Sleep problems

My partner has AF since 2020 had a cardio version and and ablation I. 2021. All was fine but it came back towards the end of may. He is in permanent AF. He feels like he can't breathe when lying down and isn't getting any proper sleep. We have tried rearranging the pillows to no avail. How have others coped with this?

[CDreamer]

Sounds very like sleep apnea. Has your husband ever been screened? There is a big link between AF and sleep apnea, which is easily treated with CPAP. Sleep apnea should be taken very seriously and it was only when a friend of mine had his driving license revoked because he refused to take the treatment that he eventually agreed. He now says his life has been transformed.

Once I was treated all my nocturnal AF disappeared.

Go to GP and ask for a referral to your local sleep clinic, you may have to wait though.

nhs.uk/conditions/sleep-apn...

There are also private clinics.

Hope that helps.

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks I'll look into this. I used to think he might have sleep apnea but only when lying on his back. He changed to side sleeping and it went away.

[2learn in reply to CDreamer]

Just like to say I disagree about sleep apnea being easily treated with the CPAP, maybe for some. I've been using it for 6 yrs and never been able to get any success, relief or better sleep. But once diagnosed you can't refuse CPAP otherwise the DVLA with stop your driving licence.

[Qualipop in reply to 2learn]

My son had sleep apnoea and it took him 6 years to even get a provisional licence. They tried every treatment short of surgery and several different C Pap machines. He couldn't cope with them and would pull the mask of during sleep. The only way it could be improved was for him to lose a lot of weight. He was finally discharged and got his licence. My husband was the same, the machines didn't help but losing weight round his neck did.

[CDreamer in reply to 2learn]

Maybe I should have said - for most people. Weight reduction, as already mentioned, along with nose breathing - I tape my mouth up at night, sleeping on your side are lifestyle alternatives.

Personally I am grateful for DVLA rulings on SA & CPAP as it concerns the saftery of us all, not the health of an individual, just my opinion.

[2learn in reply to CDreamer]

Agreed, however if you try to be honest, responsible and safe it doesn't really matter to DVLA as they regard all car drivers as liars to be found out. I also understand why they do this because most drivers will lie to keep on driving, sad old world really.

[Weren in reply to 2learn]

Same for me! I've been using a CPAP machine for years and it has not changed my sleep or lack of whatsoever 😞

[Rubymurray25 in reply to CDreamer]

I couldn't agree more. When I was put on Cpap my Sleep Apnea went from 68 episodes an hour to 5 within 4 weeks once I got used to the right balance between, the various setting. My cardiologist was convinced my undiagnosed SA was the reason for my AF. Internally grateful to the member of this site for suggesting I got tested!!

[Buffafly]

What medication is he on? Has his GP/cardiologist tested him for heart failure? Is he overweight? All those things could affect his breathing when lying down. Also you say he is in permanent AF. Has he been told that no more treatment (CV, ablation) is available? Because if not you should be making a nuisance of yourselves pushing for treatment ❤️‍🩹

[Hidden in reply to Buffafly]

He is waiting for his second ablation but we have no date yet. He is on cardivol and digoxin among others. I don't think he has been tested for heart failure although he has had a lot of tests and that has not been mentioned.

[Buffafly]

Looking at his medication I would think that the cardivol which is a beta blocker could be affecting his breathing but as he is on a lot of treatment I guess his doctors are doing the best they can. Still, if you haven’t complained about the breathing problems you should.

[Hidden in reply to Buffafly]

Yes - I am trying to get him to mention it someone but he doesn't seem to want to. I'll keep on trying to persuade him to bring it up.

[kkatz]

Hi,not sleeping is awful I know.I know this may not apply but which side does he sleep on.AF & palps worse sleeping on the left.

[Hidden in reply to kkatz]

He sleeps mostly on the right but turns over a lot. We managed to create a wedge with cushions and pillows plus his cardiologist told him to increase diuretic and he finally slept through the night.

[OzJames]

I snored a lot and once got AF at night i suspect it may have been apnea. I’ve since added a second pillow and also raised the bed with casters and placed a solid foam roller in between the base and mattress. The result is the head of bed is about 4-5 inches higher than the foot. I don’t snore anymore according to my wife!

[Hidden in reply to OzJames]

Does the foam rollers raise the whole mattress? Not sure I would like that on my side.

[OzJames in reply to Hidden]

Yes it does and my wife is not keen on it either. Though I really believe I’m sleeping better. I think a better option if money allows is to get a split mattress

[SeanJax]

please go see his doctor. Laying down and cannot breathe and the first thing comes to my mind is heart failure. How people can say is sleep apnea without a sleep test. Are his ankles swollen?

[Hidden in reply to SeanJax]

Thank you for concern. He is at the Hospital on Monday so will mention it then. Has spoken to cardiologist who knows his history and he believes it is fluid building back up so has increased diuretics.

[cassie46]

Check out the Cardivolol - there is a warning on the back of the packet (do not take if you have asthma or lung issues). a few years ago at a visit to cardio outpatients I tried to change my bisoprolol to Nebivolol because of breathing problems (I have permanent AF and mild heart failure and asthma). The registra looked through his book of drugs and gave me a prescription for Cardivolol, ignored my request for Nebivolol after carefully explaining to him that this was the recommended drug if you had breathing problems. When I collected them I looked at the packet and as above that warning was on them, so a warning even before you get to reading the leaflet. I did not take them and eventually did get Nebivolol from my GP. You say your husband takes water tablets(are they furosemide) which is normally used for fluid retention because of heart failure, which often means some fluid retention on the lungs so causing breathing problems.

When my heart failure flares up I cannot lay down flat, I cannot control my breathing and it is a horrible feeling you feel you cannot breathe, you are fighting for ever breath and that is caused by having some fluid on the lungs. I sympathise with your hauband it is frightening experience. But please check ou the Cardivolol. Best of luck with getting sorted.

[Hidden]

He had furosemide when in the hospital but takes Bumetinide at home. Many of the drugs he takes seem to have terrible side effects but Cardiologist says will review the medication after the ablation when ever that may be.

[secondtry]

I suggest you buy James Nestor's book 'Breathe' - very interesting read.

A tad early to mention but in case it helps I am trying out slower nose only breathing in and out (6 per min) during my two daily walks of 30 mins to improve my diagnosed mild SA. I will find out whether it has had any effect in January 2024 when I am re-tested.

The importance of nose breathing is it generates nitric oxide, which is important for a healthy heart and much more.

[Sozo]

Before my ablation, I very much had the same issue. My Electrophysiologist response was as if he wasn't believing me. I began to think I had sleep apnea.. I bought a ergonomic pillow which seemed to have helped a bit. But I have to tell you that after my ablation, I am back to sleeping like a baby. I 100% believe it is part of Afib, at least for many! God bless!!

[Hidden in reply to Sozo]

Thank you. There is a lot of comfort in knowing others have experienced th same issues. I think we are going to get a wedge pillow. Using extra cushions and pillows have helped but the move in the night.