Do you often find it difficult to sleep at night because of the discomfort due to pericarditis? Are you also struggling to find a comfortable sleeping position due to the pericarditis pain? Let’s help you then.
Here, we will explain the best way to sleep with pericarditis. You will learn about all the dos and don’ts of sleep while going through this condition. Moreover, we have shared some practical lifestyle tips and treatment options for pericarditis as well. Keep reading to get a peaceful sleep without any discomfort or shortness of breath due to it.
The Best Sleeping Positions for Pericarditis
Your sleeping position is very important if you have pericarditis. Wrong sleeping posture can worsen your condition and affect the quality of your sleep. Let’s look at the most comfortable positions to sleep in with this condition.
- On Your Right Side: Sleeping on your right side can help alleviate pressure on the heart and reduce discomfort. This position minimizes contact between the heart and the chest wall, which provides relief from pericarditis pain.
- Elevated: Elevating your upper body with the help of extra pillows can reduce strain on the pericardium. This elevated position helps prevent fluid accumulation around the heart. It will help with better circulation and make you feel relieved from pericarditis discomfort.
- Relax Your Jaws: The 3rd tip to sleep with pericarditis is relaxing your jaws. Keeping your jaw relaxed while sleeping can prevent unnecessary tension and contribute to overall comfort.
- Keep Your Chest at a 45° Angle: Maintaining a 45-degree angle with your chest can facilitate easier breathing and reduce pressure on the heart. This position is also beneficial for alleviating the pain associated with pericarditis.
Sleeping Positions to Avoid for Pericarditis
The wrong sleeping posture with pericarditis can affect the quality of your sleep. Here are a few positions to avoid while sleeping with pericarditis:
- Lying Flat on Your Back: Sleeping flat on your back can increase pressure on the heart and increase pericarditis discomfort. It’s essential to avoid this position to prevent unnecessary discomfort.
- Sleeping on Your Stomach: Sleeping on your stomach can put strain on your chest and may cause disturbances in your sleep. It is advisable to avoid this position to ensure better sleep quality, even if you are habitually sleeping like this. .
- Avoid Deep Breathing: While deep breathing is generally beneficial for relaxation, individuals with pericarditis may find it uncomfortable. Try to avoid deep breaths during the night to minimize potential irritation to the inflamed pericardium.
Other Tips for Sleeping With Pericarditis
Here are some other tips for sleeping with pericarditis. These will help you get a good sleep with pericarditis.
- Make a sleep schedule and follow it regularly.
- Avoid large meals before sleeping.
- Ensure your bedroom is dark.
- Maintain the most suitable temperature for sleep.
- Try relaxing activities like a warm bath, reading a book, meditation, or any other that works best for you.
- Avoid using alcohol or any other recreational drug.
- Prevent caffeine or nicotine intake before sleep.
Medicated Treatments for Pericarditis
Although pericarditis is not a serious issue, it usually vanishes after a few days without any treatment. But in some cases, you may need to use medical treatment options for it. Your doctor will decide what is best for you based on your diagnosis. Here are some useful treatment options for this condition.
OTC Medicines
Some over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are also useful when dealing with pericarditis. These are safe to use and don’t have any side effects.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), e.g., Ibuprofen and Naproxen.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Colchicine.
- Prescription Medications.
Surgery
The last option to deal with pericarditis is surgery. Although it can be treated easily, in rare cases, surgery may be needed to treat it. There are two surgical options for this condition.
- Pericardiocentesis
- Pericardiectomy
Your doctor will suggest the most suitable one according to your condition.
Final Words
Hopefully you have got your answer by now about “How To Sleep With Pericarditis?”. Living with pericarditis requires careful consideration of your sleep habits and lifestyle. By adopting the recommended sleeping positions, avoiding unfavourable ones, and incorporating lifestyle tips, you can sleep well despite having pericarditis.
Despite following these tips, if you still have pericarditis problems, consult with your doctor. Get a detailed diagnosis and start the prescribed treatment. A good night’s sleep is crucial for your overall well-being.
