What Causes Hot Flashes, Heart Palpitations And Tiredness At Night?

Posted on Fri, 6 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 6 Mar 2015 Answered on

Thu, 26 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi , My problem has been going on for a long time .....I awake 2 or 3 times early hours every night with the same symptoms ....I am on fire .my heart pounding , and I feel weak , desperately tired ! ! And I go to the bathroom to cool down. Recently i purchased a BP Monitor and started using it when I had an episode each night , over a couple of weeks ..i would like your opinion on the readings !!
3.50 am ....164/ 80. 8.35 am..165/82 11.50 am ....135/90 On the 4 March 2015
5 March 2015 6.05 am ... 171/79. 8.20 am ...155/75 9.39 am .. 142/82
Thank you .

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Recommended to start betablocker and diet changes...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your bp reading, and noted that your bp is slightly elevated. I advise to start :
- taking betablocker drug to try to reduce bp
- making some changes in your diet like: limit salt intake, avoid fatty/oily/processed foods/coffee/alcohol and to try to control stress.

Hope it was of help!
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (15 minutes later)

I am not convinced about taking the Beta Blocker tablets , as my GP says I don't have blood pressure ??

Also why am I having these problems only while I am asleep..??

I just need to sleep through the night without this problem , as I am shattered and constantly tired !!

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following answers to your queries...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Your bp is at upper acceptable range. Betablockers will help improve your heart beat, and anxiety. By controlling heartbeats, your bp readings will get back to normal range, thus, you won't have such problems when being asleep.

You are having such problems when falling asleep due to oscillations of bp (reaching higher and lower limit) during sleep.

If you control anxiety/stress, your heart beats and bp will be improved too. Chamomile/valeriana/aloe vera tea or supplement will help keep your bp and heart beats and stress under control; thus, you'd have a better sleep.

Hope it was of help!
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (25 hours later)

Thank you so much for getting back to me and also giving me a reasonable explanation to my problem !!

I would like to know how long would I have to take the Beta blockers for.?? If I do decide to start taking them !!......I would like to add that I have an under active Thyroid , and Bronchiectasis all my life ,.... !

So would it still be safe to take them ??

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following answer to your queries...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

If you were my patient I would start low dose of nebivolol which has less pulmonary side effects and is recommended din patient with pulmonary disease. Since this is a drug you should discus this with your doctor.

You should continue the drug till your BP is stabilized, and after this you should wean it of gradually. Till you stop the medication.

Wish you health!
Dr. Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar