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SearchThe short answer from a cardiovascular researcher
A: It’s not uncommon for atrial fibrillation (AFib) to occur at night. The nerves that control your heart rate typically are in sleep mode, and that’s when your resting heart rate drops. Under these conditions, pacemaker activity from areas other than the normal pacemaker in the heart can trigger the onset of AFib.
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In addition, many patients with AFib have an underlying issue of obstructive or central sleep apnea. If you are frequently sleepy during the daytime, that is especially likely to be the case. If you suffer from AFib, sleep apnea can disrupt the heart’s rhythms. This is a dangerous combination.
To help treat sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or other devices that may help to reduce the frequency and burden of AFib.
— Researcher David Van Wagoner, PhD
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The Short Answer from a cardiologist
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Mouth taping isn’t a recommended treatment for sleep apnea or snoring
Here’s what to know from a sleep medicine specialist
This connection is yet another reason to seek help for OSA
Sleeping disorder may increase danger of cardiac event
Heroic snoring can be associated with obstructive sleep apnea
Keeping a sleep diary and seeing a sleep specialist can help you stay asleep and get the ZZZs you need
Keeping a sleep diary and seeing a sleep specialist can help you stay asleep and get the ZZZs you need
Hormone changes can definitely leave you tossing and turning at night, but help is available
