Many people have had the unusual sensation of hearing their heartbeat while lying in bed. For some, this rhythmic sound piques their interest, while others are concerned about potential health risks. Here’s all you need to know about this phenomena, including when it’s natural and when you should seek medical assistance.
Why do you hear your own heartbeat on your pillow?
Hearing your heartbeat while lying on your side is usually normal. According to Dr. Anthony Youn, a US surgeon, this sound is frequently generated by the carotid artery pressing against your pillow. The carotid artery is a significant blood channel that supplies blood to the head and neck. When you lie down, the proximity to your ear can magnify the sound of your pulse, much like a bass drum.
The quiet environment of bedtime can make internal sounds like your heartbeat more audible. This impact is most noticeable when external noises are minimal, allowing you to detect your body’s natural rhythm.
The Importance of Pulsatile Tinnitus
If the heartbeat sound persists or becomes unpleasant, you may have pulsatile tinnitus. Pulsatile tinnitus differs from typical tinnitus in that it fits the rhythm of your heartbeat rather than a constant ringing or buzzing. According to Tinnitus UK, this illness is frequently caused by changes in blood flow near the ear or an increased awareness of that flow.
Dr. Youn notes that while pulsatile tinnitus is normally harmless, it is crucial to seek medical attention if the sound is persistent or disturbing, as it can occasionally suggest underlying health problems.
Common Causes of Pulsatile Tinnitus
Pulsatile tinnitus can originate from numerous sources, including:
High Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure increases the force of blood flow, making it turbulent and noisy.
Atherosclerosis: Hardened arteries near the ear might induce turbulent blood flow, increasing interior sounds.
Anemia or Hyperthyroidism: These disorders increase blood flow, which might show as pulsatile tinnitus.
Ear Abnormalities: A ruptured eardrum or thin bone structures in the ear might amplify blood flow noises.
In some situations, head or neck tumors may cause pulsatile tinnitus by pressing on surrounding blood vessels.
When to be concerned?
Hearing your heartbeat when lying down is usually not a problem. However, certain symptoms may necessitate medical attention:
The noise persists and disturbs your sleep.
You can hear the sounds even when sitting or standing straight.
It is accompanied by additional symptoms such as headaches, visual abnormalities, and dizziness.
Pulsatile tinnitus may indicate significant problems such as carotid artery disease, aneurysms, or arteriovenous malformations. A comprehensive examination by a healthcare practitioner can assist to rule out these possibilities.
Diagnosing the Cause
If you have pulsatile tinnitus, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and physical exam. To discover problems, they may listen to your neck’s blood flow with a stethoscope. Additional testing, such as a CT or MRI scan, may be required to determine the cause.
Blood testing and thyroid function tests can also help diagnose underlying disorders such as anemia or hyperthyroidism.
Treatment Options:
The underlying cause of pulsatile tinnitus determines the appropriate treatment. For example:
Blood Pressure Management: Medications and lifestyle adjustments can help manage high blood pressure.
Surgical Interventions: If the problem is caused by aberrant blood vessels or tumors, surgery may be required.
Self-management Techniques: Sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or relaxation techniques can all assist manage symptoms in idiopathic instances (those with no known cause).
Tips for coping at night
If the sound of your heartbeat disturbs your sleep, try using a white noise machine or a fan to drown out the noise. Meditation and relaxation activities before bedtime may also help you tune out the noise and fall asleep more quickly.
Loud Thoughts
Hearing your heartbeat while lying on your pillow is normally nothing to worry about, as it represents your body’s natural functions. However, if the sound persists or interferes with your everyday life, seeing a doctor can bring relief and detect any potential health issues. As Dr. Youn puts it, “It’s best to get checked out if you’re unsure—it’s always better to rule out anything serious” . Understanding your body’s cycles is critical to sustaining both physical and emotional health.