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Sleep This Way if You Have AFib

A good night’s sleep is critical for keeping the heart’s electricity flowing normally. Those who have difficulty sleeping are at higher risk of developing heart arrhythmias, such as AFib. A recent study concluded that poor sleep is a significant risk factor for AFib. Researchers found that frequent waking through the night and less REM (rapid eye movement) sleep contributed to the development of AFib. 

It may not be easy to sleep soundly with AFib, however. According to researchers, nearly 75 percent of people with atrial fibrillation also have breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This common condition causes a person’s airway to become obstructed, or blocked, when they sleep, resulting in less oxygen circulating through the body. 

It’s challenging to understand which comes first when discussing AFib and sleeping disorders, especially since they share many risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure. But, either way, we know that sleep is essential for heart health, and any deviations can lead to disease. 

What triggers AFib during sleep?

While episodes of AFib may be unpredictable, many patients report increased symptoms at night. Sleep apnea and poor sleep can undoubtedly contribute; however, evening eating and drinking habits could also be a problem. Alcohol triggers AFib, so that evening cocktail may be enough to tip the scales. Also, spicy food or a full stomach can set AFib into motion. 

There is also an entirely different explanation for nocturnal atrial fibrillation, which has to do with the underlying trigger of your AFib. While not often recognized, there are typically two distinct types of AFib: vagal and adrenergic.  

Vagal AFib, which occurs due to issues with the vagus nerve, typically happens after a meal or during rest or sleep. On the other hand, adrenergic AFib occurs due to adrenaline release. Adrenergic AFib often happens during exercise, because of stress, or with stimulants like caffeine. For those experiencing AFib at night, the vagus nerve may be partially to blame. 

What are atrial fibrillation symptoms at night?

Symptoms of AFib are the same regardless of the time of day, although you might be more likely to feel symptoms during the night when your body is quiet. When the upper chambers of the heart are not beating in rhythm with the bottom, you may experience: 

  • Heart palpitations, skipped beats, thumping, a feeling that the heart is out of sync
  • Racing or pounding sensation in the heart 
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or feeling light-headed
  • Pain or discomfort in the chest
  • Disorientation or confusion
  • Sweating 
  • Anxiety or panic

Can I prevent AFib at night?

Medical events tend to feel more acute during the dead of night. Therefore, to avoid an AFib episode, steer clear of caffeine, alcohol, and heavy foods close to bedtime. Instead, establish a relaxing evening routine, such as a bath or meditation, to calm your nerves and set the tone for a restful night.

If AFib does wake you up, try to eliminate the problem. First, work on deep breathing or other relaxation techniques. If unsuccessful, attempt to stimulate the vagus nerve with a cold shower or a few jumping jacks. Of course, if you’ve never had AFib before or if you have any health concerns, seek immediate medical care. 

What sleep positions are best for AFib?

In your quest for a solid night of sleep, you might be wondering if there is a sleep position that works best for AFib patients. Would it be best to drift away on your back? Would sleeping on your left or right side be more beneficial? 

While the research around sleep positions and AFib is minimal, some evidence shows that sleeping on your right side may benefit your heart. A 2018 study examined the effects that various sleep positions had on EKG readings. 

The findings revealed that sleeping in the left-lying position caused gravity changes to the heart that could be seen on an EKG. On the other hand, those who slept on their right side had their heart supported by the mediastinum, and researchers noted no electrical changes. 

Researchers looked to current AFib patients more recently to determine if nighttime positional changes impacted arrhythmias. They evaluated 94 symptomatic patients and concluded that AFib was triggered more often when lying on the left side. 

Fifty-seven percent of the patients experienced AFib symptoms while lying on the left side, compared to only 10 percent lying on the right side. Interestingly, a third of the patients experienced symptoms while lying on their backs. Challenges sleeping on the left side were exacerbated if the patient was overweight. 

Since the heart lies on the left side of the chest cavity, it seems logical that sleeping on the left side would create compression and potentially result in a decrease in oxygen flow to the heart. Those experiencing intermittent AFib may want to consider sleeping on their right side. 

Avoid back and stomach sleeping

Individuals with sleep apnea should avoid sleeping on their back, especially if overweight, as gravity can cause the tongue and other soft tissue to block the airway. Stomach-sleeping is also a big no-no, as it does not allow your spine to remain in a neutral position, which can create additional health problems down the road. 

Keep in mind, however, that every situation is different, and what works for one might not work so well for another. Sleep position is less important than actually getting a good night’s sleep. 

Next steps

Poor sleep may give you more than just bags under your eyes. Research has confirmed that quality sleep is essential for health, and skimping out is a surefire way to buy yourself a ticket to heart disease. So turn off your electronics at sundown, set your room temperature a bit cooler, and make sleep a priority. Remember, sleeping on a toxic mattress or sheets will only make your AFib worse. Consider investing in a sustainable, organic mattress from a reputable company such as Avocado.

Bring yourself to optimal health, and sleep position won’t matter.

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Medical Review 2022: Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD

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About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

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Dr. Lauren Lattanza Fees

20 Minute Virtual Call: $250

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As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

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Dr. Jack Wolfson Fees

30 Minute Virtual Call: $1500

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Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

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We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

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Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.