I had a similar experience when I had surgery a few years ago. I was trying to sleep in my half-conscious state and I kept hearing this beeping and thinking 'I wish they'd attend to whomever is beeping so much' and then I realized it was me. Every time the alarm went off, they woke me up to check on me. Finally, some doctor/supervisor came in and asked if I was an athlete. I hesitated because I was out of shape and overweight at the time but said "yes" and they shut off the alarm for me. My RHR is in the low 40s naturally - regardless of my exercise routine and it confuses medical personnel all the time.

Mimi - I hope your DH has an easy recovery and that you both get some rest soon!