Waking up with a HEADACHE or MIGRAINE?

Waking up to a headache or migraine is an unfortunate way to kick off your day. Frequently, individuals ask, "Why do I wake up with a headache or migraine? Is it normal?"

Today, we'll delve into some of the most prevalent reasons behind waking up with a headache or migraine.

Hi, I'm Dr. Beth, an osteopath at Melbourne Headache Solutions.

Experiencing a headache every morning used to be a constant struggle for me, and it was undeniably the worst way to start the day. All I could wish for is for it to vanish!

But why do morning headaches and migraines occur?

Here are some common reasons why you might be waking up to that intense pain early in the morning.

One, if you're a snorer, or if you have conditions like sleep apnea, research indicates a higher likelihood of waking up with headaches or migraines.

Two, clenching or grinding your teeth increases the chances of waking up with morning headaches or migraines. The heightened tension in facial muscles and neck due to teeth clenching or grinding can contribute to headaches. Discover effective ways to manage jaw clenching and grinding from Dr. Katie here.

Three, being a stomach sleeper elevates the risk of waking up with headaches or migraines. Opting for back or side sleeping is recommended. Additionally, using the wrong pillow can trigger headaches and migraines. Many people use ill-suited pillows—some too low, others too high. Unsure if your pillow is right for you? Bring it to your osteo or physio for a check. At Melbourne Headache Solutions, we offer pillow checks. Bring yours in, and we'll assess if it's aiding or hindering your sleep.

Also, check our previous blog for my recommended pillow suitable for side sleepers.

The fourth reason is that between 4:00–8:00 AM, your natural painkiller levels are lowest. If you've been relying on painkillers, they may wear off overnight, but taking them before bedtime as a preventive measure is not advisable due to the risk of rebound headaches. Rebound headaches can intensify your pain and increase attack frequency, making them another potential cause of morning headaches.

These are some of the primary reasons why you may be waking up with headaches or migraines in the morning. But there are other factors we need to consider, too.

One common but often overlooked factor contributing to morning headaches or migraines is dehydration. Throughout the night, your body loses moisture through breathing and sweating, leading to potential dehydration by morning. Ensuring adequate hydration before bed and upon waking can help alleviate this issue.

Additionally, environmental factors such as room temperature and air quality can play a significant role in morning headaches. Sleeping in a room that is too warm or poorly ventilated may exacerbate headaches upon waking. Consider adjusting your sleeping environment to promote better air circulation and maintain a comfortable temperature.

Moreover, certain dietary habits can trigger morning headaches or migraines. Consuming caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime, or having irregular meal times, can disrupt your sleep patterns and contribute to morning headaches. Maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding stimulants before bed can help minimise the risk of waking up with a headache.

Another factor to consider is stress and tension accumulated during sleep. Poor sleep posture or sleeping in awkward positions can lead to muscle tension and strain, resulting in morning headaches. Practising relaxation techniques before bed and ensuring proper sleep ergonomics can help alleviate this source of morning discomfort.

In summary, waking up with a headache or migraine can stem from various factors, including snoring, teeth grinding, sleep posture, dehydration, environmental conditions, dietary habits, and stress. By identifying and addressing these contributing factors, you can take proactive steps to minimise the likelihood of experiencing morning headaches and migraines. If symptoms persist or worsen, it's essential to seek professional medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you have any questions on this topic or anything related to headaches and migraines, drop a comment below or send us a message. We appreciate questions and are here to assist you with anything related to headaches and migraines.

Want to learn more about your headaches and migraines and our team of dedicated osteopaths? Visit us at melbourneheadachesolutions.com.au.

 

Your Questions Answered

Why do I wake up with headaches? Is it normal?

Waking up with a headache can result from various factors such as snoring, teeth grinding, sleep posture, dehydration, environmental conditions, dietary habits, and stress. Snoring or conditions like sleep apnea can disrupt sleep quality, leading to morning headaches. Teeth grinding can cause tension in facial muscles and neck, contributing to morning headaches. Identifying and addressing these factors can help reduce the frequency and severity of morning headaches or migraines.

How does snoring or teeth grinding cause morning headaches?

Snoring and teeth grinding can disrupt sleep quality, leading to fragmented or shallow sleep patterns, contributing to morning headaches. Teeth grinding can cause increased tension in facial muscles and neck, leading to discomfort upon waking. Managing snoring or teeth grinding through lifestyle changes or interventions like dental appliances can help alleviate morning headaches associated with these conditions.

What can I do to prevent waking up with headaches?

Preventive measures to reduce morning headaches include maintaining proper sleep posture, staying adequately hydrated, ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment, avoiding caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime, maintaining regular meal times, and managing stress through relaxation techniques. These strategies can help promote restful sleep and minimise morning headaches or migraines.

 

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