Trouble sleeping after cardiac arrest or ECMO: is this normal?
The short answer
What is going on
Difficulty sleeping is one of the physical side effects cardiac arrest survivors report. Medication side effects are another.Source:American Heart Association
Problems falling asleep or staying asleep, nightmares and unwanted memories can follow a stay in intensive care.Source:Cleveland Clinic
Common causes of poor sleep include stress, anxiety or depression, noise, a room that is too hot or cold, and alcohol, caffeine or nicotine.Source:NHS (UK)
Habits that may help
The NHS suggests going to bed only when sleepy, getting up at the same time every day, relaxing for at least an hour before bed, and keeping the bedroom dark and quiet.Source:NHS (UK)
It also suggests avoiding smoking, alcohol, tea and coffee for at least 6 hours before bed, a big meal late at night, and screens right before bed.Source:NHS (UK)
Insomnia usually gets better by changing your sleeping habits.Source:NHS (UK)
Ask your care team how much activity is right for you before you add exercise.Source:American Heart Association
If bad dreams or memories keep coming back
Nightmares and unwanted, distressing memories can be a sign of PTSD, which is treatable. Tell your care team.Source:Mayo ClinicNHS (UK)
Call 911 if...
- Chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, or a racing or irregular heartbeat with feeling unwell, including when it wakes you.Source:American Heart Association
- If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911.Source:988 Lifeline
Quick answers
Why can I not sleep since my cardiac arrest?
Difficulty sleeping is among the physical side effects that cardiac arrest survivors report, and problems falling or staying asleep are also described after time in intensive care. Stress and anxiety can add to it.
Source:American Heart AssociationCleveland ClinicNHS (UK)Related
Where this comes from
- American Heart Association: Recovering From a Cardiac Arrest
- Cleveland Clinic: Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS)
- NHS (UK): Insomnia
- Mayo Clinic: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- NHS (UK): PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- American Heart Association: Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 Lifeline
General information, not medical advice. Talk to your care team.