How To Relieve Headache While Sleeping
1. Hypnic Headache
A medicine called lithium carbonate is prescribed by your doctor. 300 mg of this medicine is taken at bedtime. Be aware of all the side effects and the special precautions associated with this medicine. Other types of medication that may be prescribed are:
- a calcium channel blocker
What Are The Treatments For Migraine
There is no absolute cure for migraine. However, lots of treatments are available to help ease the symptoms of a migraine attack.
When a migraine attack occurs, most people find that lying down in a quiet, dark room is helpful. Sleeping can also help. Some people find that their symptoms die down after they have vomited .
Most people affected by migraine will already have tried paracetamol, aspirin and perhaps anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen before they seek advice from their doctor. If ordinary painkillers alone are not relieving your symptoms, your GP might prescribe you a triptan to be taken in addition to over-the-counter painkillers . Triptans are available in different forms to suit individuals , although it is important to note that some people develop short-term side effects when taking triptans. Your doctor may also prescribe you anti-sickness medication. If your situation does not improve after treatment, you might be referred to a specialist migraine clinic.
It is important to avoid taking painkillers on more than two days per week or more than 10 days per month as this can in fact make things worse by triggering medication overuse headaches.
Does Sleep Apnea Cause Headaches
While there is no conclusive evidence that identifies how or if Obstructive Sleep Apnea directly causes headaches, OSA patients do experience a higher prevalence of morning headaches. A common explanation for morning headaches among people with OSA is that lapses in breathing, which are caused by sleep apnea, lead to sleep disturbances and lower blood oxygen levels during sleep. As a result, carbon dioxide builds up in the bloodstream, causing the brains blood vessels to dilate and triggering the onset of a headache. However, because low blood oxygen levels also occur among OSA patients who do not experience morning headaches, this explanation does not single out the cause for headaches.
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Ways To Decrease Morning Headaches
As we mentioned, there are a few common triggers that can cause morning headaches. These include alcohol consumption, jet lag, morning sickness, teeth grinding, caffeine intake, and excessive screen time, for example. These triggers dont necessarily have any underlying medical issues but can cause morning headaches. In order to decrease your instances of waking up with a throbbing headache, here are a few tips:
How Do I Manage Heart Palpitations At Night
Most of the time, heart palpitations at night dont require treatment, especially if they only happen occasionally. You may be able to relieve heart palpitations at night yourself. If your heart is racing at night, you should:
- Breathe deeply: Try pursed lip breathing techniques, which involve long, deep breaths. You can also meditate and try other relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
- Drink a glass of water: If youre dehydrated, your heart has to work harder to pump blood.
- Roll over or get up and walk around: A change of position might be all you need to relieve heart palpitations. Try rolling over in bed, sitting up or going for a short walk around the room while taking deep breaths.
If a health condition is causing palpitations, your provider will treat the condition. Treatments vary depending on the cause. Sometimes, providers prescribe a type of medicine called beta blockers to treat palpitations. These medications slow the heart rate and reduce palpitations.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Hypnic Headache
Symptoms of a hypnic headache include:
- Dull or throbbing pain affecting one or both sides of the head
- Waking up in the middle of the night due to headache, multiple times a month
- Sensitivity to light or sounds
- Runny eyes or nose
The primary symptom of a hypnic headache is dull or throbbing head pain that occurs during sleep, multiple times per month, usually around the same time of night. Some people experience additional symptoms during a hypnic headache, such as nausea or sensitivity to light or sounds.
Hypnic headaches can be unilateral or bilateral, which means they can affect one or both sides of your head. However, its more common for a hypnic headache to affect both sides.
Hypnic headaches can range in severity, but theyre painful enough to rouse you from sleep. The majority of people describe the pain as moderate to severe.
Another distinguishing feature of hypnic headaches is the time they occur. Hypnic headaches usually occur in the middle of the night, around two to three hours after falling asleep, or between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. They often occur around the same time and may even happen multiple times per night7. Hypnic headaches can last for 15 minutes to three hours, with an average of 90 minutes.
While hypnic headaches are rare, theyre a common experience for those who have them occurring at least 10 times a month. Some people experience them at least every other day.
What Else Should I Know
When your child has a splitting headache, it’s easy to worry. But headaches rarely are a symptom of something serious.
- are happening a lot more than usual
- don’t go away easily
- are very painful
- happen mostly in the morning
Also note whether other symptoms happen with the headaches. This can help the doctor find what might be causing them. Call the doctor if your child has a headache and:
- seems less alert than usual
- is vomiting
- got the headache after a head injury or loss of consciousness
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What Causes A Headache
The exact cause of headaches is not completely understood. It is thought that many headaches are the result of tight muscles and dilated, or expanded, blood vessels in the head. Although migraine headaches were previously thought to be due to dilated blood vessels in the brain, newer theories suggest that changes in brain chemicals or electrical signaling may be involved. Other headaches may be caused by an alteration in the communication between parts of the nervous system that relay information about pain, coming from the area of the head, face, and neck. Lack of sleep and poor sleep quality are often the cause of chronic headaches. Occasionally, there is an actual problem in the brain, such as a tumor or malformation of the brain, although this is rare.
