The truth is, experiencing a headache after a light sleep is what no one wants. However, several headache disorders happen either during or immediately after sleep. And, sometimes it can be challenging to determine which came first – the sleep issue or the headache. 

Namely, different sleep issues such as oversleeping, lack of sleep, or changes in the sleep routine can cause acute migraines and tension-type headaches. On the other hand, cluster headaches which typically occur during sleep can keep you awake at night and hamper sleep. Plus, many sleep disorders and snoring can make episodic headaches chronic.

Hence, we may conclude that headaches and sleep are strongly connected. So, let’s have a look at the most common headache disorders that affect sleep:

Sleep Apnea Headaches

A repetitive morning headache caused by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is one of the most common sleep disorders characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep, is called sleep apnea headache. Even though scientists cannot precisely determine the cause of sleep apnea headache, they speculate that it is a result of the high carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels which are a result of the breathing interruptions or shallow breathing during sleep.

People suffering from sleep apnea headaches can experience ache at different ranges of intensity on either both sides or only one. It may happen as a new headache or as a result of cluster headaches, tension-type headaches, or migraines. Luckily, people with sleep apnea headaches report that a half-an-hour walk helps in diminishing the pain.

Cluster Headaches

Also known as alarm clock headaches since they normally occur at nighttime and at certain times of the year (seasonal variation), cluster headaches a very severe and disabling type of headache. They also happen without any warning signs and usually last between 15 and 180minutes. People with this type of headache report feeling a burning and stabbing pain in or around the eye or temple.

Similar to sleep apnea headaches, the direct cause of cluster headaches isn’t clearly understood, but experts suggest that there’s a link to the hypothalamus – a gland that regulates sleep and circadian rhythm. Also worth mentioning, patients with cluster headaches tend to have sleep apnea so it can be hard to distinguish between these two.

Acute Migraines

This type of headache may be considered to be the most complicated one and can range from moderate to severe throbbing sensation on either both sides of the head or only one. Common side-effects of migraines include photophobia (light sensitivity), phonophobia (sound sensitivity), vomiting, and nausea.

According to studies, migraines occur as a result of the trigeminovascular system being activated, which is a very delicate and complex system that connects trigeminal nerve fibers to brain blood vessels. And, once it is activated, it releases several peptides that trigger neurogenic inflammation that is linked to migraine pain.

Tension-Type Headaches

Finally, the most common headache type is tension-type headache characterized by a squeezing or a dull tightening or pressure around the head, usually referred to as ‘rubber band-around-the-head’ sensation. The pain may begin at the forehead and then radiate around to the back of the head.

Besides this pressure, tension-type headaches are accompanied by tenderness in the muscles of the neck, head, and/ or shoulders. It is believed that it is a result of the myofascial pain receptors activation, i.e. the activation of the tissue that covers muscles. And, when activated, pain signals travel to the brain.

The Bottom Line

Seeing your doctor is of crucial importance if you have headaches while asleep or when you wake up. Once you determine the type of headache you experience, your doctor could recommend a suitable treatment option.