Can lack of sleep cause palpitations?
Disease description:
I have been experiencing insufficient sleep recently, often staying up late, and I've had some palpitations and anxiety. May I ask if lack of sleep can cause palpitations?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xin
Sleep deprivation can indeed cause palpitations. Lack of sleep keeps the sympathetic nervous system in an excited state for prolonged periods, leading to increased release of catecholamines. These substances stimulate the heart's conduction system, increasing the frequency of electrical impulses, thereby triggering symptoms such as palpitations and heart fluttering. In addition, sleep deprivation may also cause inadequate blood supply to the heart, affecting cardiac function and further exacerbating the sensation of palpitations. Particularly for individuals with underlying conditions such as cardiac insufficiency, heart failure, tachyarrhythmia, hyperthyroidism, or anemia, sleep deprivation more easily induces or aggravates palpitation symptoms. Therefore, maintaining sufficient sleep is crucial for preventing cardiac discomfort symptoms such as palpitations.
