why do i always wake up with a headache

Waking up with a headache can be caused by several factors including sleep disorders, lifestyle habits, and underlying medical conditions. Common causes are sleep apnea, inconsistent sleep patterns (too much or too little sleep), teeth grinding during sleep (bruxism), dehydration, hangovers, stress, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Sleep apnea leads to disrupted breathing at night, causing low oxygen levels that trigger headaches in the morning. Teeth grinding can create tension headaches, and poor sleep quality or posture can strain the neck and head. Dehydration after hours without water and alcohol consumption the night before also contribute to morning headaches. Additionally, overuse of pain medication can cause rebound headaches upon waking. Identifying the specific cause often involves tracking headache patterns, sleep quality, and lifestyle factors, and consulting a healthcare provider can help tailor appropriate treatments to alleviate the headaches.