Locations:
SearchThe short answer from a cardiovascular researcher
Image content: This image is available to view online.
View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/1855bf1c-88e2-4744-b5e9-1c85037d5019/aFib-85471703-770x533-1_jpg)
Person laying in bed looking concerned
A: It’s not uncommon for atrial fibrillation (AFib) to occur at night. The nerves that control your heart rate typically are in sleep mode, and that’s when your resting heart rate drops. Under these conditions, pacemaker activity from areas other than the normal pacemaker in the heart can trigger the onset of AFib.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
In addition, many patients with AFib have an underlying issue of obstructive or central sleep apnea. If you are frequently sleepy during the daytime, that is especially likely to be the case. If you suffer from AFib, sleep apnea can disrupt the heart’s rhythms. This is a dangerous combination.
To help treat sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or other devices that may help to reduce the frequency and burden of AFib.
— Researcher David Van Wagoner, PhD
Advertisement
Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Opt for plant-based foods and consider limiting alcohol and caffeine
Having atrial fibrillation increases your risk of stroke — but blood thinners can help for many people
Making healthy lifestyle changes ahead of surgery can help you avoid AFib after
Knowing the facts can make all the difference
Earbuds can help with relaxation and blocking noise — but volume, fit and device type all matter for protecting your ears
The itching and swelling of chronic spontaneous urticaria can disrupt sleep, confidence and daily life — and stress can make symptoms worse
Sleep masks can help you create total darkness so you can sleep better
To avoid sleep deprivation and shift work sleep disorder, try adopting habits that minimize light exposure and prioritize daytime sleep
This ‘harm reduction’ approach to sobriety involves subbing one substance for another — a method that isn’t backed by research
Educate your child about body image, expectations and skin care first
A true chlorine allergy is extremely rare — it’s far more likely that you have a damaged skin barrier
