“Our heart beats in a rhythm. Any increase or decrease in the rate or rhythm makes your heart beat in an irregular fashion, known as arrhythmia”, said Dr M Lawrance Jesuraj, consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist, Kovai Medical Center and Hospitals, Coimbatore, Karnataka, in a conversation with Happiest Health at Shakti Conclave 2.0, which focused on heart health in women. “Arrhythmia is triggered by many factors. These include injury to the heart, electrolyte imbalance, infections or fever, high blood sugar and blood pressure.” He added that in such cases, devices like defibrillators and pacemakers come to the rescue.
Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), monitor the heart rhythm and rate while significantly enhancing and prolonging the quality of life. However, after an ICD is implanted, people may encounter erratic sleep patterns, especially in the initial days, say experts. Lifestyle modifications, stress reduction and adopting healthy sleeping habits can help them manage their sleep better.
Difference between defibrillators and pacemakers
Pacemakers are used when the heart slows down or stops beating for an extended period, causing the person to faint. Defibrillators, on the other hand, are implanted devices that are used when the person is in danger of developing a life-threatening arrhythmia, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation (fibrosis).
According to a study published in Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology (2013), people with ICDs tended to have poor sleep quality during the insertion of the device and even later, while it was in use. Although ICDs do not directly affect sleep quality directly, Dr Arora explained they can intervene and alert someone if the heart starts to beat faster than normal.
How to sleep better with heart implantable devices
“A defibrillator is implanted under the collarbone, where your skin is more sensitive. So, you may experience some discomfort at bedtime in the first few days”, says Dr Arora. “Until you get used to it, do not lie on your left and avoid sleeping on your stomach while you heal.” She advises that people use a pillow, which provides inclination and helps in redistributing the blood volume.
Dr Lawrence also highlights that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine while optimizing the sleep environment can help to promote better sleep quality.
Incorporating good sleep hygiene practices and lifestyle modifications can enhance the quality of sleep and overall well-being of individuals with implanted devices.
• Stress management
Dr Arora says that stress is one of the major reasons behind sleep issues faced by individuals with defibrillators. Their physical activity decreases due to their heart condition, and they are unable to function as earlier. Following relaxation techniques like meditation, seeking professional help and spending some “me-time” can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
• Lifestyle changes
If you have an implantable defibrillator, it is important to make lifestyle changes. Dr Arora suggests limiting one’s fluid and salt intake and avoiding naps during the day to ensure optimal sleep at night. Medical guidance can also be helpful.
Here’s what to do if you have an implantable defibrillator:
- Maintain a six-inch distance from mobile phones and other gadgets.
- Avoid taking calls directly from mobile phones — use earphones instead.
- Avoid carrying gadgets in shirt pockets to minimize electromagnetic interference.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to electrical sources like transformers and scanners.
Takeaways
- ICDs and pacemakers are life-saving devices that regulate the heart rhythm during an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
- While pacemakers are smaller, defibrillators are slightly bulkier. The latter may impact sleep quality by causing discomfort or by intervening during an arrhythmia.
- People with implanted ICDs can improve sleep quality by making certain changes. This includes adjusting their sleeping position, making lifestyle changes, practicing sleep hygiene, reducing stress, and sleeping with a pillow.
