Heart Palpitations at Night: Common Causes and When to See a Doctor

Heart palpitations can be scary, especially if they happen at night when you’re trying to sleep. But the good news is that they’re actually very common and rarely a sign of anything serious. 

Still, when palpitations happen on a frequent basis or when they’re accompanied by other symptoms or risk factors, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated. Some palpitations can be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical problem.

At Florida Heart, Vein, and Vascular Institute, our team is skilled at evaluating heart palpitations and diagnosing their underlying cause, so you can feel confident about your heart health and your care overall. 

In this post, learn what causes nighttime heart palpitations and when you should call our office to have them evaluated.

Heart palpitations: The basics

Heart palpitations can feel like your heart is beating very rapidly, fluttering, skipping beats, or pounding against your chest wall. Sometimes, you can feel the fluttering beat in your throat or neck. 

Most palpitations last just a few minutes, but they can sometimes last longer. You can have palpitations at any time of the day, but many people notice them most at night when they’re lying down and trying to relax.

Palpitations can happen for lots of reasons, most of them completely benign. Common causes of palpitations include:

• Caffeine or alcohol use
• Stress or anxiety
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Dehydration
• Certain medications, including some antidepressants and decongestants
• Obstructive sleep apnea

You might notice heart palpitations more often if you lie on your left side — the side where your heart is located.

Anxiety is a common cause of nighttime palpitations. That’s because while you’re trying to sleep, it’s easy for your mind to wander and focus on negative or stressful events. 

In these instances, practicing relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery may help relieve stress and palpitations, too.

When to seek treatment

Most heart palpitations aren’t serious, particularly if they only happen every now and then. Initially, try avoiding caffeine and alcohol, practicing relaxation techniques, or changing your sleeping position to see if these simple steps help. 

On the other hand, some palpitations can be a sign of a heart problem, like arrhythmia or valve disease. You should definitely schedule a visit if your heart palpitations are:

• Regular or prolonged
• Disruptive to your sleep, your lifestyle, or your peace of mind
• Becoming stronger or more frequent

You should also schedule an evaluation if you have palpitations and a history of heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

If palpitations are associated with symptoms like chest, neck, or arm pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or nausea, call 911 immediately, since these symptoms can be a sign of a heart attack.

Feel confident about your heart health

The bottom line is this: If your heart palpitations are worrying you, there’s no harm in having them evaluated. During your visit, we perform tests to assess your heart’s activity and review your medical history as well as your symptoms, recommending treatment based specifically on your needs. 

To learn more about palpitations or to schedule an evaluation, book an appointment online or over the phone with our team at Florida Heart, Vein, and Vascular Institute in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City, and Riverview, Florida, today.