You may hear a heartbeat in your pillow for a few reasons – most likely it's normal blood flow amplified by your head’s position. If you’re on your side with your ear against the pillow, and you have some earwax buildup, you may simply be hearing an amplification of internal sounds when you’re lying down.
Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmic sound that usually matches your heartbeat. While it might be more noticeable when things are quiet – such as when other sounds are muffled by lying on your pillow – it’s likely to continue even when you’re moving around. It might also sound slightly different from your normal heartbeat.
While it can be benign, pulsatile tinnitus can indicate vascular issues and other underlying medical conditions, so it’s a good idea to get checked out by your doctor.
This article is an answer to the question (asked by Phil Lester) 'Why do I hear a heartbeat in my pillow?'
To submit your questions, email us atquestions@sciencefocus.com, or message ourFacebook ,X, or Instagram pages (don't forget to include your name and location).
Check out our ultimate fun facts page for more mind-blowing science
Read more:
