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Heart flutters when I lie down

See a doctor about this one

See a doctor about this one. It is a symptom that needs a cause found, and no remedy on this site is a substitute for that.

You lie down, the room goes quiet, and your heart flutters. It may feel like a skip, a thud, a flip, or a short run of fast beats. Many people notice it most in the first minutes in bed.

Lying flat changes how blood flows back to your heart. Your chest also rests against the bed, so each beat feels louder. Small skips you miss all day can feel huge at night.

Most flutters like this turn out to be extra beats that are not harmful. But the same feeling can come from other causes, and those need different steps. That is why the list of causes below matters more than being told not to worry.

When to see someone

Call 911 right now if chest pain comes with the flutter. Call 911 if you pass out or feel close to it. Call 911 if you cannot get your breath while lying still.

Go to a hospital the same day if your heart races and will not slow down after 20 minutes. Go the same day if you feel very dizzy each time you stand.

Book a doctor visit this week if the flutter wakes you most nights. Book one if your legs swell or you feel worn out on stairs. Book one if a close relative died young from a heart problem.

At the visit, ask for a blood test for iron, thyroid, and salts in the blood. Ask for a heart trace, called an ECG. A monitor worn for a day or more can catch beats a short office test will miss.

Why it happens

When you lie down, more blood returns to your heart from your legs. The heart fills a bit more and stretches a bit more. A stretched heart can fire off extra beats, felt as a skip or a thud.

The extra beat comes early, then there is a short pause. The next beat is stronger because the heart had more time to fill. That strong beat is the thump most people feel.

Low levels of magnesium or potassium make the heart more twitchy. So do caffeine, alcohol, stress, poor sleep, fever, and being low on fluid. Some cold pills, asthma inhalers, and thyroid pills do the same.

What else it could be

Extra beats, sometimes called ectopic beats, feel like one skip or thud with a normal pulse in between. They often come and go and calm down once you sit up or move. This is the most common reason for flutters in bed.

Atrial fibrillation feels different. The beat is fully irregular, with no pattern at all, and it can last many minutes or hours.

Your pulse may feel fast and uneven at the wrist. This one needs a doctor, since it raises stroke risk.

Acid reflux is a common trick. Lying flat lets acid rise, and you feel burning, a sour taste, or a flutter under the breastbone within an hour of eating. Propping your head up and not eating late helps this type, but magnesium for the heart will not.

Anxiety and panic bring a fast, pounding beat with fear, tight chest, and quick breathing. The beat is fast but steady, and it fades as your breathing slows. Night worry is common right at lights out.

Low iron shows up as flutters plus feeling tired, pale skin, and short breath on stairs. Heavy periods are a common source. A simple blood test finds it.

An overactive thyroid brings flutters plus weight loss, feeling hot, shaky hands, and loose stools. Sleep apnea brings flutters with loud snoring, gasping, and waking unrested. If you feel worse standing up and better lying down, that points away from this page and toward a blood pressure or blood volume problem.

How to read the grades below

The options below come from our page on Heart Palpitations. Each one carries two labels.

The first label is the evidence grade. A means strong trials in people, B means smaller or mixed studies, and C means early or limited findings. D means lab work only, and “insufficient” means the research cannot settle it yet.

The second label is the traditional tier. T3 means long use in more than one tradition, T2 means long use in one, and T1 means known use. T0 means no such record.

These grades come from research on Heart Palpitations, the parent Health Topic, not on heart flutters when i lie down.

A grade tells you how strong the research is, not how well something will work for you. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before you start anything, above all if you take other medicines.

What to try first

Start with the triggers, since this costs nothing. Cut caffeine after noon for two weeks, including tea, cola, and energy drinks. Skip alcohol in the evening and do not eat a large meal within three hours of bed.

Drinking enough water during the day is one option. Being low on fluid makes flutters worse. Check the labels on any cold, sinus, or asthma product you use, and ask your pharmacist if one can speed the heart.

Try sleeping on your right side or with your head raised a few inches. Many people feel fewer thumps this way, and it also eases reflux. Slow breathing, about six breaths a minute for five minutes, can settle a racy feeling.

Magnesium has an evidence grade of A and a traditional tier of T0. It helps most in people who are low in magnesium, which is common with poor diet, heavy alcohol use, or water pills. Do not take it without medical advice if you have kidney disease.

