Waking up with a throbbing headache is never an easy way to start the day. Individuals who wake up with headaches, especially every morning, should investigate what triggers them. Morning headaches usually have an underlying cause, such as any of the following ten.
What are four types of morning headaches?
Individuals should start by determining the type of headache they experience on a daily basis. Morning headaches can fall into any one of four categories, including migraines, tension-type headaches, cluster headaches, and a rare form known as hypnic or “alarm clock” headaches.
Migraines are a severe form of head pain. An intense throbbing occurs on one side of the head. Along with pain are symptoms of nausea and dizziness. Migraines usually attack early in the morning, as the body produces fewer natural painkillers, like endorphins and enkephalins, between 4 am and 8 am.
Tension-type headaches can feel like a tight band squeezes the sufferer’s head; this type of headache causes a consistent pressure across the entire head. Cluster headaches appear, subside then reappear upon waking. Hypnic headaches strike during sleep and wake up the individual.
What are common causes of morning headaches?
1. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Once the type of headache is identified, find out the trigger behind it. Nighttime bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is one cause of morning headaches, as well as jaw soreness and tooth sensitivity. Teeth grinding at night should be diagnosed by a dentist to prevent long-term complications.
2. Insomnia
Missing out on sleep, whether once in a while or chronically, can lead to head pain in the morning. Headaches can be the result of sleep deprivation. Insomniacs have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Routinely disrupted sleep increases the risk for morning tension headaches.
3. Poor Sleep Positions
Poor sleep posture is responsible for the tense muscles that trigger morning headaches. Tension headaches can also be due to stress, which exacerbates muscle tension and head pain. Even hairstyles that are too tight and poorly fitting pillows can be culprits for morning headaches.
4. Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Sleep apnea disrupts sleep with brief interruptions to breathing. A snoozing individual with this condition may also snore, but not all sufferers do. Waking up several times per night is a major risk factor for morning headaches. It’s important be diagnosed so proper treatments can be advised.
5. Medication Overuse
Certain prescription and over-the-counter medicines, especially when overused, can be responsible for morning headaches. Prescription pain medications, acetaminophen, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are known to trigger morning headaches. Taking these drugs close to bedtime can interfere with a normal sleep cycle and cause head pain.
6. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol too close to bedtime interferes with sleep quality. As a result, the individual wakes up with a morning headache. Alcohol is a diuretic that can lead to multiple nighttime bathroom trips; as a result, the individual becomes mildly dehydrated. A common side effect of dehydration is a headache.
7. Depression or Anxiety
Chronic morning headaches may be triggered by mental health issues, like depression or anxiety. However, any mental health condition that prevents an individual from getting a quality night’s sleep contributes to morning head pain. Mental ailments are treatable with medications and talk therapy.
8. Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Jet lag, working a job with rotating shifts, age, brain damage, and irregular sleep-wake times can lead to circadian rhythm disorders. The circadian rhythm refers to a person’s 24-hour internal clock, which controls natural wake-sleep cycles. When it is improperly set, headaches can result.
9. Allergens
Allergens in the home can stem from black mold, pet hair, smoke, and certain foods, and can provoke morning headaches, especially when the individual sleeps in the same spot for 8 hours. Sinus headaches and migraine headaches are commonly linked to allergies.
10. Oversleeping
In contrast to insomnia, oversleeping can be a cause of morning headaches. Oversleeping can lead to grogginess and a disrupted circadian rhythm—both of which contribute to head pain upon waking. While the number of hours of sleep is important, so is the quality of sleep.
How are morning headaches treated?
Adequate hydration can improve sleep and decrease the chances of waking up with a headache. When taking over-the-counter pain relievers, use them in moderation. Try massage therapy or apply heat packs to ease muscle tension. Cold packs are helpful for migraine attacks.
Reduce stress by practicing relaxation techniques. Being relaxed before bed can help promote 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep. Sleep apnea sufferers may try wearing a mouth guard or use a device called a continuous positive airway pressure to help reduce symptoms.
Use a journal or notes on a phone to keep track of when headaches occur. Try to notice any possible patterns, which could pinpoint the underlying cause. Make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the frequency of morning headaches. If relief is still not found, consult a medical practitioner.
Individuals should not have to wake up each morning with a pounding headache. Seek a diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional for relief. Quality chiropractic care for migraines from NUCCA Wellness Clinic of Chicago is a recommended solution for chronic headache sufferers.
Chiropractic care is an effective remedy for headaches, as it treats the underlying cause of symptoms. Unlike pain medications that temporarily mask pain, chiropractic care works long-term. Gentle adjustment techniques correct the atlas misalignment, relieving stress, tension, and headaches.
The skilled chiropractors from NUCCA Wellness Clinic of Chicago focus on improving the imbalance of the nervous system, which often results in severe headaches. Receiving upper cervical chiropractic care prevents the return of headaches in people who experience them chronically.
Upper cervical adjustments work by realigning the head and neck, thereby relieving the stress and tension that adversely affect the nerves. Our clients report a reduction in headache intensity, duration, and frequency. NUCCA’s drug-free approach provides long-lasting relief from headaches.
Chiropractic care is a sought-after treatment for migraines and headaches. When you suffer from headaches and seek a proven remedy without medications, schedule an appointment with NUCCA Wellness Clinic of Chicago. Our chiropractors will help you live the pain-free life you deserve.
