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Morning headaches can occur for a variety of reasons. You may experience one once in a while after a poor night’s sleep or when experiencing stress, or you may experience them regularly. In this article, we examine some of its possible causes according to Healthline.
Insomnia
Insomnia – inability to sleep – can affect your sleep patterns and cause sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation is a prevalent cause of morning headaches and can trigger migraine. Insomnia can prevent you from getting enough sleep by keeping you up when you are trying to fall asleep, awakening you during your sleep, and causing restless sleep.
Anxiety or depression
Research shows that mood disorders and migraine episodes frequently occur together, and having one indicates a higher risk for having the other. Mental health conditions can also lead to insomnia, which can further increase your risk for morning headaches.
Snoring or sleep apnea
Disrupted sleep caused by snoring or sleep apnea may be the source of your early morning headaches. Snoring can be a condition on its own or a symptom of sleep apnea – a condition that causes you to stop breathing at times throughout the night. Generally, headaches associated with sleep apnea last for about 30 minutes.
Grinding your teeth
Grinding or clenching your teeth is also known as bruxism. This can occur at night as a sleep disorder, which is referred to as sleep bruxism. A headache that occurs with bruxism is generally dull and can be felt near your temples.
Strained muscles
Early morning headaches may be the result of strained muscles in your neck. You may need to evaluate your sleep position and the pillows you use to ease this form of early morning headache.
Alcohol or hangover
Early morning headaches may be the result of alcohol use. Drinking heavily can result in uneven sleep and an early morning headache, such as a hangover. Anytime you drink to intoxication, you’re likely to risk having a hangover the next day.
Medications
Some medicines may interfere with your sleep patterns, resulting in disrupted sleep and early morning headaches. Talk with your doctor if you suspect your medications are causing early morning headaches.
Oversleeping
Getting too much sleep, especially on a regular basis, is a common trigger for morning headaches. The exact reason for this is unknown, but it’s generally thought to stem from disruptions in your natural sleep pattern in the brain.
Health conditions
Headaches can be a symptom of a variety of conditions and may not be caused by your sleep patterns at all. Conditions that may cause chronic morning headaches include hypertension and musculoskeletal diseases.
When to see a doctor
Generally, you may be able to manage the headaches yourself.with lifestyle changes, a new pillow, or better sleep management.
With persistent headache that refuses to resolve, you may require a conversation with your doctor, especially if they are caused by an underlying condition. Once you and your doctor determine the cause, the headaches should get better with appropriate treatment.