The way a child exhibits a headache may be related to many factors, such as genetics, hormones, stress, diet, medications, and dehydration. Recurrent headaches of any type can cause school problems, behavioral problems, and/or depression.
Which Children Are At Risk For Headaches
A child is more at risk for headaches if he or she has any of the following:
-
Recurrent episodes of vomiting without nausea or other signs of a stomach virus
-
A very young child with a headache
-
A child that is awakened by the pain of a headache
The symptoms of headaches can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
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How Is A Throbbing Headache Different From Others
A routine headache is often characterized by minor pain that eventually goes away. Those with a low threshold for pain may take an over-the-counter medication, but many people dont consider the ache severe enough for any kind of intervention. Most are able to go about their daily activities without having to stop.
In contrast, a throbbing headache can make it impossible to focus on anything else but the pain. These aches are often localized to one particular area. The pulsating rhythm can feel like someone is beating against the inside of your skull, causing pain that only gets worse the longer you are exposed to certain stimuli.
Bruxism Or Teeth Grinding
Sleep bruxism, or teeth grinding or clenching during sleep, can make you wake up with a headache. This forceful and excessive movement also leads to tooth wear, muscle pain, and gum damage. Causes of sleep bruxism include having an irregularly shaped jaw, stress and anxiety, sleep disruption, alcohol use, and coffee.
A dentist can determine if you have sleep bruxism. Treatment often involves wearing a mouthguard at night. Your dentist may also prescribe drugs for pain management and recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to manage stress and anxiety.
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How Do I Know Which Type Of Headache I Have
While some headaches have unique features that make them easy to diagnose, most headaches arent that straightforward.
If you regularly get headaches at night and youre not sure why, it may be worth making an appointment with your doctor. They can help you narrow down the type of headache you have or rule out any underlying conditions that might be causing them.
To do this, theyll likely ask you a series of questions. These might be about:
Keeping these questions in mind, prepare a headache diary for your doctor. For about two weeks prior to your appointment, document every headache you have. Make sure to include all the details about pain characteristics, timing, triggers, and so on.
Throbbing Headache At Back Of Head
Occipital neuralgia is a condition that results from damaged nerves from the spinal cord to the scalp. Its often confused with migraines. This condition results in a sharp, aching, or throbbing pain that starts at the base of the head and moves toward the scalp. Occipital neuralgia can also result in pain behind the eyes.
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Sleep Loss And Insomnia
Because sleep deprivation is a common cause of morning headaches, people with insomnia also have a high risk of experiencing morning headaches. People with this sleep disorder struggle to fall asleep or to stay asleep. As a result, they often do not get sufficient sleep and may feel unrested or sluggish during the day.
Can You Get Diagnosed With Sleep Apnea Headaches
People with OSA can be diagnosed with sleep apnea headache if they experience an apnea-hypopnea index of five or higher during an overnight sleep test. Sleep apnea is identified as a pause or slowing of breath due to a partially or completely blocked airway. The apnea-hypopnea index therefore measures how often a person experiences pauses or slowed breathing during an hour of sleep. The higher the AHI, the more severe the OSA. An AHI of 5 or higher signals at sleep apnea in a person so if a person with OSA also experiences morning headaches, they could be diagnosed with sleep apnea headaches.To diagnose OSA, a doctor will need to assess the results of a persons overnight sleep test. If you suspect your morning headaches relate to undiagnosed OSA, take a home sleep test. Using a portable device, you can record and share one nights at-sleep breathing patterns with a doctor, who will then provide a possible diagnosis of OSA, plus prescription and treatment options.
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The Most Common Brain Tumor Symptoms
- Persistent room spinning, dizziness, or loss of balance.
- A seizure or loss of ability to speak
- Hearing problems
- Gradually worsening weakness or loss of sensation in an arm or leg
- Personality changes such as emotional withdrawal or anger, or becoming easily confused
Consult your doctor if you have any overall concerns about your health.
How To Prevent Morning Headaches
As you can see, preventing morning headaches is mostly about understanding the root cause and taking steps to fix itwhether thats cutting back on drinking, getting a mouth guard to prevent grinding, or trying an elimination diet to find out which foods trigger morning headaches for you. If youve tried all of these things, and youre still waking up with a headache, its probably time to talk to your doctor. What you think is a run-of-the-mill headache could be migraine or another condition that needs more targeted treatment.
