Waking up with a headache first thing in the morning is not the way anyone wants to start their day, but individuals who suffer from sleep apnea face this dilemma on a regular basis. For many, sleep apnea and snoring go hand-in-hand. They are two of the most common causes of morning headache pain.
Morning Headaches
Awakening to head pain can be the result of stress, an uncomfortable bed or something much more complicated. Individuals who snore or experience high levels of stress throughout their day-to-day lives will often wake up with a headache on a regular basis.
Migraines can also be caused by the way we sleep at night. Sleeping positions that put the neck in an awkward position or cause stress and strain in the muscle tissue are also culprits.
Headaches Caused by Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a monster all its own, but is often the culprit when it comes to waking up with head pain of any kind. Sleep apnea causes a person to stop breathing several times throughout the course of the night. This means the amount of oxygen that actually makes it to the brain is reduced. The longer the brain functions without a normal oxygen supply, the more likely the person is to wake up with a headache every morning.
Treating Morning Migraine Pain
Once sleep apnea has been diagnosed, there are several treatment options available depending on the triggers. CPAP machines use positive air pressure to help maintain a rhythmic breathing pattern. This ensures that the brain receives the oxygen it needs to remain healthy and functioning at its best.
If being overweight is a suspected cause, it may only take losing a few pounds to relieve the pressure on the diaphragm. Excessive body fat around the head and neck area can sometimes make it harder for a person to breathe normally, especially if they rest in a horizontal position.
For the person who snores constantly, doctors can sometimes help correct the problem with a surgical procedure that removes obstructions and helps to open the airway. Treating this condition helps to restore proper blood flow to the brain, increasing oxygen levels and reducing the risk of waking up with a headache on a regular basis.
Houston Headache Institute
Waking up with a headache can put a damper on your entire day. At the Houston Headache Institute, we can help you find the solution you need to wake up pain free and ready to start your day. Our doctors are familiar with the physical effects of both sleep apnea and snoring and we help our patients who are constantly dealing with headaches caused by snoring and sleep apnea to find the relief they need.
