Wondering how to get a good night’s sleep with atrial fibrillation (AFib) can be enough to keep you tossing and turning. AFib is a type of arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm) that causes shortness of breath, heart palpitations, fatigue, and other symptoms — all of which can disrupt your rest.

If you’re ready for more restful nights, keep reading. This article offers six sleep tips for people with AFib, including the best sleeping positions, good sleep hygiene practices, and more.

1. Find Your Best Sleep Position for AFib

If you ask people about the best sleeping position for AFib, you’ll likely get a variety of answers — and that’s because it can depend on your overall health.

Some MyHeartDiseaseTeam members have asked whether sleeping on your left side is good or bad for AFib. In general, left-side sleeping is believed to promote healthy blood flow and reduce pressure on internal organs, like your heart, lungs, and stomach. But for some people, sleeping on the left side can shift the heart’s position and lead to discomfort or shortness of breath. This sleep position may also affect electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, which track your heart’s electrical activity.

Because of this, you might conclude that it’s better to sleep on your right side. However, this position can worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may trigger AFib symptoms. Multiple studies have also linked GERD to sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder in people with AFib.

Sleeping on your back can worsen sleep apnea symptoms like snoring. Sleeping on your stomach can cause neck and back pain.

So, then, what’s the best sleep position if you have AFib? There’s no clear answer. Doctors generally recommend side sleeping, but this heart-related matter needs more research. Some people with AFib find the left side more comfortable, especially if acid reflux is an issue. Others, especially people with heart failure, feel better sleeping on their right side.

The best approach is to talk with your doctor about your full health picture. Based on their guidance, you can experiment with different sleep positions to see what works best for you.

2. Take Medications as Prescribed

Your healthcare provider may prescribe beta-blockers to slow your irregular heart rate and reduce AFib symptoms. However, beta-blockers can also affect your sleep. These medications may lower the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the natural sleep-wake cycle. Some people may experience insomnia or other sleep disorders while taking beta-blockers.

If you have trouble sleeping after starting a new AFib medication, tell your doctor. They may be able to adjust the timing or dosage or recommend a different medication. Don’t make changes on your own, however, because that can be unsafe. Always check with your doctor first.

Also, talk with your healthcare provider before trying anything new to help you sleep. Certain over-the-counter sleep medications, vitamins, supplements, or even foods can interact with heart medications. Open and honest communication with your provider can help you protect your heart health and get better sleep.

3. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol

An iced coffee might hit the spot on a hot afternoon, but caffeine can stay in your system for more than six hours and keep you from falling or staying asleep. A nightcap might sound like a good way to help you relax, but it too may be more of a problem than a solution for good sleep.

Avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime is a good idea for anyone trying to get a good night’s sleep, especially people living with AFib. Although not everyone is sensitive to caffeine and alcohol, both have been linked to irregular heart rhythms. If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor if moderate alcohol consumption is safe for you.

4. Get Checked for Sleep Apnea

If you snore, breathe shallowly, or stop breathing on and off while you sleep, you might have sleep apnea. About 30 million people in the United States have this condition, which can affect sleep quality and overall health.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. OSA occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airway for at least 10 seconds. Research shows a strong link between OSA and AFib — about 50 percent of people with AFib also have OSA.

Examples of risk factors for sleep apnea include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Narrowed airways
• Older age (over 40)
• A history of smoking or using alcohol
• Chronic nasal congestion
• Family history of sleep apnea

If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This device helps keep your airways open while you sleep. Because sleep apnea and AFib are closely connected, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and explore treatment options.

5. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Good sleep hygiene refers to healthy sleep habits that support better rest. Lifestyle changes that may be unrelated to AFib can improve your sleep quality. Try these tips for better sleep:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
• Put away all screens at least 30 minutes before bed.
• Avoid heavy meals in the evening.
• Use earplugs and room-darkening shades if needed.
• Avoid napping late in the day.
• Follow a relaxing bedtime routine, such as meditation or a warm bath.

Exercising during the day helps improve sleep for some people, but talk to your cardiologist before starting a new fitness program. Physical activity may help you live better with heart disease, but it’s important for your doctor to determine a safe plan for you.

6. Ask for Help

Sleep is essential for your heart, your brain, and your overall health. Proper rest helps your immune system, supports mental well-being, and keeps your nervous system functioning well.

An occasional restless night might not be a big problem, but if poor sleep becomes a pattern, it’s time to seek help. Your healthcare provider or a sleep specialist can recommend treatment options, including sleep medicine, if necessary.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyHeartDiseaseTeam is the social network for people with heart disease and their loved ones. On MyHeartDiseaseTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with heart disease.

Do you have tips for sleeping with atrial fibrillation? Share your experience in the comments below. If you have questions for others living with AFib, post them on your Activities page.