Why do I wake up with a headache?
MANY of us don’t need to have been out drinking the night before to wake up the following morning with a cracking headache.
Morning headaches are common and can occur for a variety of reasons.
Persistent pain is a potential indicator of an underlying problem.
Let’s take a closer look at what it could mean.
What is a morning headache?
A morning headache usually begins between 4am and 9am and often interrupts a sufferer’s sleep.
The pain can fall into a number of categories making it either a cluster or tension headache, or even a migraine.
Other types of morning headache can include paroxysmal and medicinal overuse headaches.
Studies have found that most people who suffer morning headaches also suffer with sleep disorders.
Why do they happen?
There are many reasons why you could be waking up with a headache in the morning.
One encompasses sleep disorders, because the same part of the brain that controls sleep and mood also controls the pain you are waking up with.
Insomnia is one of the major reasons for a morning migraine.
The condition can prevent you from getting enough rest by keeping you up when you are trying to fall asleep, waking you up once you fall asleep, and causing restless sleep.
Other sleep issues such as narcolepsy, sleepwalking, sleeping with the wrong pillow, and sudden changes in sleep schedule – such as oversleeping or sleep loss – may be contributing to your headaches.
Even if you are not getting enough sleep, this can trigger a headache.
And as chronic sleep loss lowers the pain threshold, headaches can begin to feel intense over time.
Many sufferers also report experiencing sleep movement disorders like sleep bruxism (where people unknowingly grind or clench their teeth while they sleep) and restless leg syndrome (where people experience an intensely uncomfortable “pins and needles” sensation in their lower limbs while sleeping which is accompanied by the intense urge to move them in order to find relief).
Depression and anxiety are also lead causes of chronic morning headaches, as they are intertwined with insomnia.
Additionally, withdrawal effects from pain medications, ergots and caffeine often produce chronic headaches and migraines.
Research has found that headaches in the morning can also be caused by circadian rhythm disorders, allergens in the bedroom environment or sleeping in an exceptionally cold room.
Morning headaches are a key warning sign of the condition sleep apnoea, which many people do not realise they have.
The condition causes the airways to constrict during the night, temporarily stopping breathing. This causes headaches and fatigue the next day, as well as snoring during the night.
Unsuprisingly, headaches are also a result of alcohol.
How can I get rid of a headache fast?
As well as over the counter tablets, it is important to stay well hydrated to avoid headaches in general.
Here are some ways to banish the pain today:
- Cold Pack: Placing a cold pack on your forehead can do wonders for a migraine. Ice cubes wrapped in a towel, a bag of frozen peas, or even a cold shower may lessen the pain. Keep the compress on your head for 15 minutes then take a break for 15 minutes.
- Heating pad: For tension headaches, place a heating pad on your neck or the back of your head. If you have a sinus headache, hold a warm cloth to the area that hurts. A warm shower might also do the trick.
- Ease pressure on your head: If your ponytail is too tight, it could cause a headache. These “external compression headaches” can also be brought on by wearing a hat, headband, or even swimming goggles that are too tight. Some people say this method works almost instantly.
- Dim the lights: Bright or flickering lights can trigger migraines. If you’re prone to them, cover your windows with blackout curtains during the day and try to wear sunglasses outdoors. You might also want to add anti-glare screens to your computer.
- Avoid chewing too much: Chewing gum hurts not just your jaw but can cause headaches too. And it’s not just gum, as the same is true for chewing your fingernails, lips, the inside or your cheeks, or handy objects like pens. Avoid crunchy and sticky foods if you are suffering and make sure you take small bites. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a mouth guard as this may curb early-morning headaches.
- Get Some Caffeine: No, this isn’t a mistake. Small amounts of caffeine can often relieve a headache and can even boost the effect of over the counter painkillers. However, too much caffeine can interrupt sleep and cause different types of headaches. Moderation is key.
- Practice yoga: Whether it is stretching, yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, learning how to chill out when you’re in the middle of a headache can help with the pain.
- Limit alcohol: Alcohol can trigger migraines in about one-third of those who experience frequent headaches. It has also been shown to cause tension and cluster headaches in many people.
MORE IN HEALTH
When should I see a doctor?
Not everyone with early morning headaches will necessarily need to see a doctor. Any of the signs below suggest that a person should see a doctor:
- if two or more headaches occur in a week
- recurring headaches, particularly in those over age 50, who have not experienced them before
- a sudden or severe headache accompanied by a stiff neck
- headache that occurs after a head injury
- headache accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting that is not explained by another disorder
- headache with confusion, weakness, double vision, or loss of consciousness
- headache that suddenly changes in pattern or severity
- chronic headaches in children
- headache accompanying weakness or loss of sensation in any body part
- headache with seizures or shortness of breath
- frequent headaches in someone with a history of HIV or cancer