Headaches when you wake up? Check out these 8 things your body is trying to tell you

Having a headache as soon as you wake up is an unpleasant experience that has the gift of putting us in a bad mood for the day. But behind this pain there may be several reasons. In the media Well & Goodneurologist Nolan Pearson, specialist in headaches, discusses 8 possibilities.

Sleep apnea

Morning headaches are much more common in people with sleep apnea. This disorder occurs when a person frequently stops breathing while sleeping, either because their airways are blocked (obstructive sleep apnea) or because their brain does not control their breathing properly (central apnea).

The link between sleep apnea and morning headaches, however, is unclear. “Experts still don’t know whether morning headaches are caused by lack of oxygen, high carbon dioxide levels, or simply disrupted sleep”, explains Dr. Pearson. Whatever the reason, morning headaches usually go away once sleep apnea is treated. If your waking headaches are also accompanied by snoring, choking or difficulty breathing during the night, unrefreshing sleep, daytime sleepiness or being overweight, talk to your doctor .

A bad sleeping position

Your sleeping position could also be the sneaky cause of your headaches. “Sleeping in a position that puts pressure on your neck, especially if you have a history of cervical spine disease, can trigger tension headaches or musculoskeletal pain”, explains Dr. Pearson. He says sleeping on your side is generally the best way to keep your spine and neck aligned. If pain persists, ask your doctor to see a sleep specialist or physiotherapist for advice. Or change your pillow too.

Bruxism

Clenching or grinding your teeth while sleeping, a disorder called bruxismmay increase your risk of morning headaches. “In general, grinding your teeth triggers tension headaches”explains Dr. Pearson. Gritting your teeth all night puts strain on the muscles in your neck, jaw, and face. If this tension spreads to your head, it can cause pain. Other symptoms, such as tooth pain, a sore jaw, or clicking sounds in the temporomandibular joint can put you on the verge of bruxism.

“It is important to discuss these symptoms with your dentist, who may recommend a mouthguard, physical therapy for your jaw, or medication.”explains Dr. Pearson.

A migraine

71% of people with migraines experience morning headaches that can even wake sufferers. According to recent research, these morning migraines may be linked to the circadian rhythm, aka your body’s internal 24-hour clock. “Migraines and our circadian clock integrated both originate in an ancient part of the brain called the hypothalamus.explains Dr. Pearson. If you suffer from migraines, it may help to stick to a regular (bedtime and meal) schedule.

Lack of sleep

Quite simply, lack of sleep may be the reason why you wake up with these headaches. And if this deficiency becomes a habit, your headaches can become chronic. “Some studies have shown that a lack of sleep over a long period of time can change the way our body perceives pain (through a process called habituation), which can increase the risk that occasional headaches will turn into headaches. chronicles”explains Dr. Pearson.

If you often have trouble falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night, talk to your doctor. He or she will be able to help you identify the root cause of your sleep problems and treat you accordingly.

Oversleep

On the other hand, staying in bed for too long can also lead to headaches in the morning. Sleeping later than usual can trigger a headache for many reasons, says Dr. Pearson. These include hormonal disruptions, dehydration, hypoglycemia and lack of caffeine, he adds. Vigilance too, because sleeping too long can also be a symptom of depression. If these headaches and desire to sleep are accompanied by feelings of sadness, crying, despair, outbursts of anger, loss of interest or pleasure in most or all activities do not hesitate to ask for help.

Certain medications

Sometimes the very medications you take to stop headaches (or pain) can keep the headache cycle going, especially if you use them too often or for too long. “Headaches due to overuse of medications are one of the most common problems observed by doctors in specialized clinics”explains Dr. Pearson. If your morning headache goes away after taking medication but returns later, and you often use Tylenol, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), triptans, or especially barbiturates or opioids, there’s a good chance whether this is due to overconsumption.

A hangover

Finally, anyone who has ever had a little too much alcohol in the evening knows how hangovers can manifest themselves in the morning. Drinking alcohol, especially too close to bedtime, can cause many headaches. “These factors include poor sleep quality, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, dilated blood vessels and hypoglycemia. explains Dr. Pearson. Additionally, alcohol contains substances like tannins, congeners and other chemical byproducts that can also cause hangovers and headaches, he adds. Fortunately, you can avoid these discomforts by drinking in moderation and staying hydrated.

It is not always possible to prevent a throbbing headache in the morning. But some wise choices can reduce the risk. Here are some tips:

• Adopt a regular sleep schedule;
• Avoid alcohol three to four hours before bed;
• Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated;
• Exercise regularly;
• Don’t skip meals;
• Find ways to manage your stress.

When should you see a doctor?

Some morning headaches, like hangovers, are easy to explain and go away without treatment. But in case my ailments persist, it is time to see a health professional, especially if your symptoms meet these statements:

• New persistent headaches occur that are more severe or of a different quality than usual headaches;
• They occur suddenly and severely;
• They are accompanied by a change in vision, weakness or numbness, or severe nausea and vomiting

This information can help your doctor understand the context and clues that might be causing your headaches.