Causes of heart palpitations at night

When the room is quiet and you are resting, normal beats may feel more prominent. Emotional strain, a nightmare, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, fever, or some medicines can make the heartbeat feel faster or stronger. Dehydration, Hypoglycaemia, Anaemia, and Hyperthyroidism can also increase the heart’s workload.

An irregular rhythm such as Atrial Fibrillation may cause an uneven or fluttering sensation. Palpitations alone do not identify a specific condition, so the timing, duration, pulse pattern, and associated symptoms are useful.

Write down when episodes begin, how long they last, whether the beat feels regular or uneven, and what you ate, drank, or took beforehand. Note dizziness, breathlessness, chest discomfort, fainting, fever, or sweating. Reduce evening stimulants and maintain sensible hydration unless a clinician has given you fluid restrictions.

Arrange an assessment if episodes recur, disturb sleep, or occur with fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance. A clinician may review medicines, check blood tests, and use an ECG or longer rhythm monitor.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, new weakness, confusion, or a persistent very fast or irregular heartbeat. Sit down, avoid driving, and seek help if symptoms feel severe or are worsening.

Ask whether you need an ECG or rhythm monitor, whether blood tests should check iron, thyroid function, or glucose, and whether any medicine, supplement, or stimulant could be contributing.