Most people have heart palpitations from time to time. Some common causes include:
Hormones: Fluctuating hormones can speed up your heart rate during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Nicotine use: Recently smoking tobacco products, especially on an empty stomach, can lead to heart palpitations.
Stress: Anxiety, depression, and stress can affect your heart rate.
Alcohol or caffeine: Having either of these stimulants close to bedtime can cause your heart to race and make it difficult for you to sleep.
Low blood sugar: Even if you do not have diabetes, your heart can react with palpitations when your blood sugar is low.
Bedtime snacks: What you eat also affects your heart. Sugary foods, chocolate, and super salty foods or those with monosodium glutamate (MSG) can make it feel like your heart is racing.
Medicines: Certain prescription and over-the-counter medicines, including those taken for allergies, can cause heart palpitations.