Potassium also has an evidence grade of A and a traditional tier of T0. Low potassium can trigger extra beats, but high potassium is dangerous. Get a blood test first, and get potassium from food such as beans, potatoes, and bananas unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Taurine has an evidence grade of B and a traditional tier of T0. It is an amino acid studied for steadying heart rhythm, with a smaller research base than the two above.

Acupuncture has an evidence grade of insufficient and a traditional tier of T3. That means it has long, deep use in traditional practice, but trial results are not strong enough to judge. Treat it as traditional use, not proof.

None of these can be promised to stop your flutters. They are options to discuss with your doctor, not a fix.

How long it takes

Trigger changes work fastest. If caffeine, alcohol, or late meals are the cause, many people notice a change within three to seven days. Give it a full two weeks before you judge.

If you are low in magnesium, levels build slowly. Two to four weeks is a fair trial, and blood tests can be normal even when body stores are low. Taurine trials often run four to eight weeks.

Keep a simple log for two weeks. Write the time, how long it lasted, what you ate or drank, and how you slept. That log is the most useful thing you can bring to a doctor visit.

Heart Palpitations: natural remedies and the evidence behind them

8 options · 2 graded C · 6 traditional or ungraded

When do your palpitations tend to show up?

After heavy sweating, dehydration, or when my diet may be short on minerals

  1. Magnesium

    Centuries of traditional use· Limited human trials so far (Evidence grade C · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Mineral that supports calm and heart rhythm

    Why it may be relevant
    If stress, anxiety, and poor sleep set off your palpitations, magnesium is worth knowing about: it helps relax muscles and nerves and is involved in maintaining a steady heart rhythm, and low levels are linked with anxiety and restlessness.
    Why try it
    Magnesium is essential for normal nerve and muscle function and for keeping the heartbeat regular, and a shortfall is a common, correctable contributor to palpitations, anxiety, and disturbed sleep. It is offered as general nutritional support rather than a proven cure for palpitations.
    Dose or use
    Favor magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes; if you supplement, do so at a modest dose and ideally with a practitioner's guidance.
    Time to results
    Sleep and tension may ease over a few weeks of consistent intake
    Key study
    Randomized Controlled Trial (1997, PMID 9120155): the double-blind, placebo-controlled MAGICA trial gave oral magnesium plus potassium aspartate to 232 people with frequent premature ventricular beats and found a modest reduction in ectopic beats (about 17%), but no measurable improvement in patients' actual symptoms. Because magnesium was given together with potassium (so its effect can't be isolated) and the result was measured as beat counts rather than how people felt, this is weak, indirect evidence. Correcting a genuine shortfall is sensible, but magnesium is offered as nutritional support, not a proven treatment for palpitations, and does not replace medical evaluation.
    Caution
    Higher supplement doses can loosen stools or cause stomach upset. People with kidney problems should only take magnesium supplements under medical supervision.

  2. Potassium

    Centuries of traditional use· Limited human trials so far (Evidence grade C · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Core electrolyte for a steady heartbeat

    Why it may be relevant
    Because your palpitations seem linked to sweating, hydration, or a mineral-light diet, potassium is a natural fit: it is one of the main electrolytes the heart relies on to beat regularly.
    Why try it
    Potassium is a key mineral for heart and muscle function and normal rhythm, and its library entry lists heart arrhythmias among what it helps with. Getting enough through diet supports steadier beats, especially when you have been losing fluids.
    Dose or use
    Aim for potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, beans, spinach, and yogurt daily; only take potassium supplements if a clinician advises it.
    Time to results
    Best treated as ongoing daily nutrition rather than a quick fix
    Key study
    Randomized Controlled Trial (1997, PMID 9120155): in the double-blind, placebo-controlled MAGICA trial, oral potassium combined with magnesium modestly lowered the number of premature ventricular beats (about 17%) in 232 people with frequent ectopy, though patients' symptoms did not measurably change. Because the two minerals were taken together and the endpoint was beat counts rather than symptoms, this is weak, indirect evidence. Adequate dietary potassium is sound support for a normal rhythm, but supplements should be used only under medical guidance and do not replace evaluation of palpitations.
    Caution
    Potassium supplements can be harmful in excess, especially with kidney issues or certain blood-pressure medicines. Get supplement use cleared by your provider; food sources are generally safe. Call emergency services immediately for chest pain or pressure, sudden one-sided weakness, face drooping, trouble speaking, or fainting — these can signal a heart attack or stroke.

