why did i wake up with a headache

There are multiple common reasons why someone wakes up with a headache. These include sleep-related issues such as sleep apnea (which causes breathing interruptions during sleep), insomnia or poor quality sleep, and inconsistent sleep schedules including oversleeping or undersleeping. Teeth grinding (bruxism) at night can also cause tension headaches upon waking. Other causes include dehydration (from not drinking enough water or alcohol consumption the night before), hangovers, high blood pressure, and caffeine withdrawal. Mental health factors like stress, anxiety, or depression can also disrupt sleep and increase the likelihood of morning headaches. In some cases, migraines or specific headache disorders manifest primarily in the morning. Poor sleep posture or neck strain may contribute as well. If morning headaches persist, identifying patterns such as sleep quality, alcohol use, teeth grinding, or medication use can help narrow the cause. Consulting a medical professional for potential underlying conditions like sleep apnea or chronic migraines is advisable.