Why Late Nights Cause Rapid Heartbeat and Sleeplessness: A Guide - Cardiology

Share to:

After staying up late, the next day I experience a rapid heartbeat and feel hot all over, making it difficult to sleep?


Hello doctor, I have noticed that when I stay up late, my heart feels like it's racing, sometimes to the point where it feels like it's about to jump out of my chest.
My body also feels very warm, which makes it even harder to fall asleep.
On Saturday and Sunday, I stayed up until around 3 or 4 AM, but I didn't experience any issues.
However, last night (Monday), I went to bed around midnight, and then I started tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
I felt my heart racing and my entire body felt hot.
Even when I tried deep breathing, it felt like I couldn't get enough air into my lungs.
I wanted to use deep breathing to regulate my heart rate and calm my body down, but I couldn't manage to do it.
I really wanted to fall asleep, but because of my heart racing, I couldn't.
I felt a bit anxious, and after some time, I finally fell asleep.
However, this morning when I woke up, I still felt discomfort in my chest, and my breathing felt similar to how it was before I fell asleep, but without the rapid heartbeat I experienced last night.
Should I get this checked out? If so, which department should I consult?

Myrna, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/02

Dr. Chen Jili reply Cardiology


It is recommended that you visit a cardiology outpatient clinic for your heart rhythm issues to determine if any relevant tests are needed or if a referral to other specialties is necessary.
Thank you, and wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2020/06/02

More Info


Late nights can significantly impact your heart rate and overall sleep quality, leading to a range of symptoms including rapid heartbeat, feelings of heat, and difficulty falling asleep. These issues can be attributed to several physiological and psychological factors.

Firstly, staying up late often disrupts the body's circadian rhythm, which is the internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles. When you go to bed at irregular hours, especially late at night, your body may not be able to transition smoothly into sleep. This disruption can lead to increased levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which can elevate heart rate and create feelings of anxiety or restlessness.
Additionally, late-night activities, such as using electronic devices, can expose you to blue light, which inhibits the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. This can further delay your ability to fall asleep and contribute to feelings of anxiety and rapid heartbeat.

The symptoms you describe, such as a racing heart, feeling hot, and difficulty breathing, can also be associated with anxiety or panic attacks. When you are anxious, your body enters a "fight or flight" mode, which can cause your heart to race and your body to feel warm. This physiological response can make it even harder to relax and fall asleep.

Moreover, if you are taking medications for arrhythmia or heart failure, it's essential to consider how these medications interact with your lifestyle choices, including sleep patterns. Some medications can have side effects that may exacerbate feelings of anxiety or affect heart rate, especially if they are not taken as prescribed or if your lifestyle changes significantly.

Given your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional. A visit to a cardiologist would be appropriate, especially since you are experiencing rapid heartbeats and discomfort in your chest. They can perform tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor to assess your heart's rhythm and rule out any underlying cardiac issues.

Additionally, it may be beneficial to see a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, if anxiety is a significant factor in your symptoms. They can help you develop coping strategies and techniques to manage anxiety, which may alleviate some of your physical symptoms.

In the meantime, consider implementing some lifestyle changes to improve your sleep hygiene. Establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Create a calming bedtime routine that includes activities such as reading or taking a warm bath, and limit exposure to screens at least an hour before bed. Engaging in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga, can also help calm your mind and body before sleep.

In summary, late nights can lead to rapid heartbeats and sleeplessness due to disruptions in your circadian rhythm, increased stress hormones, and potential anxiety. Consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable to rule out any serious conditions and to receive guidance on managing your symptoms effectively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: Causes and When to See a Doctor

I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling unwell. It sounds like you experienced symptoms such as dizziness, headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a rapid heartbeat after staying up late. These symptoms could be related to sleep deprivation, which can lead to various ...


Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, the symptoms you are experiencing are likely due to autonomic nervous system instability caused by staying up late. Getting more rest should help. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: Causes and When to See a Doctor


Understanding Nighttime Palpitations: When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello Dr. Wu, my sleep schedule is approximately going to bed at midnight and waking up at 7 AM. Recently, I have noticed that when I lie down at night before sleeping, I can clearly feel my heart beating strongly, which makes it difficult for me to fall asleep. However, I might ...


Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology
Many factors in daily life can contribute to this situation, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. If this condition does not improve and becomes more frequent, it is recommended to visit a cardiology clinic for a 24-hou...

[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Palpitations: When to Seek Medical Advice


Understanding Psychogenic Sudden Death: Anxiety, Sleep, and Heart Health

Hello, doctor. First of all, Happy New Year. I am a senior in high school and currently experiencing significant academic pressure. Since school started in September, I have been dealing with intermittent neuralgia, occasionally accompanied by symptoms resembling chest tightness ...


Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, there is no indication that sleeping 5-6 hours will lead to sudden death, so don't worry. It likely means you do not have congenital heart disease. For a senior in high school, getting 5-6 hours of sleep is actually quite good. In a few months, you'll be through ...

[Read More] Understanding Psychogenic Sudden Death: Anxiety, Sleep, and Heart Health


How Does Staying Up Late Affect Your Heart Health?

Sometimes when I stay up late, my heart feels like it skips a beat. Is staying up late bad for the heart? I sleep for 7 hours every day.


Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, staying up late is detrimental to your overall health, especially as it can destabilize your autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms similar to neuralgia. It's advisable to go to bed earlier. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

[Read More] How Does Staying Up Late Affect Your Heart Health?


Related FAQ

Arrhythmia

(Cardiology)

Rapid Heartbeat

(Cardiology)

Lightheadedness

(Cardiology)

Palpitations

(Cardiology)

Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction

(Cardiology)

Heart Attack

(Cardiology)

Myocardial Hypoxia

(Cardiology)

Premature Atrial Contractions

(Cardiology)

Pulse

(Cardiology)

Afib

(Cardiology)