Chronic insomnia can precipitate the development of atrial fibrillation, and idiopathic atrial fibrillation has no currently identifiable cause.
About 30% of atrial fibrillation has no detectable cause, including hyperthyroidism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, organic heart disease, pheochromocytoma and ventricular preexcitation syndrome, and dominant sinus node dysfunction, known as isolated or idiopathic atrial fibrillation.
The cause of idiopathic AF is currently unknown, but lack of quality sleep may contribute to the development of AF.
Sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea cause the development of persistent AF. Studies have found that obstructive sleep apnea is a major risk factor for AF and stroke, and that this condition may increase the risk of AF recurrence.
In paroxysmal AF in the elderly, factors such as exertion, insomnia, agitation, hypoxia, electrolyte disturbances, and fever are important triggers.
It is important to develop good sleep habits and also to treat sleep disorders.