Many people occasionally notice the sound of their heartbeat while lying in bed, especially when the room is quiet. In most cases, it’s completely normal. However, one doctor says that if it happens frequently or doesn’t go away, it may be worth paying closer attention.

As your body relaxes before sleep, your breathing slows and your surroundings become quieter, making everyday body sounds more noticeable. Hearing your heartbeat once in a while—particularly after exercise, stress, or physical activity—is usually not a cause for concern.

According to Dr. Anthony Youn, a physician who regularly shares health education online, one common explanation is simply your sleeping position. When you lie on your side, the carotid artery in your neck may press against the pillow, making the flow of blood easier to hear near your ear. In many cases, this is considered harmless.

However, if you continue hearing a rhythmic, heartbeat-like sound regardless of your position, it could be associated with a condition known as pulsatile tinnitus. Unlike the more common ringing in the ears, pulsatile tinnitus creates a pulsing sound that often matches your heartbeat.

There are several possible reasons this can occur. In many cases, the cause is not serious, but it may sometimes be linked to conditions such as high blood pressure, changes in blood vessels, increased blood flow during pregnancy or anemia, or, in less common situations, issues affecting the blood vessels near the ear or neck.

Because there are multiple possible explanations, healthcare professionals recommend paying attention to how often it happens and whether it is becoming more noticeable over time. If the sound is persistent, occurs frequently, affects your daily life, or is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, hearing changes, headaches, or vision problems, it’s a good idea to discuss it with a healthcare provider.

For most people, occasionally hearing your heartbeat while lying down is simply a normal result of body position and a quiet environment. Still, if the symptom becomes persistent or concerning, getting it evaluated can provide reassurance and help rule out any underlying medical conditions.