Health Information
Heart Failure and Sleep Problems
Topic Overview
Many people with heart failure have trouble sleeping. You may have Reference insomnia Opens New Window because of trouble breathing or because of Reference depression Opens New Window or Reference anxiety Opens New Window.
Some people with heart failure have Reference sleep apnea Opens New Window, which means they stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer several times a night. This reduces the amount of oxygen their body gets.
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to health problems or make problems that you already have worse. It can make fluid build-up worse for people who have heart failure.
Sleep apnea may make you snore loudly and not sleep well, so you may be very tired during the day.
Sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes, Reference continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) Opens New Window, or devices you wear in your mouth to keep your airway open. In some cases, surgery can help.
Talk to your doctor if you have trouble sleeping or think you may have sleep apnea.
You can do some things at home to help yourself get a good night's sleep.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
