Problem sleeping on left side

[simon111]

Just wondering does anyone else have problems sleeping on left side ...for years I can't as I get palpation s and breathless

Thank you

[Hidden]

My last specific, documented and very real AF event occurred in the early hours sleeping on my left side in mid April 2018.

Normally it doesn't do it for me.

John

[Drounding]

I always sleep on my right side. I also get palpitations sleeping on my left side. It's been like that for many years. I presume it might be the pressure on my heart in that position, but can't explain it.

[Tako2009]

I think a lot of us have this problem - I find I can sleep on my left side sometimes - I know I need to turn over if I notice any minor flutters or ectopics which could be precursors of an AF attack.

If I think I might be heading for an AF episode (Vagal - my AF always shows up in the night time) then I would avoid sleeping on my left side.

Liz

[Wightbaby]

My heart really DOES NOT like me sleeping on my left side!

After a few minutes it tends to start to flutter or whump a bit....not very pleasant, so I turn over. Very annoying when you are otherwise comfortable!!

[Ianc2]

Italked to my cardiologist about this and asked what keeps my heart in place. He said basically nothing but the veins and arteries keep it hanging in your chest. If you sleep on your left your heart bangs up against your ribcage and is not very happy about it.

[secondtry in reply to Ianc2]

Thanks Ian, the first time I've heard an explanation of this common issue. I use 2 pillows to stop me turning onto my left side in my sleep.

[Cliff_G]

Yes, it is a thing. Always slept on my right

[simon111]

Thank you all..that clears up a long time mystery for me

[majjic]

I can't sleep on my right...I have to sleep on my left and i don't usually get any problems.....I drop off pretty quickly and if my heart does go into AF i roll over to my back...Sometimes i have to sit up and watch tv to take my mind off if and drop off again sitting up.

[Mouchkin in reply to majjic]

I am the same. I can only sleep on my left. When I roll onto my right I feel uncomfortable and breathless. I had phrenic nerve damage during my ablation but my breathing is easier now. When I had AF I used to sit up and try and think of something else (not easy😊)

[majjic in reply to Mouchkin]

I'm the same if i turn on my right side...but i have the added complication of COPD which makes me breathless anyway....Happy days

[Auriculaire in reply to majjic]

Try NAC- n acetyl cysteine for the COPD. It fluidifies lung secretions and makes breathing easier. It also fortifies the immune system and helps prevents colds and flu . If you do get the latter it is less likely to turn into bronchitis.

[Maggimunro]

I found it painful to sleep on my left side for almost 2 years afters my 3 ablations in 11 months.

I guess the old ticker was pretty irritated by all of the poking and prodding and needed time to settle.

Problem was that having to always sleep curled up on my right side set off left sided back problems, for which I am still having physio.

Ah well.

[Georgie8]

Yes, me too. I have Aflutter and it's at night in bed on my left side when it happens most. It is nice to read an explanation into what causes it.

[MydogBrandy]

Yes, I don’t like sleeping on my left, feels odd, don’t want to tempt my stable self now so won’t risk it

[cycleman73]

Hi Simon111, up until I had an aortic valve replacement 4 years ago I suffered palpitations when sleeping on my left side. Since then all has been fine and sleep well on both sides.

Incidentally I was diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis which is calcification of the aortic valve.

Do you need to have yours checked perhaps ?

Good luck and best wishes.

[Leeson]

I used to always sleep on my left hand side, but now sleep on right as sleeping on left plays my af up.

I read somewhere it was something to do with heart having more room sleeping on righthand side .

[100h]

Yes!! I can't sleep on my left side either. Such a shame as it's quite comfy. The carry-on my heart does to protest this is just not worth it!!

[Eastwick]

I can’t sleep on my left side either. Even though I have had pace and ablate I can still feel it going a bit crazy and it’s not a good feeling!

[ETFCfan]

I’m in permanent AFib and find it uncomfortable sleeping on my left side. I can feel it beating and fluttering. Now always try and sleep on my right side for comfort. So interesting to read of others experiencing the same.

[Summer60]

I always slept on my left side prior to developing AF and then Bradycardia, I have a pacemaker now to compliment my numerous medications and as much as I tried to go back to sleeping on my left it is just plain uncomfortable. Happy sleeping on my back or right side now, it’s hardly that important in the scheme of things

[Clivecsw]

Hi Simon111, yes you're not alone mate- I thought I was imagining it was always kicking off sleeping on my left, but I'm convinced it is a problem, so I somehow manage to stay on my right side all night and generally don't suffer so much!

[Georgie8]

I have problems some nights when I am on my left side, I asked my EP why is this, she said it's to do with a nerve that passes through your left side, that's why you feel it more