  3. Magnesium Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use across more than one tradition· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use classical)Classical use across multiple traditions

    Low magnesium can disturb heart rhythm

    Why it may be relevant
    When palpitations track with sweating, dehydration, or a mineral-poor diet, low magnesium is one of the first things worth considering, since it is a common and checkable cause of a fluttering or skipping heartbeat.
    Why try it
    Magnesium supports over 300 processes in the body, including nerve signaling and a steady heart rhythm. A genuine shortfall can show up as muscle cramps, anxiety, poor sleep, and, when more severe, abnormal heart rhythms, so recognizing and correcting it can matter.
    Dose or use
    Learn the signs (cramps, fatigue, restlessness) and build in magnesium-rich foods like greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains; ask your provider about testing if you suspect a shortfall.
    Time to results
    Cramps and restlessness often ease within a few weeks of restored intake
    Key study
    Magnesium deficiency is a well-recognized, correctable cause of muscle cramps, anxiety, and abnormal heart rhythms; identifying and correcting a real deficiency is worthwhile, but it does not replace evaluation of ongoing palpitations.
    Caution
    This is educational, not a diagnosis. Persistent or severe palpitations need a medical work-up, and blood tests may miss low tissue magnesium.

  4. Potassium Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use across more than one tradition· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use classical)Classical use across multiple traditions

    Low potassium can cause irregular heartbeats

    Why it may be relevant
    If your palpitations follow heavy sweating, dehydration, or a low-mineral diet, potassium is a key electrolyte to consider, because low levels directly disturb the heart's electrical signals.
    Why try it
    Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions, and it is essential for a normal heartbeat. When it runs low, it can cause muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms, so keeping it in range supports steadier beats.
    Dose or use
    Learn the signs (cramps, weakness, fatigue) and include potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, beans, and leafy greens; ask your provider before using potassium supplements.
    Time to results
    Cramps and weakness often improve within days to weeks of restored intake
    Key study
    Potassium deficiency is a recognized, correctable cause of muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms; it is best identified and corrected with a clinician rather than through self-supplementation.
    Caution
    This is educational, not a diagnosis. Do not self-supplement potassium, which can be dangerous in excess; irregular heartbeats need medical evaluation, and potassium should be checked and corrected by a clinician.

  5. Taurine

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Amino acid that supports heart health

    Why it may be relevant
    If your palpitations feel diet- or electrolyte-related, taurine is worth knowing about: it is an amino acid involved in heart function and in steadying the nervous system's signaling.
    Why try it
    Taurine helps regulate calming neurotransmitters and supports cardiovascular health, including blood pressure. It is offered as general nutritional support that fits the heart and nervous-system side of palpitations, not as a proven rhythm treatment.
    Dose or use
    Found naturally in fish, shellfish, and meat; if supplementing, use a modest dose and ideally check with a practitioner first.
    Time to results
    Any benefit builds gradually over weeks of consistent use
    Key study
    Taurine is associated with cardiovascular and nervous-system support in the library entry; its specific benefit for palpitations has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials, so it is offered as general nutritional support.
    Caution
    Generally well tolerated, but evidence for palpitations specifically is limited. Do not rely on it in place of evaluation for a persistent or severe irregular heartbeat.

They come out of nowhere — even at rest, with no obvious trigger

  1. Potassium

    Centuries of traditional use· Limited human trials so far (Evidence grade C · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Core electrolyte for a steady heartbeat

    Why it may be relevant
    Because your palpitations seem linked to sweating, hydration, or a mineral-light diet, potassium is a natural fit: it is one of the main electrolytes the heart relies on to beat regularly.
    Why try it
    Potassium is a key mineral for heart and muscle function and normal rhythm, and its library entry lists heart arrhythmias among what it helps with. Getting enough through diet supports steadier beats, especially when you have been losing fluids.
    Dose or use
    Aim for potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, beans, spinach, and yogurt daily; only take potassium supplements if a clinician advises it.
    Time to results
    Best treated as ongoing daily nutrition rather than a quick fix
    Key study
    Randomized Controlled Trial (1997, PMID 9120155): in the double-blind, placebo-controlled MAGICA trial, oral potassium combined with magnesium modestly lowered the number of premature ventricular beats (about 17%) in 232 people with frequent ectopy, though patients' symptoms did not measurably change. Because the two minerals were taken together and the endpoint was beat counts rather than symptoms, this is weak, indirect evidence. Adequate dietary potassium is sound support for a normal rhythm, but supplements should be used only under medical guidance and do not replace evaluation of palpitations.
    Caution
    Potassium supplements can be harmful in excess, especially with kidney issues or certain blood-pressure medicines. Get supplement use cleared by your provider; food sources are generally safe. Call emergency services immediately for chest pain or pressure, sudden one-sided weakness, face drooping, trouble speaking, or fainting — these can signal a heart attack or stroke.

