It’s no secret that heart conditions can disrupt one’s sleep. Whether it’s the weird feeling in your chest or a series of air bubbles popping in your chest, it doesn’t matter. Heart diseases are painful and just as troublesome.
This is why cardiologists use Holter monitors to help alleviate the pain and understand where the irregularities stem from. But people often get overwhelmed by the device, wondering if they can move at all with the device strapped to their chest. However, despite its bulky design, you can carry on with your daily activities without worry. Even sleeping with a Holter monitor is not a big deal. Although there are certain techniques you can follow to make sure you have a good night’s rest.
What Is A Holter Monitor?
A Holter monitor is a small heart-monitoring device that is strapped to the patient’s chest via electrodes. It works as a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) device to help record the electrical activities of the heart. Depending on the doctor’s orders, the patient may have to wear a Holter monitor for as little as 24 hours or as long as two weeks.
The main purpose of a Holter monitor is to detect the reasons behind heart irregularities. For instance, frequently dealing with an abnormal heart rate, fainting, etc., might be linked to a severe heart condition.
Is It Okay To Sleep With A Holter Monitor?
Considering how you’re not supposed to remove the Holter monitor at all, sleeping with it on is no big deal. Moreover, in most cases, cardiologists ask patients to wear the device for just 28 to 48 hours, so there’s not a lot of disruption.
And although it might feel a little uncomfortable at first, with a few adjustments, you’ll get used to it, leading to a peaceful sleep.
Can You Sleep On Your Side With A Holter Monitor On?
Absolutely! In fact, sleeping on your side is the best position to sleep in with a Holter monitor attached to your chest. This is because it’s important to keep the monitoring device close to your chest when you sleep.
Plus, when you sleep on your side, it prevents the electrodes and wires from getting snagged or pulled out. Thus to avoid any such accidents from occurring, it’s best to sleep on your side for a comfortable position.
Tips For A Comfortable Sleep With Holter Monitor
Carrying around a bulky heart monitor with its stringy wires and electrodes can be difficult. However, by focusing on other activities, you can minimize the stress of having it clipped to your chest.
To make sure your sleeping cycle doesn’t get disturbed with a Holte monitor, try the following techniques instead:
- Wear a comfortable t-shirt to bed.
- Distract yourself from hyper-fixating on the device by reading, meditating, etc.
- Avoid caffeine at least 4 hours before your bedtime.
- Take melatonin or other sleep-enhancing medication.
- Keep all artificial blue light sources away from you. This includes all electronic devices.
- Block out all sources of light and sound for a comfortable environment.
- Keep your bedroom cool
- Sleep on the other side of your bed or switch things up from your normal routine.
- Do yoga to help relax your muscles.
Want to Know More About Heart Monitoring Devices?
If you think you might be in need of a portable heart monitoring device or perhaps have just recently gotten one, contact Octagos Health for more information.
Our experts will help you overcome any obstacle or problem you may have. Be it sleeping issues with a Holter monitor or anything else, all you need to do is dial (281) 769-8733 to get the answers to your questions. You can also come and visit us at 13325 Hargrave Rd Suite 281, Houston, TX 77070. We’re located on the first floor of the Hargrave Plaza.