oxygen and breathing movement. Such reaction from the body will force the heart to pump faster to transport blood and oxygen to the body at your awoken state, resulting in heart palpitation. 

Lifestyle Factors Triggering Heart Palpitations 

Our daily actives and habits plays an important role in ensuring us reducing the chances of heart palpitation from chronic diseases and sleep disorders. 

Individuals who are caffeine sensitive or experienced caffeine overdose are likely to experience heart palpitation during sleep. Mental issues such as stress, depression and anxiety are some contributors where our body hyperventilates, causing palpitation and light headedness. Diet wise, consuming insufficient food or lack of balanced diet could potentially cause palpitation overtime. 

At-Home Remedies and Medical Treatments 

Some home remedies dealing with heart palpitations includes taking care of our mental wellbeing. Practicing relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation or even a slow walk before bedtime to reduce stress and anxiety. Maintain healthy food and sleep habits by taking sufficient and balanced diet, staying hydrated and sleeping early. Avoiding excessive caffeine, alcohol and nicotine intake before bedtime is also vital to prevent triggers. Individuals with existing chronic diseases are recommend to pay attention to their medication dosage and adopt routine health checks. 

If you experience frequent, prolonged, or concerning palpitations, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or fainting, seek medical evaluation promptly. Your healthcare provider may perform diagnostic tests such as electrocardiography (ECG or EKG), Holter monitoring, echocardiography, or blood tests to evaluate your heart function and identify any underlying issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while heart palpitations can be alarming, they are often benign and can be managed effectively with lifestyle modifications and relaxation techniques. By prioritizing stress management, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding triggers, individuals can often reduce the frequency and severity of palpitations. Additionally, staying hydrated and ensuring proper medication management can contribute to overall heart health.