  2. Magnesium Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use across more than one tradition· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use classical)Classical use across multiple traditions

    Low magnesium can disturb heart rhythm

    Why it may be relevant
    When palpitations track with sweating, dehydration, or a mineral-poor diet, low magnesium is one of the first things worth considering, since it is a common and checkable cause of a fluttering or skipping heartbeat.
    Why try it
    Magnesium supports over 300 processes in the body, including nerve signaling and a steady heart rhythm. A genuine shortfall can show up as muscle cramps, anxiety, poor sleep, and, when more severe, abnormal heart rhythms, so recognizing and correcting it can matter.
    Dose or use
    Learn the signs (cramps, fatigue, restlessness) and build in magnesium-rich foods like greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains; ask your provider about testing if you suspect a shortfall.
    Time to results
    Cramps and restlessness often ease within a few weeks of restored intake
    Key study
    Magnesium deficiency is a well-recognized, correctable cause of muscle cramps, anxiety, and abnormal heart rhythms; identifying and correcting a real deficiency is worthwhile, but it does not replace evaluation of ongoing palpitations.
    Caution
    This is educational, not a diagnosis. Persistent or severe palpitations need a medical work-up, and blood tests may miss low tissue magnesium.

  3. Potassium Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use across more than one tradition· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use classical)Classical use across multiple traditions

    Low potassium can cause irregular heartbeats

    Why it may be relevant
    If your palpitations follow heavy sweating, dehydration, or a low-mineral diet, potassium is a key electrolyte to consider, because low levels directly disturb the heart's electrical signals.
    Why try it
    Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions, and it is essential for a normal heartbeat. When it runs low, it can cause muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms, so keeping it in range supports steadier beats.
    Dose or use
    Learn the signs (cramps, weakness, fatigue) and include potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, beans, and leafy greens; ask your provider before using potassium supplements.
    Time to results
    Cramps and weakness often improve within days to weeks of restored intake
    Key study
    Potassium deficiency is a recognized, correctable cause of muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms; it is best identified and corrected with a clinician rather than through self-supplementation.
    Caution
    This is educational, not a diagnosis. Do not self-supplement potassium, which can be dangerous in excess; irregular heartbeats need medical evaluation, and potassium should be checked and corrected by a clinician.

  4. Acupuncture

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Traditional calming therapy for stress

    Why it may be relevant
    If your palpitations flare with stress, anxiety, or poor sleep, acupuncture is used traditionally as a calming, relaxing therapy that some people find settles the tension and sleep problems that can set off a fluttering heart.
    Why try it
    Acupuncture is offered here on a traditional basis for relaxation and stress relief, not as a proven treatment for heart rhythm. The one clinical trial often cited was done in post-surgical patients, so its relevance to everyday palpitations is indirect and unproven. Think of it as a way to unwind, not to correct an arrhythmia.
    Dose or use
    Typically a course of weekly sessions with a licensed acupuncturist; discuss your goals at the first visit.
    Time to results
    Any calming benefit is usually gauged over several weeks of regular sessions
    Key study
    Traditionally used as a calming therapy for stress and sleep; its use for benign palpitations has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials, and the one available trial was in a post-surgical population rather than ordinary palpitations.
    Caution
    Always use a qualified, licensed acupuncturist. Palpitations that are frequent, severe, or come with chest pain, fainting, or breathlessness need prompt medical evaluation, not acupuncture. Call emergency services immediately for chest pain or pressure, sudden one-sided weakness, face drooping, trouble speaking, or fainting — these can signal a heart attack or stroke.

