Palpitations when going to bed

[123wdcd]

Has anyone found anything that reduces palpitations when lying down? I think it must be positional. Possibly also resting anything on my chest - I guess it irritates the vagus nerve. Palpitations are the worst thing when trying to wind down and sleep. The resulting insomnia just makes them worse.

Could it be reflux related? Are you eating late at night or drinking caffeine?

I have an irregular heartbeat but only really ever feel palpitations at night. It’s worse if I eat late, esp rich or fatty food, or have caffeine. I find slow, deep breathing helps - in for 4, out for 7 - or listening to relaxation/meditation apps.

I found Gaviscon Advance (has to be the Advance not the usual Gaviscon) works well for reflux-related palpitations.

It forms a barrier at the top of the stomach and stops acid coming up into the oesophagus and irritating the vagus nerve when you lie down.

Don't eat or drink after you've taken it as it disperses the barrier.

Thank you so much for the replies. Not eating late, minimal caffeine, not eating rich foods. It really threw me last night as I had been careful to avoid the normal triggers. Have had some random anxiety and did have GERD a few days ago, so I guess it was that.

I do the deep breathing and it helps. I have got better at ignoring one-off ectopics, but some of these were in groups which is more frightening.

Will try Gaviscon before bed. It makes sense as some of this is vagus nerve related, as it also seems to be positional.

Trying these - felt my shoulders drop, so must have more tension than I realise. Hoping for a better night: https://yogauonline.com/yoga-practice-teaching-tips/yoga-practice-tips/6-ways-to-stimulate-your-vagus-nerve-with-yoga-and-breathing/

I used to get these regularly especially when I was trying to get to sleep and found a breathing exercise amazing for stopping them. Breathe in for a count of five and then out for a count of five. Do this for five minutes. Try it- it really works. I also take magnesium taurate which is highly recommended for palpitations.

I found lots of really useful info on a you tube channel run by cardiologist- Sanjay Gupta ( York cardiology) who has done a number of videos on palpitations and ectopic beats.

https://youtube.com/@YorkCardiology

Thank you @KnottyKnitting Dr Gupta's videos are amazing, they helped may the daytime palpitations bearable and I notice much less. Will try the breathing exercise and try to do it every night.

Have had a tonne of heart problems (fully investigated) since the Moderna vaccine, the palpitations have not improved.

I had mine all investigated but was told they were benign ectopics and nothing to worry about. Mine seemed to be menopause related but have reduced considerably now I am out the other side.