I'm working night shifts from 5 PM to 3 AM IST, and my routine has me going to sleep around 3:30 AM, then waking up at 11:30 AM. I usually have my first meal at 1 PM, which is lunch. After that, I often take a nap, but during this time, I've noticed my heart feels like it's beating very fast, and I can actually hear it beating. Could you help me understand why this might be happening and what precautions I should follow?

Dr Shubham Chauhan

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 4+ Yrs

Consult Now

After having lunch and going to sleep, feeling a high heart rate and hearing your heart beating sounds could be due to a condition called palpitations. Palpitations are feelings that your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, or beating too hard or too fast. This can be caused by various factors such as stress, anxiety, caffeine intake, dehydration, or certain medications. To help reduce palpitations and maintain a healthy heart rate, you can try the following precautions: - Avoid heavy meals right before bedtime - Stay hydrated throughout the day - Limit caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon and evening - Try to manage stress through relaxation techniques or activities - Ensure you are getting enough sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule If the palpitations persist or worsen, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.

Answered 04/07/2025