They flare when I'm stressed, anxious, or sleeping badly

  1. Magnesium

    Centuries of traditional use· Limited human trials so far (Evidence grade C · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Mineral that supports calm and heart rhythm

    Why it may be relevant
    If stress, anxiety, and poor sleep set off your palpitations, magnesium is worth knowing about: it helps relax muscles and nerves and is involved in maintaining a steady heart rhythm, and low levels are linked with anxiety and restlessness.
    Why try it
    Magnesium is essential for normal nerve and muscle function and for keeping the heartbeat regular, and a shortfall is a common, correctable contributor to palpitations, anxiety, and disturbed sleep. It is offered as general nutritional support rather than a proven cure for palpitations.
    Dose or use
    Favor magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes; if you supplement, do so at a modest dose and ideally with a practitioner's guidance.
    Time to results
    Sleep and tension may ease over a few weeks of consistent intake
    Key study
    Randomized Controlled Trial (1997, PMID 9120155): the double-blind, placebo-controlled MAGICA trial gave oral magnesium plus potassium aspartate to 232 people with frequent premature ventricular beats and found a modest reduction in ectopic beats (about 17%), but no measurable improvement in patients' actual symptoms. Because magnesium was given together with potassium (so its effect can't be isolated) and the result was measured as beat counts rather than how people felt, this is weak, indirect evidence. Correcting a genuine shortfall is sensible, but magnesium is offered as nutritional support, not a proven treatment for palpitations, and does not replace medical evaluation.
    Caution
    Higher supplement doses can loosen stools or cause stomach upset. People with kidney problems should only take magnesium supplements under medical supervision.

  2. PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Classic acupressure point for palpitations

    Why it may be relevant
    When your heart flutters with stress or anxiety, PC6 on the inner forearm is the traditional point people press to calm the nervous system and ease that fluttery, tight feeling in the chest.
    Why try it
    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, PC6 (Neiguan) sits on the Pericardium meridian and is a first-choice point for palpitations, chest tightness, and anxiety. It is self-applied, free, and offered on that traditional basis rather than as a proven rhythm treatment.
    Dose or use
    Find the spot about three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the two tendons on the inner forearm. Press firmly with your thumb in slow circles for 1-2 minutes on each arm, breathing slowly.
    Time to results
    Often used in the moment; many feel calmer within a few minutes
    Key study
    Traditionally used in acupressure for palpitations, chest tightness, and anxiety; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    This is for calming, not for a racing heart with chest pain, fainting, or breathlessness, which need urgent medical care. Do not press on broken or irritated skin.

  3. HT7 (Shenmen) - Heart 7

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Calming heart-meridian point for sleep

    Why it may be relevant
    Because your palpitations seem tied to stress, anxiety, or poor sleep, HT7 is a good fit: it is the 'Spirit Gate' point traditionally used to quiet an overactive mind and settle a stress-driven heartbeat before bed.
    Why try it
    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, HT7 (Shenmen) is used to calm the mind, ease anxiety, and support restful sleep, and its library entry specifically mentions palpitations related to anxiety or stress. It is self-applied and offered on that traditional basis, not as a proven rhythm treatment.
    Dose or use
    Find the point on the wrist crease, on the pinky side of the inner forearm, in the small hollow. Press gently but firmly in slow circles for 1-2 minutes per wrist, especially when winding down.
    Time to results
    Used as needed for calm; often felt within minutes
    Key study
    Traditionally used in acupressure to calm anxiety, aid sleep, and ease stress-related palpitations; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    For relaxation only. Palpitations with chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath need prompt medical evaluation. Avoid pressing on broken skin.

  4. Acupuncture

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Traditional calming therapy for stress

    Why it may be relevant
    If your palpitations flare with stress, anxiety, or poor sleep, acupuncture is used traditionally as a calming, relaxing therapy that some people find settles the tension and sleep problems that can set off a fluttering heart.
    Why try it
    Acupuncture is offered here on a traditional basis for relaxation and stress relief, not as a proven treatment for heart rhythm. The one clinical trial often cited was done in post-surgical patients, so its relevance to everyday palpitations is indirect and unproven. Think of it as a way to unwind, not to correct an arrhythmia.
    Dose or use
    Typically a course of weekly sessions with a licensed acupuncturist; discuss your goals at the first visit.
    Time to results
    Any calming benefit is usually gauged over several weeks of regular sessions
    Key study
    Traditionally used as a calming therapy for stress and sleep; its use for benign palpitations has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials, and the one available trial was in a post-surgical population rather than ordinary palpitations.
    Caution
    Always use a qualified, licensed acupuncturist. Palpitations that are frequent, severe, or come with chest pain, fainting, or breathlessness need prompt medical evaluation, not acupuncture. Call emergency services immediately for chest pain or pressure, sudden one-sided weakness, face drooping, trouble speaking, or fainting — these can signal a heart attack or stroke.

