Experiencing the sensation of a heartbeat in your pillow is fairly common and can be a little disconcerting. However, this phenomenon is usually due to the amplification of your own heartbeat through the pillow when you lie down. The feeling is particularly noticeable in a quiet room or if you’re lying in a position that places your ear directly against the pillow. Now, let’s delve deeper into the reasons behind this palpable pulse and what you can do if it becomes a nuisance.
Understanding the Heartbeat Sensation in Your Pillow
When you rest your head on a pillow, your ear gets covered and external sounds become muffled. In this scenario, internal bodily sounds, like your heartbeat, become more prominent. Moreover, as your ear presses against the pillow, the pulsing of blood vessels close to your ear can sometimes mimic the rhythm of a heartbeat. The combination of your actual heartbeat and these pulsating blood vessels can amplify the sound and sensation, making it feel as though your pillow has developed a heartbeat of its own.
Physiological Factors Contributing to the Sensation
Several physiological factors can enhance the sensation of a heartbeat in your pillow. If you’re engaged in physical activity before going to bed, your heart rate will be elevated, making your heartbeat more noticeable. Stress and anxiety can also cause your heart to beat harder and faster, which can contribute to the sensation. Additionally, high blood pressure or conditions that increase blood flow, like pregnancy, can make you more aware of your heartbeat when you’re trying to sleep.
Positional Factors That Amplify the Sensation
The position in which you sleep can significantly influence whether you feel your heartbeat in your pillow. Sleeping on your side or stomach with one ear pressed against the pillow typically makes this sensation more pronounced. The weight of your head pressing down can compress the ear and surrounding tissues, leading to an increased awareness of your own pulse.
Possible Health-Related Concerns
For some individuals, the sense of a beating pillow could be more than a simple amplification of their heartbeat. A condition known as pulsatile tinnitus is characterized by hearing a rhythmic pulsing, often in time with one’s heartbeat, which can be heard in the absence of any external sound. Though the sensation normally occurs within the ear, the feeling can be projected externally, like onto a pillow.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
If the heartbeat sensation is persistent, accompanied by pain, or if you have any concerns about your heart health, it is important to seek medical advice. Pulsatile tinnitus may require a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying conditions that could be causing this symptom. Your doctor can conduct tests to check for issues such as blood vessel disorders, high blood pressure, or other conditions that might be responsible for the sensation.
Tips to Reduce or Eliminate the Heartbeat Sensation
If the sensation of a heartbeat in your pillow is bothersome, there are several strategies you can try to minimize or eliminate it:
Change Your Sleeping Position
Try altering your sleep position. Sleeping on your back may reduce the pressure on your ears and therefore the heartbeat sensation you feel. Experimenting with different pillow types and sleeping positions can also be beneficial.
Select the Right Pillow
The type of pillow you use can make a significant difference. Consider using pillows designed to reduce pressure on the ear, such as those with a built-in ear hole or pillows made of memory foam that conform to the shape of your head without exerting excessive pressure.
Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Before bedtime, engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or listening to calming music to lower your heart rate and relieve stress. This can decrease the intensity of your heartbeat and make it less noticeable when you’re going to sleep.
Limit Stimulants Before Bed
Avoid consuming stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine close to bedtime, as they can elevate your heart rate and make your pulse more prominent when you are trying to sleep.
Monitor Your Blood Pressure
Regularly monitoring your blood pressure can help you maintain it at a healthy level, reducing the chances of an excessively strong heartbeat that can be felt in the pillow.
Seek White Noise Solutions
Using a white noise machine or a fan can provide a background sound that may help mask the sensation of your heartbeat when it’s time to sleep.
Exercise Earlier in the Day
Engage in regular physical activity during the day rather than the evening. This helps ensure that your heart rate has returned to a normal resting pace by bedtime, reducing the likelihood of a noticeable heartbeat in your pillow.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can affect your blood pressure and exacerbate the sensation of a heartbeat. Make sure to drink sufficient water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated.
Top 5 Pillows Recommended By GoodSleepHub.com
Vekkia King Bed Wedge Pillow/Headboard Pillow Wedge/Mattress Gap Filler Wedge,Bed Gap Pillow Close Gap (0-6"),Stop Pillow Fallin...
33% Off (as of May 16, 2024 10:55 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Bedsure Pillows Queen Size Set of 2 - Queen Pillows 2 Pack Hotel Quality Bed Pillows for Sleeping Soft and Supportive Pillows fo...
18% Off (as of May 16, 2024 10:24 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Vorouhals Hotel Collection Bed Pillows for Sleeping 2 Pack Standard Size Cooling Pillows Set of 2 for Back, Stomach or Side Slee...
(as of May 16, 2024 10:24 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
MyPillow Premium Bed Pillow Queen, Firm
14% Off (as of May 16, 2024 10:24 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Sidney Sleep Pillow for Side and Back Sleepers - Comfort for Neck and Shoulder Pain - Adjustable and Customizable Shredded Memor...
40% Off (as of May 16, 2024 10:24 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Finishing Thoughts
The experience of feeling a heartbeat in your pillow is not uncommon and is typically not a cause for alarm. It’s often the result of the amplification of your own heartbeat and the pulsing of blood vessels near your ear – sensations that are more noticeable in the quiet and comfort of your bed. However, if this experience is persistent, troubling, or accompanied by other symptoms, seeking medical advice is the prudent course of action. By adjusting your sleep environment, sleep habits, and taking good care of your cardiovascular health, you can minimize this sensation and enjoy a more restful night’s sleep. Remember that your well-being is paramount, and little changes can make a significant difference in your sleep quality.
