Extra sleep

[Vickyvix]

Since having my heart attack on new years day this year and having a stent put in and being told I'm fixed I'm well on the road to recovery however I find I'm needing around 9 hours sleep a night, is this normal?

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

Hi Vickyvix

I think you're doing amazing well if you're able to sleep for 9 hours after a heart attack so recently! After my heart attack in December 2018 I had huge trouble sleeping for the next couple of months due to the stress of it all and being frightened of going to sleep in case I didn't wake up again.

The various sites on the subject of sleep suggest that a good night's sleep for an adult should be 8 to 9 hours, so it seems you're sleep pattern is where it should be. You haven't said how much sleep you used to have prior to your heart attack, but I assume it was less than the 9 hours you're getting now.

While from your post it seems you're doing well, an experience like a heart attack takes a lot out of a person both physically and mentally so perhaps the extra sleep is your body trying to adjust after this event.

Incidentally, almost 13 months after my heart attack, I now get between 8 and 9 hours of blissful undisturbed sleep every night. I think you're sleeping pattern is quite normal, but if it is really bothering you have a chat with your GP

Best wishes and good luck with your continued recovery

[Vickyvix in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

Hiya, thanks for the response I used to get around 7-8 hours prior. I'm not worried at this stage it was more just to see if others were experiencing the same thing. I go back to work next week so will need to start going to bed earlier to ensure I get enough sleep for work.

[NorthantsSteve in reply to Vickyvix]

Take it easy when you go back Vicky. It takes more out of you than you might think (in my experience). Hope you’ve managed to get a phased return as I found that helps. Good luck.

[NorthantsSteve]

Yup. I needed more sleep immediately after mine and now sleep more than I used to regularly. Mainly, I think, because of the meds. But also because I have a different work/life balance and generally don’t stress as much as I used to. Great to hear you’re doing so well.

[Rosei in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Me too.

[dickielex]

The old advice- LISTEN TO YOUR BODY- is good advice. Take the advice and don't worry.

[not2worry]

Sleep is the most natural restorative medication you can take. Be grateful for blissful sleep. As many on this site have suggested your body is now in control. Let your mind take a vacation too!

All the Best and enjoy your rest

[allanrobson]

Yes it's normal. Had mine in march last year and still need at least 8/9 hours ( mind you I'm 68 so it could also be my age as well lol)

[Joliv61]

Yup I’m sleeping a lot more after my heart attack and stents fitted in November. Phased return is really helpful as i found it surprising how tired I felt just on 3 half days the first week. Now on week 5 and starting full days all week. But don’t slip back into any old habits and make sure you attend the rehab classes if offered. 👍👍