What Should Your Heart Rate Be While Sleeping?

Is it normal to have a heart rate of 40 beats per minute while sleeping? Yes, bradycardia, which is characterized by a heart rate ranging from 40 to 60 beats per minute, is typically considered normal during sleep. In fact, it can also be considered normal while awake if you are a young and healthy adult or if you maintain a high level of physical fitness. However, it’s important to note that if you’re not in good physical condition, experiencing bradycardia while awake could potentially signal underlying heart issues that should be investigated by a medical professional.

What is considered a healthy sleeping heart rate can vary based on age. It’s important to understand the appropriate range for different age groups to gauge the heart’s performance during sleep accurately. Here is a breakdown of the recommended sleeping heart rate ranges by age:

• For children aged 1-2 years:

  • Awake: 98-140 beats per minute (bpm)
  • Asleep: 80-120 bpm

• For children aged 3-5 years:

  • Awake: 80-120 bpm
  • Asleep: 65-100 bpm

• For children aged 6-11 years:

  • Awake: 75-118 bpm
  • Asleep: 58-90 bpm

• For teenagers aged 12-15 years:

  • Awake: 60-100 bpm
  • Asleep: 50-90 bpm

Understanding these age-specific ranges can help monitor the health and well-being of individuals during their sleep. Please note that individual variations can exist, so consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable for specific concerns. (Information last updated as of September 2021).

Defining what constitutes an unsafe sleeping heart rate is not straightforward, as it varies from person to person. However, according to Dr. Ronen, certain heart rate ranges are typically cause for concern, particularly when at rest. A resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute or below the 50s is often considered worrisome. It’s important to note that the assessment of heart rate safety during sleep should be done on a case-by-case basis by a qualified cardiologist. The specific thresholds and risk levels may differ depending on an individual’s unique medical history, age, and overall health. As of June 21, 2023, this understanding continues to evolve in the field of cardiology.