There are several causes that can cause waking headaches, and although in most cases it is not a concern, there are situations where medical evaluation is necessary.
Causes that can cause waking headaches include insomnia, sleep apnea, bruxism, using an inadequate pillow, or sleeping in the wrong position, for example.
Here are some of the most common causes and what to do in each of these situations:
Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, and one of the most common symptoms is headache the next day. This situation is more common in times of stress, and may also be associated with diseases, such as depression, or be associated with pregnancy or menopause, for example, which are situations that cause changes in the physiology of the body. See other causes that can cause insomnia.
What to do: Insomnia can be treated in several ways, which will depend on the intensity and duration of insomnia and the cause of it. Treatment can be done with natural remedies, such as passion fruit tea, St. John’s wort, lime or chamomile, for example, and with the adoption of habits that facilitate sleep induction.
In addition, psychotherapy and pharmacological treatment with anxiolytics and sleep inducers may be necessary in some cases.
Sleep apnea is characterized by a momentary pause in breathing or a very shallow breath during sleep, which can cause snoring and interfere with sleep, which ends up being as relaxing as it should be, causing the person to wake up painfully several times. headaches and fatigue. Learn about the characteristic symptoms of sleep apnea.
What to do: Treatment can be done by correcting lifestyle habits, such as smoking or being overweight, as well as controlling diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart failure, and using a device that facilitates breathing and, in some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Bruxism is characterized by the unconscious act of grinding or clenching teeth, which can occur during the day or night. Bruxism may be associated with neurological or respiratory problems and can lead to symptoms such as tooth surface wear and joint and head pain when waking, due to the strain exerted at night.
What to do: Bruxism does not heal and its treatment aims to relieve pain and prevent dental problems, which can be obtained with a protective dental plaque at night, to prevent rubbing between the teeth. In some cases, your doctor may recommend medications. Learn more about treatment.
Headaches can also be the result of improper use of the pillow, an inadequate pillow or sleeping in the wrong position, which can cause muscle tension in the neck and head.
What to do: To avoid headaches from misuse of the pillow, choose one that keeps your head and neck in a balanced position.
Wake-up headaches can be the result of excessive alcohol consumption the day before, which is one of the symptoms of a hangover. In addition, the use of certain medications can have a side effect of morning headaches, especially if taken at night.
What to do: If the headache is the result of excessive alcohol consumption, the person should drink plenty of water or fruit juice and take a painkiller, such as acetaminophen, for example. If the headache is the result of a side effect of a medicine, the person should identify the medicine and tell the doctor.