Why do I have a headache when I wake up? What are the causes and triggers factors?

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We want to wake up fresh and rested in the morning; unfortunately, this is not always the case; some find themselves with an unpleasant headache in the morning.

The relationship between sleep and headaches has been repeatedly considered and is quite varied. The night hours can be the time of day when you can be affected by headaches, which is why those who suffer from headaches are more likely to suffer from inadequate rest.

One aspect not to be overlooked is using electronic devices such as TVs, computers, smartphones, tablets before going to sleep. Their brightness can provide excessive sensory stimulation and related sleep disturbance.

To treat this condition, drugs such as acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or triptans are usually taken. However, it is also advisable to intervene by changing your lifestyle.

In this sense, it is useful to keep the same rest times, favoring a healthy diet and physical activity; it is also recommended to sleep in a room with a low temperature, choosing good pillows and mattresses.

Morning headaches, reasons that could trigger the disorder

Among the possible causes of a headache upon waking, it can be associated with lifestyles such as reckless alcohol use in the evening before bedtime. Not only that, but headaches can be related to diseases such as high blood pressure, but also poor sleeping

posture. A condition that is often associated with pain in the cervical area.

Sleeping on your stomach or your stomach can lead to impaired sleep quality and headaches upon awakening.

For this and other reasons, it is important to check the underlying causes of the problem.

Headaches are divided into:

Primary, in this case, does not depend on a specific disorder: In this type are ascribed: migraine, muscle-tension headache, and cluster headache
Secondary, in this case, headaches can derive from disorders that affect: the head and neck, including the eyes, brain, teeth, ears, or even widespread throughout the body (systemic).

Migraines may present around 4 and 9 in the morning with a feeling upon awakening that you have not slept enough. It could last from 4 to 72 hours. The pain is very often throbbing and of a certain entity and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, phonophobia, and photophobia.

Even poor hydration during the night, although it is a phase in which we do not take in fluids, is a condition that does not get enough oxygen to the blood, causing headaches.

Another possible cause of muscle-tension headaches is bruxism, i.e., grinding or clenching the teeth during sleep, which does not allow for restful sleep.

Note* Always consult your doctor or other qualified health care professional for any questions you may have about your health or condition. Never disregard a health care professional’s advice or delay getting it because of what you read on this website.