pacemaker sleep mode

I was wondering if anyone out there could relate to the lowering of the pacemaker during sleep, as the heart normally does, and what benefit there might be to that? I see the question may not be intelligently raised. I should have added for someone who is not pacemaker dependent.

My cardiologist suggested that recently, but it did not turn out well. The time it was set for did not hold nor did the time it was supposed to be programmed for daily activities. For lack of a better explanation, "it woke up" earlier by an hour or two. Above all else, when it slowed down it made me feel very tired.

4 Comments

Pacer clock

by ElectricFrank - 2011-11-29 02:11:12

I'm wondering if the time clock in your pacer is set properly. If it wasn't set at implant it still be on some other time zone.

My first pacer used to go through its self test about an hour earlier than what it was set for. I asked the Medtronic rep about how it handled daylight saving time and he didn't know. It wasn't a big deal so we never got back to it. My replacement seems to be right on.

frank

timer?

by Julie T - 2011-11-29 03:11:12

I am getting my first pacemaker in a few weeks and am not familiar with the sleep timer. Do you have to get one? My sleep schedule is all over the place, I wouldn't want to rely on having to sleep at a certain time...

No need for sleep timer

by ElectricFrank - 2011-11-30 01:11:30

It's one of the options in most pacemakers, but is only need if you have problems sleeping. All it does is lower your HR during sleep. I'd say most of us here don't have it turned on.

One thing to be aware of is that the pacemaker performs a self calibration usually every 24 hours. For most of us they set it to happen around 3AM when we are in the deepest sleep. If you happen to be awake when it happens it can be a bit disconcerting.

The test involves switching into a mode where your HR is held steady at several HR's like 85 and 100. During each it may lower the pacing voltage until the heart skips a beat to determine the optimum pacing voltage. So if during one of those times you are awake in the middle of the night you feel something weird happening don't freak out.

frank

Sleep Mode

by Heidiglassmeyer - 2011-12-02 03:12:10

I am pacer dependent and have my sleep mode on. I was having a hard time sleeping so mine was set at 50. Ever since I have had no problem sleeping. I have a strange work schedule so my sleep mode is only programmed for a short time period. I typically don't wake up when it turns off in the morning.

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My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.