There are people who wake up with a headache in the morning, and the causes can be various, including our body’s natural rhythms, and health conditions. A migraine is an intense and pulsating pain around the eyes or temples, accompanied by several symptoms such as nausea, extreme fatigue, and brain fog.
Healthnews, a US health and medical information website, introduced several common causes of morning headaches that affect the quality of life.
Irregular sleep patterns
People with migraines are more likely to have sleep disorders such as insomnia. Sleeping too much or too little can increase the risk of morning headaches. People with migraines may not uncommonly sleep during the day due to fatigue and stay up late at night.
To prevent this, it is important to try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. It is also best not to oversleep on weekends and to wake up within an hour of the usual waking time if you want to sleep more. Keeping the bedroom dark and quiet is essential, as our bodies prefer routines. Establishing a bedtime routine that prepares you for sleep can help you manage morning migraines.
Snoring and sleep apnea
Snoring can be the first sign of sleep apnea. With sleep apnea, the body’s oxygen supply decreases because the breathing is not smooth throughout the night. Sleep apnea can interfere with sleep, leading to morning migraines. Treating sleep apnea can help reduce morning migraines.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding can cause morning headaches even after grinding teeth while sleeping. The tension from clenching the jaw can travel along the nerves that run along the face, resulting in morning headaches. Teeth grinding can be due to stress, sleep apnea, and sometimes medication side effects.
Managing stress can help reduce teeth grinding. Doing breathing exercises before going to bed can help reduce stress. Massaging the cheek muscles by drawing circles can also help relieve tension in the jaw muscles. Reducing smoking and drinking is also recommended. If you experience persistent pain in your teeth or jaw, visit your dentist.
Medication usage
Medication overuse headache is a rebound headache caused by taking medication to treat migraines for more than two days a week. Some medications can be taken frequently, but most cannot. Excedrin (aspirin), Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), etc., are over-the-counter medications that are effective for migraines.
In conclusion, it is important to maintain regular sleep patterns, treat sleep apnea, reduce stress and smoking, and use medication correctly. By doing so, it is possible to prevent morning migraines and improve quality of life.
