Have you ever laid in bed, head resting on your pillow, only to hear the steady thudding of your own heartbeat? It’s a common experience—but what causes it?
After a long day, there’s nothing better than slipping into bed, closing your eyes, and letting your body unwind.
But sometimes, as you roll onto your side and settle in, you might notice a rhythmic thudding sound coming from inside your own head.
If this has ever happened to you, you’re not alone! Many people experience this strange sensation, but what exactly causes it?
And more importantly—should you be worried?
Have you ever been unsettled by the sound while trying to fall asleep?
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Why Can You Hear Your Heartbeat When Lying on Your Side?
The first thing to know is that hearing your pulse while lying on your side is completely normal. It happens to a lot of people and, in most cases, isn’t a cause for concern.
US surgeon Dr. Anthony Youn recently explained this in a TikTok video, comparing the sensation to having the bass turned up too loud in your pillow.
He stated: “If, every once in a while, you’re lying on your side and you hear your heart beating, it’s most likely your carotid artery basically sitting against your pillow.”
The carotid arteries, which are among the body’s major blood vessels, run along both sides of the neck and pass close to the ears.
These arteries are essential because they deliver oxygen-rich blood to the head, face, and neck, ensuring that vital organs function properly.
When you rest on your side, one of these carotid arteries presses against your pillow, amplifying the sound of your pulse.
That steady thumping you hear is simply the sound of blood flowing through the artery, doing exactly what it’s supposed to—keeping you alive and well.
So, in most cases, this is nothing unusual and certainly nothing to worry about. But is there ever a time when you should be concerned?
Constantly hearing a whooshing noise in the ear could be a sign of pulsatile tinnitus
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Should I Be Concerned About Hearing My Heartbeat in My Ears?
Dr. Youn explains that while hearing your heartbeat occasionally while lying on your side is normal, constantly hearing it—whether lying down, standing, or throughout the day—could be a sign of a condition called pulsatile tinnitus.
According to Tinnitus UK, pulsatile tinnitus is a condition where a “rhythmical noise” is heard in either one or both ears, often matching the rhythm of your heartbeat. It can be a mild annoyance, but in some cases, it may signal an underlying health issue.
Dr. Youn reassures that while pulsatile tinnitus is “usually benign,” there are some cases where it could indicate something more serious. Because of this, he advises getting checked by a doctor if you experience persistent symptoms.
The charity also notes that pulsatile tinnitus can be caused by various factors, many of which are related to changes in blood flow near the ears. Some possible causes include:
- Increased blood pressure
- Pregnancy
- Anaemia
- Hyperthyroidism
- Head and neck tumors
According to Harvard Health, “most of the time, pulsatile tinnitus is nothing to worry about.”
However, if your symptoms persist, become bothersome, or are accompanied by other changes in health, it’s always best to consult your doctor for peace of mind.