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When Should I See My Healthcare Provider About Heart Palpitations At Night
If you have frequent heart palpitations when resting or lying down, you should schedule a visit with your provider. Most of the time, heart palpitations at night arent harmful. But its important to see your provider to be sure they arent signs of a serious health problem.
Get help right away if you have heart palpitations and:
- Loss of consciousness or fainting .
- Severe swelling in your limbs, especially your legs, ankles and feet.
- Unusual or sudden fatigue.
You should also seek medical attention if your fitness device alerts you to a heart rate over 100.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you often have heart palpitations at night, talk to your provider. Although most heart palpitations arent dangerous, you should schedule an evaluation. You can lower your risk of heart palpitations at night by eating right, avoiding alcohol and nicotine, and staying away from caffeine before bed. Try yoga and meditation to reduce stress and help you relax. Get help right away if heart palpitations happen along with chest pain, dizziness or shortness of breath.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/22/2021.
References
Can Sleeping More Help With Headaches
Getting too little sleep can aggravate headaches, but the same is also true for sleeping too much. This is due to the fluctuations in serotonin and other hormones that occur during sleep. These fluctuations may increase an individuals likelihood of experiencing a headache while they are sleeping or once they wake up. Similarly, while those in adolescence may find relief of headache pain in the form of daytime naps, many adults report that frequent napping during the day may trigger a headache and reduce sleep quality during the night, resulting in a headache the following morning.
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The Importance Of Healthy Sleep
Behavioral sleep changes can promote restful, regular sleep and reduce headache. Simple changes like establishing consistent sleep and wake-up times, as well as getting between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a day, can make a world of difference. Experts also recommend avoiding substances that impair sleep, like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, and also suggest winding down before bed to prevent sleep problems. To hear about how members of our community stick to healthy sleep habits, read this article from our resource library.
From comorbidities to daily habits, many factors explain why a wide variety of sleep events trigger headache. Understanding your migraine and identifying simple lifestyle changes can make all the difference. As you embark on this journey, find the resources and support you need through our doctor-verified resource library and migraine support group.
Why Do I Wake Up With A Headache Morning Headache Causes
Why do I wake up with headaches every morning? You may wake up with headaches every morning because of sleep disorders, migraines, depression, certain medications, alcohol consumption, poor posture, or bruxism.Morning headaches affect 1 in 13 people, according to an article published in The Archives of Internal Medicine.But just because its common doesnt mean you have to wake up every morning with head pain and live with it.How can I stop waking up with a headache? You can stop waking up with a headache by seeking chiropractic care, taking OTC medications, or making specific lifestyle changes, like getting good sleep, avoiding alcohol and drugs, cutting out caffeine, and relieving stress.This article will help you understand the common causes of morning headaches.At Denver Upper Cervical Chiropractic, we believe in treating the root causes of your morning headaches. Contact us right away to set up an appointment.
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What Causes Headaches In A Child
Researchers dont fully understand the exact cause of headaches. Many headaches may be caused by tight muscles and widened blood vessels in the head. Stress and mental or emotional conflict can trigger tension headaches. Migraine headaches may be caused by changes in brain chemicals or nerve signals.
Other headaches may be caused by a change in pain signals from nerves in the head, face, and neck. Lack of sleep and poor sleep quality are often the cause of chronic headaches. In rarer cases, headaches may be caused by a problem in the brain such as a tumor.
Tips For Morning Headache Relief
If sleep problems can exacerbate headaches and make it more difficult to find relief, then adopting healthy lifestyle and sleep hygiene habits may help you sleep better and reduce the frequency of morning headaches:
- Maintain a Bedtime Routine: Establish a routine of calming pre-bedtime activities to help you wind down for sleep. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on the weekends.
- Reduce Caffeine and Alcohol: Experts recommend staying away from alcohol and stimulating drinks if you are experiencing headaches. Certain medications can also prompt headaches, so talk to your doctor about switching medications or lowering your dose if this is a problem.
- Drink More Water: Ensure that you are drinking enough water throughout the day to prevent dehydration at night.
- Improve Your Bedroom Environment: Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool for optimal sleep.
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When To Seek Medical Attention
While headaches can be very debilitating, not all of them require medical attention. However, especially if you live with a condition like a migraine, cluster, or hypnic headache, its important to know the signs that you do need help. Get emergency help if you experience:
- Loss of consciousness following an impact to the head
- Very rapid onset of headache
- Pain that is unusually severe
- Headache getting worse for 14 or more hours
Its also important to get help if you experience any of the following alongside headaches:
- Vision problems
- Severe pain or redness in one eye
- Problems with limb coordination
- Trouble chewing and/or swallowing