which side to sleep on

[heartlover]

Hi,Ive read/heard so many different things,but can anyone tell me if sleeping on my left side is ok as I have Afib taking Apixaban ,I had a massive stroke last September, caused by a angiogram that moved plaque from my heart to my jugular vein, I had to be thrombosed ,The Cardiac told me he thought he was going to lose me. I am getting better ,but of course will never be the same .I worry about having another stroke, and also worry about being diagnosed with Afib. I know Ive managed to get to 74 next week, but I really would like a telegram from Prince Charles! Thanks for reading

[Paulbounce]

I'll ask Charlie to get in touch. He's a nightmare reponding to emails

On a serious note HL - I always sleep on my right side. I can't get any kip sleeping on my back - hence I always go to sleep lying on my front. It's most likey just sociological and won't make any difference. However it works for me and that's how I sleep. I always go to sleep putting any pressure away from my heart.

That's just my take but the way I do it. I try and keep to sleeping leaning to the right rather than the left. That way I find it easier to sleep and am not 'listening' or feeling my heart rate. It helps me sleep without worries - sleep is VERY important with afib.

Paul

[heartlover in reply to Paulbounce]

Thanks Paul, I still am frightened to go to sleep incase I have another stroke

[Tickerprobs in reply to heartlover]

I know it’s very easy to say but try not to become stressed. Tension exacerbates Afib. Sometimes when I become worried and downbeat, I’ll think to myself ahh to pot with it...what will be will be and the relief makes me feel a whole lot better. CHILLOUT, if you can. X

[Paulbounce in reply to heartlover]

That's understandable HL.

However you're taking Apixaban - your chances of a stoke are greatly reduced.

I think as long as you keep taking your med's you'll be just fine - try not worry to much. For sure I can understand why you do - however I think you'll be just fine. I can't promise anything but my gut feeling tells me you'll be OK.

Try to relax before you sleep - maybe read or listen to some relaxing music.

This is SO easy for me to say I know. Try not worry though - your Apixaban will work wonders and your HR lowers when you sleep.

Like I say - it's easy for me to say but follow your doc's advise and I think you'll be fine.

Good luck and try not to worry to much.

Best,

Paul

[10gingercats in reply to Paulbounce]

That is exactly the way I sleep too!

[Hidden]

I sleep either on my right side, or alternatively flat but slightly propped up with two pillows. The latter is now my preference as on my side can give me shoulder ache.

Can't get to sleep on my left at all.

[secondtry in reply to Hidden]

I do the same

[doodle68]

Hello heartlover 😊 if your docter advises you should sleep in a certain way I would follow their instructions otherwise as an Afiber the priority for me is to get a good night's sleep any way I can.

I had a problem with my right hip (cured by exercise I think) so was forced to go to sleep on my left side for some time being awoken by pain when turning onto my right side during sleep . I think whichever side, we 'decide' to sleep on, during the natural process of sleep we turn over anyway 😊

Try not to worry about what has happened or may happen, remember the best way to help your body is to be calm and avoid anxiety.

When you go to bed, make sure you are comfortable, for me that means cotton sheets and fresh air from an open window . As you go to sleep try visualizing something calming like walking by the sea to help to dispell anxious thoughts .

[PlanetaryKim]

Dr. Sanjay Gupta actually addresses this question in this 14-min video on gastrocardiac syndrome: youtube.com/watch?v=zt4Cw-V...(Not working as expected?)

This would pertain, I think, to people with vagally mediated afib. He says sleeping in right side is most likely to trigger palpitations. Sleeping on left side, less so, and sleeping on back the best. He says this is because of vagus nerve position in the body.

I myself, though have felt most 'precarious' when I sleep on left side - I had assumed because weight of my body is compressing my heart, which is on left side of body. So I have actually trained myself to sleep on right side and not left.

Dr. Gupta says if you are lying in bed and experiencing palpitations, change position and see if it makes a difference. Good luck to you!

[heartlover in reply to PlanetaryKim]

Thank you, very helpful

[Madscientist16]

I guess we are all different. As someone who used to have gastritis and terrible acid reflux, especially at night, I was told to sleep on my left side, as it allowed the stomach to empty properly. I don't have reflux issues anymore and still start out the night on my left side. After my AF diagnosis, I did not have any issues with sleeping on my left side. In fact, I have no issues sleeping on either side.

[Limoncello]

I always sleep on my right side, almost in the recovery position, as sleeping on my left side makes me far more aware of my rapid and irregular heartbeat, and I think possibly makes it worse. can no longer sleep on my back because of spinal pain. I put a pillow between my knees, which helps to prevent hip discomfort. I am on Apixaban, which is fine, and Bisoprolol but it doesn’t seem to be doing much for my heart, just makes me feel awful! Am having a phone consultation with the GP but not expecting much help.