Palpitations When Lying Down

The heart is one of the most unique organs. This is because it works throughout our life without us even realizing that it is contracting approximately seventy-two times a minute. However, what happens when you do realize this? What happens when you do suddenly start feeling the presence of your heart and its functioning? This is known as palpitations, that is, the feeling of the heart beating in the chest. People can sense palpitations at different times and some of them can sense palpitations only at a certain time, some people may complain of heart palpitations after eating or palpitations when lying down. Given below are the various causes and ways by which you can deal with palpitations that you may feel when lying down.

Causes and Treatments

• One of the most common yet under credited heart palpitations causes when lying down is intake of caffeine just before sleeping. Caffeine is a known stimulant and it increases the metabolic rate in the body. Hence, it is quite possible that if you have coffee just before sleeping, especially if it is out of habit, then you may end up with heart palpitations. A simple way of avoiding this is to avoid taking in caffeine before sleeping.
• Just like caffeine, you should also avoid smoking or taking in nicotine just before sleeping. Even this acts as a stimulant and may lead to an increase in the heart rate. Same goes for any kind of energy drinks - they are a complete no-no just before bedtime.
• Did you know that one of the signs of congestive heart failure is palpitations when lying down on left side? Yes, when a person has congestive heart failure, there is excessive pressure on the heart, and sleeping on the same side only worsens the condition. So, if you are having this specific symptom, along with other symptoms like shortness of breath, fluid retention and unexplained weight gain, then you better see a doctor immediately, so as to have the condition diagnosed at the earliest.
• Sometimes, something as simple and subconscious as stress may also heart palpitations at night. Nighttime is when the brain tries and processes all the happenings of the day at a subconscious level. So, if you are under a lot of stress, it could translate into palpitations. A simple of doing away with this is to ensure that you get a sound sleep without any worries.
• One of the palpitations causes when in a supine position is a heart disease. When a person is lying down, the heart actually has to work harder so as to pump blood in the body, all the organs being at the same level. Thus, if a person has a burgeoning heart disease, it will only get aggravated at night. So, if you suffer from palpitations and shortness of breath or chest pain, then try to run a few tests to check if you may be having a heart condition.
• Some women may complain of nighttime heart palpitations during pregnancy. This may be brought on by the hormonal changes in the body and due to the increased demand of blood and nutrients, so as to nourish both the mother and the fetus. This may be merely temporary and symptomatic, however, if it becomes severe, one should visit the doctor immediately, to rule out any possible underlying condition.
• Other conditions that could lead to palpitations include excess of physical activity just before bedtime, hyperthyroidism, anemia, anxiety disorders, fever, dehydration, etc. This may also occur as a side effect of some medication.

This was all about the various causes and treatments for palpitations when lying down. Some people even claim that palpitations and menopause may be related. This condition may or may not resolve on its own. However, if it becomes severe or very frequent, then it is best to visit your health care practitioner so as to get your condition diagnosed and treated at the earliest.