It can be unsettling when you feel like your heart is stopping as you drift off to sleep. While this sensation can be frightening, several factors might be at play.
Potential Causes of Heart Palpitations at Sleep Onset
| Potential Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Fatigue/Insufficient Sleep | Being overly tired can disrupt normal heart rhythms. |
| Anxiety/Stress | Anxiety can lead to increased heart awareness, especially when relaxing, and can cause palpitations. |
| Low Blood Pressure | Changes in blood pressure while falling asleep can sometimes be felt as a skipped or paused heartbeat. |
| Hyperthyroidism | An overactive thyroid can lead to an increased heart rate and heart palpitations, which may be noticeable when resting. |
| Arrhythmia | Abnormal heart rhythms can cause a feeling of the heart pausing or racing. |
| Depression | Depression can sometimes manifest as physical symptoms like heart palpitations. |
How Fatigue & Sleep Deprivation Contribute
- When you are sleep-deprived, your body releases stress hormones, like cortisol, which can affect your heart rate.
- Lack of proper sleep can disrupt the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling heart rhythms.
- This disruption can result in irregular heartbeats or palpitations.
More Significant Causes
Less often, these sensations can indicate an underlying medical condition. According to the reference, other causes may include:
- Anxiety and depression: These mental health conditions can cause physical symptoms like palpitations.
- Low blood pressure: Rapid drops in blood pressure as you fall asleep can make your heart feel like it's pausing.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can speed up your heart rate, potentially leading to palpitations.
- Arrhythmia: Irregular heartbeats could cause you to feel like your heart is skipping a beat or stopping.
What to Do
If you frequently experience this sensation, it's essential to:
- Track your sleep: Note when these sensations occur to discuss with a doctor.
- Reduce stress: Practice relaxation techniques to manage stress or anxiety.
- Improve Sleep Habits: Aim for consistent and sufficient sleep each night.
- Consult a Doctor: It’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and rule out any serious heart conditions, especially if it occurs regularly, or you experience chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
