Nighttime headaches can have several causes, including hypnic headaches (a rare type that occurs during sleep and wakes the person at the same time each night), tension headaches triggered by stress or muscle tension, cluster headaches that occur in patterns often at night, migraines, sleep disorders like sleep apnea, teeth grinding at night (bruxism), and inconsistent sleep schedules. Some headaches are linked to disruptions in the body's circadian rhythm or hormonal changes. Other factors such as oversleeping, dehydration from alcohol, and mental health conditions like stress and anxiety can also contribute to headaches at night or upon waking.
Hypnic headaches are sometimes called "alarm clock headaches" because they typically wake people between 1:00 and 3:00 AM and may relate to melatonin and circadian rhythm disruptions. Tension headaches often produce a dull, aching pain and may result from exhaustion or muscle tension from the day. Cluster headaches are an intense form that occur in episodes and are marked by severe pain around one eye. Sleep apnea can cause headaches due to disrupted breathing during sleep. Teeth grinding creates tension that can trigger headaches by morning.
If nighttime headaches are frequent or severe, consulting a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment is advisable. They can evaluate potential underlying causes such as sleep disorders or neurological conditions and recommend appropriate therapies.
