Waking up with a headache can be caused by a variety of factors, including sleep disorders, migraines, other headache disorders, depression and/or anxiety, certain medications, alcohol consumption, poor posture, or bruxism. Here are some of the most common causes of waking up with a headache:
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Sleep disorders: Insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders can cause morning headaches. Sleep apnea, in particular, can cause temporary lapses in breathing while asleep due to upper airway blockage, which can result in teeth grinding at night, headaches in the morning, dry mouth, and decreased quality of life for your bed partner.
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Migraines: Migraines can cause headaches that begin in the early hours of the morning. Migraines often feel like piercing pain in one location along with symptoms such as sensitivity to light or nausea.
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Teeth grinding: Teeth grinding while sleeping, or “sleep bruxism,” is when you unconsciously grind your teeth and clench your jaw while asleep. This creates an overall tension on your face and head, leading to a nasty headache or migraine the next morning.
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Oversleeping: Oversleeping can cause morning headaches.
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Dehydration: Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, and low blood sugar may all lead to waking up with headaches.
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Poor sleep quality: Poor sleep quality can cause headaches. When you have trouble either falling asleep or staying asleep, or you wake very early in the morning and can’t go back to sleep, you may have insomnia. Over time, a lack of uninterrupted sleep can increase your risk for morning headaches.
If you frequently wake up with a headache, it is important to identify the type of headache you are experiencing and try to determine the cause behind it. Keeping a headache diary can help you track the details of your headaches, such as the time they start, how long they last, and any noticeable triggers. If your headaches are severe or persistent, it is important to talk to a doctor to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
