Pericarditis is a disease referred to as the inflammation of the pericardium, a thin layer of tissues encasing your heart. It causes chest pain that makes you not to sleep calmly at night, thus implying that a body condition of pain defects the quality of sleep. Here are some tips on how to sleep with pericarditis:
Best Sleeping Positions for Pericarditis:
On your right side:
Pericarditis pain usually centers on the left mid-chest. Lying on the left side could worsen chest pain since more pressure is directed to your heart in this position. The trial-and-error way is to try lying on the right side and check if it helps.
Elevated:
If sleeping on your side feels uncomfortable, you can try laying on your back with your head and neck elevated, which may relieve chest pain and shortness of breath caused by pericarditis. Try this sleeping position with several or a wedge-shaped pillow to prop up your head, neck, and shoulders. In addition, you may discover that placing a pillow under your knees will put even less strain on the lower back.
Sleep Positions to Avoid with Pericarditis:
- Try not to lie down on your back if you have pericarditis.
Other Tips for Sleeping with Pericarditis:
- Avoid meals before bedtime.
- Darken and chill your bedroom.
- Ditch the electronic gadgets at bedtime.
- Practice relaxing activities one hour before bed, as well as a bath, reading, or meditation.
- Do not drink alcohol and caffeine, nor drink or eat sugar-containing products.
These are general suggestions, so they may only work for some people. You should consult with your medical caregiver to get tailored recommendations. In case of a chest pain of a severe kind, immediately seek medical help.
What causes pericarditis?
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, two-layered, fluid-filled sac surrounding the outer surface of your heart. The exact cause of pericarditis is often unknown, but a variety of factors can cause it:
- Infections:
Pericarditis often is a result of viral infections. Other infectious causes may be bacteria, fungi, or parasites. - Heart attack:
Pericarditis can result from a heart attack. - Open heart surgery:
Surgery may result in pericarditis. - Injury to the heart or chest:
Accident or radiation therapy can cause pericarditis. - Inflammatory diseases:
Conditions including rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause pericarditis. - Certain medications:
Drugs, for instance, blood thinners or anti-seizure medications, are the drugs that cause pericarditis. - Other conditions:
Kidney failure, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis are some of the other causes of pericarditis.
Can stress cause pericarditis?
Stress may not be directly linked as a cause of pericarditis, but it can have a harmful long-term effect on health and may worsen symptoms in people with health problems, like heart conditions. Chronic stress results in behaviours that make us vulnerable to inflammation, including insufficient diet, lack of exercise, and poor sleeping habits.
Nonetheless, the most frequent causes of pericarditis are viral infections, heart surgery, heart or chest injury, and certain inflammatory disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Pericarditis may occur without a known cause, and this is referred to as idiopathic pericarditis.
If you are feeling stressed, you can try stress management practices like relaxation exercises, physical activity, and talking to a mental health professional.
7 Symptoms of pericarditis
The symptoms of pericarditis may differ according to the type and degree of the disease. Here are some common symptoms:
- Chest pain:
This is the most frequent symptom of pericarditis. The pain is usually sharp or stabbing and is located in the middle or left side of the chest. The pain can spread to the left shoulder and neck. It can become more painful when coughing, lying down, or taking deep breaths, and it may improve when sitting upright or leaning forward. - Shortness of breath:
This symptom is particularly distinguishable when lying down. - Heart palpitations:
Feelings such as your heart skipping a beat, fluttering, or beating too hard or fast. - Low-grade fever:
This is one more common symptom of acute pericarditis. - Fatigue or general feeling of weakness or sickness.
- Cough.
- Swelling of the belly (abdomen) or legs.
Note that many of the symptoms of pericarditis resemble those of other heart and lung disorders. If you have any chest pain or other symptoms of pericarditis, you should see a doctor right away.
Types of pericarditis
Certainly! Pericarditis is the inflammation or infection of the **pericardium**, the thin membrane surrounding the heart. Let’s explore the different types of pericarditis:
1. Acute Pericarditis:
Symptoms: Acute pericarditis manifests suddenly and is characterized by chest pain that often radiates to the neck, shoulders, and back. The pain worsens during inspiration (breathing in) and lying down but improves when sitting up.
Duration: Symptoms typically last for less than three months and often resolve with appropriate treatment.
Causes: Acute pericarditis can be idiopathic (unknown cause) or result from viral/bacterial infections, metabolic disorders, cardiac arrest, blunt injury, radiation, malignancy, toxins, or certain medications.
Prevalence: It affects around 5% of cases with severe chest pain and is more common in men and young adults.
2. Chronic Pericarditis:
Symptoms: Chronic pericarditis persists for more than three to six months. Patients may not experience typical chest pain but might have fatigue, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Underlying Conditions: It is associated with autoimmune disorders such as lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis, where the body’s antibodies attack its cells and tissues.
Long-Term Impact: Chronic pericarditis can have a prolonged course and requires careful management.
3. Recurrent Pericarditis:
Definition: When a person experiences repeated episodes of pericarditis, it is termed recurrent pericarditis.
Challenges: This condition can be debilitating and necessitates tailored treatment based on the underlying cause.
4. Constrictive Pericarditis:
Description: Constrictive pericarditis occurs when the pericardium thickens or scars, leading to heart compression within the thoracic cavity.
Effect: The constriction limits the heart’s effective functioning.
Clinical Impact: It can significantly impair cardiac output and overall health.
5. Pericardial Effusion:
Normal Fluid Volume: Normally, the pericardial cavity contains about 20–50 ml of fluid.
Abnormal Accumulation: In specific medical conditions (e.g., severe hypothyroidism, kidney failure) or after invasive cardiac procedures, excess fluid may accumulate within the pericardial cavity.
1. Healing and Restoration:
While sleeping, one’s body performs essential vital functions such as tissue repair and immune system regulation. It can help reduce inflammation and deal with pain.
2. Sleep Positions:
Changing your sleep position could relieve discomfort. For example, sleeping on your right side decreases pressure on your heart*. Oppositely, your head and neck could be raised while lying down. Thus, the discomfort in chest pain and shortness of breath could be relieved.
3. Avoid Certain Positions:
It is recommended not to lay flat on your back as this position could aggravate the symptoms.
FAQs About How to Sleep with Pericarditis
1. Is it safe to sleep on my side when I have pericarditis?
Pericarditis is usually safe to sleep on your side, but it is important to find a pain-free position. Some people prefer sleeping on the back with the support of a few pillows.
2. Should I use the extra pillows to hold myself up in the sleeping position with pericarditis
A higher position on the pillow can relieve pressure from the chest and give you more relief. Try out a variety of pillow configurations to eventually find the one that is most beneficial for you.
3. Is it a concern that my sleep is affected by the palpitations or irregular heartbeat with pericarditis?
Palpitations and irregular heartbeat may be symptoms of pericarditis, but they do not always mean a serious problem. However, if you encounter very uncomfortable palpitations or any other dangerous symptoms, visiting your doctor is important.
4. Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to help with sleep if I have pericarditis?
Relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation, before bed could help you have a better sleep. Furthermore, not consuming caffeine and large meals before bed may help you sleep better and have a more restful night’s sleep.
5. When do I contact my doctor regarding sleep problems due to pericarditis?
If your sleep disturbances persist or worsen even after trying different approaches, you should seek professional help to make the proper diagnosis. They can evaluate your symptoms, modify your treatment plan, and offer personalized counselling based on your particular case.
