Can not sleep

I am sorry to hear that - you need your sleep! Personally, my doctor has told me that when you have fluid in your lungs (which can easily happen with heart failure and has happened to me when I'm carrying too much fluid), that being flat can spread the fluid out which can cause shortness of breath. On a personal note, I've most definitely experienced that myself. When I do, that's a sign for me that I have too much fluid. Are you on diuretics'? Do you watch your sodium intake? How often do you weigh yourself, and has your doctor talked to you have fluid management? Also, when I'm having a tough time, I tend to sleep on the couch propped up against the back so I'm at a 45 degree angle or it can just take awhile for my lungs to get used to the fluid and I can EVENTUALLY breath easier. Have you tried sleeping in a Lazy'B Chair (other things I know people do) or a couch? Have you discussed with your doctor? Warmly - Morgan (heart-failure.net Moderator)

Hello Morgan:

Thank you for your kind and informative reply. I wish I could reply earlier.
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No, not on diuretics, never heard of it in relation to my case.. I don't understand my sodium because it is alway normal in blood tests yet I am asked often to lower my salt intake.. I weigh myself every 3-4 days. No, I can not sleep on a couch or lazy chair. But, I was able to sleep on my right side or left side until last summer, until I fell down.

None of your suggestions became part of my discussion with my doctor. Blood test comes back normal, then EKG and the heart x-ray are good, so I must be good...! I tried for ten years to get my doctor to take me seriously about me being weak and having short-of-breaths but he kept saying that I was not fit, I must exercise, even my size and blood tests were very good.

Then, one day some people found me lying down on a sidewalk with blood on my face and nose, my cell phone on one side and laptop on another side, my purse on the street and my travel bag under me and wet, and all my money and keys were spread around me!! Later in the hospital I was told by paramedics that I fainted.

Take care

Try to sleep with your upper body elevated. Using extra pillows or even a wedge pillow will help to reduce the shortness of breath when you lie down, and consider doing some breathing exercises before bed.