What kind of help would you rather start with?

Food and nutrients — getting heart-steadying minerals into my daily routine

  1. Magnesium

    Centuries of traditional use· Limited human trials so far (Evidence grade C · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Mineral that supports calm and heart rhythm

    Why it may be relevant
    If stress, anxiety, and poor sleep set off your palpitations, magnesium is worth knowing about: it helps relax muscles and nerves and is involved in maintaining a steady heart rhythm, and low levels are linked with anxiety and restlessness.
    Why try it
    Magnesium is essential for normal nerve and muscle function and for keeping the heartbeat regular, and a shortfall is a common, correctable contributor to palpitations, anxiety, and disturbed sleep. It is offered as general nutritional support rather than a proven cure for palpitations.
    Dose or use
    Favor magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes; if you supplement, do so at a modest dose and ideally with a practitioner's guidance.
    Time to results
    Sleep and tension may ease over a few weeks of consistent intake
    Key study
    Randomized Controlled Trial (1997, PMID 9120155): the double-blind, placebo-controlled MAGICA trial gave oral magnesium plus potassium aspartate to 232 people with frequent premature ventricular beats and found a modest reduction in ectopic beats (about 17%), but no measurable improvement in patients' actual symptoms. Because magnesium was given together with potassium (so its effect can't be isolated) and the result was measured as beat counts rather than how people felt, this is weak, indirect evidence. Correcting a genuine shortfall is sensible, but magnesium is offered as nutritional support, not a proven treatment for palpitations, and does not replace medical evaluation.
    Caution
    Higher supplement doses can loosen stools or cause stomach upset. People with kidney problems should only take magnesium supplements under medical supervision.

  2. Potassium

    Centuries of traditional use· Limited human trials so far (Evidence grade C · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Core electrolyte for a steady heartbeat

    Why it may be relevant
    Because your palpitations seem linked to sweating, hydration, or a mineral-light diet, potassium is a natural fit: it is one of the main electrolytes the heart relies on to beat regularly.
    Why try it
    Potassium is a key mineral for heart and muscle function and normal rhythm, and its library entry lists heart arrhythmias among what it helps with. Getting enough through diet supports steadier beats, especially when you have been losing fluids.
    Dose or use
    Aim for potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, beans, spinach, and yogurt daily; only take potassium supplements if a clinician advises it.
    Time to results
    Best treated as ongoing daily nutrition rather than a quick fix
    Key study
    Randomized Controlled Trial (1997, PMID 9120155): in the double-blind, placebo-controlled MAGICA trial, oral potassium combined with magnesium modestly lowered the number of premature ventricular beats (about 17%) in 232 people with frequent ectopy, though patients' symptoms did not measurably change. Because the two minerals were taken together and the endpoint was beat counts rather than symptoms, this is weak, indirect evidence. Adequate dietary potassium is sound support for a normal rhythm, but supplements should be used only under medical guidance and do not replace evaluation of palpitations.
    Caution
    Potassium supplements can be harmful in excess, especially with kidney issues or certain blood-pressure medicines. Get supplement use cleared by your provider; food sources are generally safe. Call emergency services immediately for chest pain or pressure, sudden one-sided weakness, face drooping, trouble speaking, or fainting — these can signal a heart attack or stroke.

  3. Taurine

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Amino acid that supports heart health

    Why it may be relevant
    If your palpitations feel diet- or electrolyte-related, taurine is worth knowing about: it is an amino acid involved in heart function and in steadying the nervous system's signaling.
    Why try it
    Taurine helps regulate calming neurotransmitters and supports cardiovascular health, including blood pressure. It is offered as general nutritional support that fits the heart and nervous-system side of palpitations, not as a proven rhythm treatment.
    Dose or use
    Found naturally in fish, shellfish, and meat; if supplementing, use a modest dose and ideally check with a practitioner first.
    Time to results
    Any benefit builds gradually over weeks of consistent use
    Key study
    Taurine is associated with cardiovascular and nervous-system support in the library entry; its specific benefit for palpitations has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials, so it is offered as general nutritional support.
    Caution
    Generally well tolerated, but evidence for palpitations specifically is limited. Do not rely on it in place of evaluation for a persistent or severe irregular heartbeat.

