Heart Failure Patients Struggling With Insomnia: What Can Be Done

Heart failure patients often experience difficulty sleeping at night, and addressing this issue requires a deeper understanding of the underlying causes. If insomnia is accompanied by symptoms such as nighttime shortness of breath, inability to lie flat, wheezing, or worsening cough when lying down, it may indicate a progression of heart failure. In such cases, sleep disturbances are often a reflection of worsening cardiac function, and medical intervention should be sought immediately to adjust treatment plans.

Managing Worsening Heart Failure Symptoms

When heart failure symptoms intensify at night, it is crucial to identify and eliminate potential triggers such as infections, overexertion, or fluid overload. Effective management of coexisting conditions like diabetes and hypertension becomes essential in stabilizing the patient's condition. Physicians may recommend optimizing medication regimens, including the use of diuretics like furosemide, torasemide, or tolvaptan to reduce fluid retention and ease the burden on the heart.

Considering Additional Therapies

In some cases, doctors may prescribe cardiac support medications such as digoxin to improve heart function. Supplemental low-flow oxygen therapy during nighttime can also be beneficial, helping to alleviate hypoxia and improve overall comfort, which may in turn promote better sleep quality for heart failure patients.

Addressing Sleep Issues Without Cardiac Symptoms

If the patient does not experience physical discomfort such as dyspnea or chest tightness at night, but simply suffers from poor sleep quality, alternative approaches may be considered. Non-pharmacological interventions, including herbal remedies like Zao Ren An Shen (a traditional Chinese medicine formulation), may help regulate sleep patterns and promote relaxation without placing additional strain on the cardiovascular system.

Improving Sleep Hygiene

Adopting good sleep hygiene practices can also make a significant difference. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, minimizing fluid intake before bedtime, elevating the head while sleeping, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine and nicotine can all contribute to better sleep outcomes for individuals with heart failure.