Ever lie down, only to notice the steady rhythm of your heartbeat echoing in your ear? While it might seem strange, hearing your heartbeat through your pillow is actually pretty common—and usually harmless.
Dr. Anthony Youn, a board-certified plastic surgeon from Detroit, explained on TikTok why this happens. “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,” he says.
The carotid arteries, located on either side of your neck, carry blood to your brain and neck. When you lie on your side, the artery can press against the pillow, and in a quiet environment, the sound of blood pulsing becomes more noticeable. Most of the time, this isn’t anything to worry about.
But if the noise becomes persistent—occurring even when you’re sitting or standing—it could be a sign of something called pulsatile tinnitus.
This condition involves hearing a rhythmic sound that matches your pulse. Unlike the high-pitched ringing associated with more common forms of tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus feels more like a “whooshing” or “thumping” sound.
Dr. Youn warns, “But if you’re hearing your heart beating all the time when you’re lying on your side, or especially when you’re standing up, then it could be pulsatile tinnitus."
There are several potential causes of pulsatile tinnitus, ranging from high blood pressure to irregular blood vessel structures.
It can also result from increased awareness of blood flow in the ears. While the condition is usually benign, it’s essential to rule out more serious underlying problems.
“Although it’s usually benign, there are some potentially concerning causes, so it’s best to see your doctor,” Youn said.
So, what should you do if this happens to you? If you only notice the sound occasionally when lying down, there’s likely no need to worry. However, if it becomes persistent or interferes with your daily life, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
A doctor can assess your symptoms and, if necessary, run tests to check for conditions like high blood pressure or vascular abnormalities.
Hearing your heartbeat through your pillow can be unnerving, but understanding the cause can provide peace of mind. Stay informed, and if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice.