Hands-on calming — pressure points I can press myself, or a practitioner session

  1. PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Classic acupressure point for palpitations

    Why it may be relevant
    When your heart flutters with stress or anxiety, PC6 on the inner forearm is the traditional point people press to calm the nervous system and ease that fluttery, tight feeling in the chest.
    Why try it
    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, PC6 (Neiguan) sits on the Pericardium meridian and is a first-choice point for palpitations, chest tightness, and anxiety. It is self-applied, free, and offered on that traditional basis rather than as a proven rhythm treatment.
    Dose or use
    Find the spot about three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the two tendons on the inner forearm. Press firmly with your thumb in slow circles for 1-2 minutes on each arm, breathing slowly.
    Time to results
    Often used in the moment; many feel calmer within a few minutes
    Key study
    Traditionally used in acupressure for palpitations, chest tightness, and anxiety; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    This is for calming, not for a racing heart with chest pain, fainting, or breathlessness, which need urgent medical care. Do not press on broken or irritated skin.

  2. HT7 (Shenmen) - Heart 7

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Calming heart-meridian point for sleep

    Why it may be relevant
    Because your palpitations seem tied to stress, anxiety, or poor sleep, HT7 is a good fit: it is the 'Spirit Gate' point traditionally used to quiet an overactive mind and settle a stress-driven heartbeat before bed.
    Why try it
    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, HT7 (Shenmen) is used to calm the mind, ease anxiety, and support restful sleep, and its library entry specifically mentions palpitations related to anxiety or stress. It is self-applied and offered on that traditional basis, not as a proven rhythm treatment.
    Dose or use
    Find the point on the wrist crease, on the pinky side of the inner forearm, in the small hollow. Press gently but firmly in slow circles for 1-2 minutes per wrist, especially when winding down.
    Time to results
    Used as needed for calm; often felt within minutes
    Key study
    Traditionally used in acupressure to calm anxiety, aid sleep, and ease stress-related palpitations; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    For relaxation only. Palpitations with chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath need prompt medical evaluation. Avoid pressing on broken skin.

  3. Acupuncture

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Traditional calming therapy for stress

    Why it may be relevant
    If your palpitations flare with stress, anxiety, or poor sleep, acupuncture is used traditionally as a calming, relaxing therapy that some people find settles the tension and sleep problems that can set off a fluttering heart.
    Why try it
    Acupuncture is offered here on a traditional basis for relaxation and stress relief, not as a proven treatment for heart rhythm. The one clinical trial often cited was done in post-surgical patients, so its relevance to everyday palpitations is indirect and unproven. Think of it as a way to unwind, not to correct an arrhythmia.
    Dose or use
    Typically a course of weekly sessions with a licensed acupuncturist; discuss your goals at the first visit.
    Time to results
    Any calming benefit is usually gauged over several weeks of regular sessions
    Key study
    Traditionally used as a calming therapy for stress and sleep; its use for benign palpitations has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials, and the one available trial was in a post-surgical population rather than ordinary palpitations.
    Caution
    Always use a qualified, licensed acupuncturist. Palpitations that are frequent, severe, or come with chest pain, fainting, or breathlessness need prompt medical evaluation, not acupuncture. Call emergency services immediately for chest pain or pressure, sudden one-sided weakness, face drooping, trouble speaking, or fainting — these can signal a heart attack or stroke.

Understanding the root cause — checking whether a mineral shortfall could be behind it

  1. Magnesium Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use across more than one tradition· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use classical)Classical use across multiple traditions

    Low magnesium can disturb heart rhythm

    Why it may be relevant
    When palpitations track with sweating, dehydration, or a mineral-poor diet, low magnesium is one of the first things worth considering, since it is a common and checkable cause of a fluttering or skipping heartbeat.
    Why try it
    Magnesium supports over 300 processes in the body, including nerve signaling and a steady heart rhythm. A genuine shortfall can show up as muscle cramps, anxiety, poor sleep, and, when more severe, abnormal heart rhythms, so recognizing and correcting it can matter.
    Dose or use
    Learn the signs (cramps, fatigue, restlessness) and build in magnesium-rich foods like greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains; ask your provider about testing if you suspect a shortfall.
    Time to results
    Cramps and restlessness often ease within a few weeks of restored intake
    Key study
    Magnesium deficiency is a well-recognized, correctable cause of muscle cramps, anxiety, and abnormal heart rhythms; identifying and correcting a real deficiency is worthwhile, but it does not replace evaluation of ongoing palpitations.
    Caution
    This is educational, not a diagnosis. Persistent or severe palpitations need a medical work-up, and blood tests may miss low tissue magnesium.

