Sleep apnea is primarily known for causing fluctuations in heart rate due to repeated episodes of apnea (pauses in breathing) during sleep. It often leads to a condition called "sudden cardiac events," which can include arrhythmias, rather than a persistent low heart rate (bradycardia).
During apneic episodes, oxygen levels drop, leading to stress on the heart. In some cases, this may result in periods of increased heart rate (tachycardia) and subsequent drops in heart rate when breathing resumes. Therefore, the heartbeat can be irregular, but a consistent low heart rate directly caused by sleep apnea is less common.
If you have concerns about heart rate or symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, or fatigue, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management.