  2. Potassium Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use across more than one tradition· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use classical)Classical use across multiple traditions

    Low potassium can cause irregular heartbeats

    Why it may be relevant
    If your palpitations follow heavy sweating, dehydration, or a low-mineral diet, potassium is a key electrolyte to consider, because low levels directly disturb the heart's electrical signals.
    Why try it
    Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions, and it is essential for a normal heartbeat. When it runs low, it can cause muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms, so keeping it in range supports steadier beats.
    Dose or use
    Learn the signs (cramps, weakness, fatigue) and include potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, beans, and leafy greens; ask your provider before using potassium supplements.
    Time to results
    Cramps and weakness often improve within days to weeks of restored intake
    Key study
    Potassium deficiency is a recognized, correctable cause of muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms; it is best identified and corrected with a clinician rather than through self-supplementation.
    Caution
    This is educational, not a diagnosis. Do not self-supplement potassium, which can be dangerous in excess; irregular heartbeats need medical evaluation, and potassium should be checked and corrected by a clinician.

Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Heart Palpitations, not a promise of results. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.

Questions people ask

Why do I only feel my heart flutter at night?

Two things stack up at bedtime. The room is quiet and you are still, so you notice beats that you miss all day.

Lying flat also sends more blood back to the heart, which can set off extra beats. The flutters may be there in the day too, just hidden by noise and movement.

Is it dangerous to feel flutters when I lie down?

Most bedtime flutters are extra beats that are not harmful, above all in people with a healthy heart. The warning signs are chest pain, fainting, breathlessness, or a beat that stays fast and fully irregular for many minutes.

Those need urgent care, not home steps. If flutters are new, frequent, or come with swollen legs, get checked.

Which side should I sleep on if my heart flutters?

Many people feel fewer thumps on the right side, because the heart sits further from the chest wall. Lying on the left side often makes beats feel louder, though that alone does not mean harm.

Raising the head of the bed a few inches helps if reflux is part of the problem. Try one change at a time for a week.

Can acid reflux really cause heart flutters?

Yes, and it is often missed. Acid rising when you lie flat can irritate nearby nerves and set off skipped beats or a fluttery feeling under the breastbone.

Clues are burning, a sour taste, or symptoms within an hour of a meal. Eating earlier and raising the head of the bed often helps more than any supplement.

Can low magnesium cause skipped beats?

Low magnesium makes heart cells more excitable, so extra beats are more likely. It is more common in people who drink a lot of alcohol, take water pills, or eat few greens, nuts, and beans.

Magnesium carries an evidence grade of A and a traditional tier of T0 for this use. Do not take it without medical advice if you have kidney disease.

Should I take potassium pills for palpitations?

Not on your own. Low potassium can cause extra beats, but too much potassium is dangerous for the heart, so a blood test comes first.

Potassium has an evidence grade of A and a traditional tier of T0, yet the safe route is food such as beans, potatoes, spinach, and fruit unless a doctor says otherwise. This matters even more if you take blood pressure or kidney drugs.

Does acupuncture help heart flutters?

Acupuncture has an evidence grade of insufficient and a traditional tier of T3. That means it has a long history of traditional use, but the trials are too few or too mixed to judge it.

Some people find it calming, which may ease stress-linked beats. It should not replace testing when flutters are new or frequent.

What tests will a doctor do for night palpitations?

The usual first steps are a heart trace called an ECG and blood tests for iron, thyroid, magnesium, and potassium.

If the flutters come and go, you may wear a monitor for one to fourteen days to catch one as it happens. A short log of times and triggers helps your doctor a lot. Bring a list of all medicines and supplements you take.

Other ways people describe this

Same underlying problem, different words.

These suggestions come from our full page on Heart Palpitations, where you can see every option and how it is graded. Evidence grades are explained in our methodology, and every phrasing we cover is listed under health topics.

Remedies people try for this

Remedies recommended for the same conditions. Evidence grades are shown on each page.

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