The development of headaches upon waking up is one of the painful symptoms frequently connected with sleep apnea. These headaches, aptly known as sleep apnea headaches, can leave you exhausted, irritable, and unable to completely enjoy your day.
You can take medicine to ease headaches, but the best approach for this condition is to address the root cause: sleep apnea. If you’re curious about the other effects of sleep apnea, its link to morning headaches, and how to prevent this condition from happening, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to learn more!
Sleep Apnea and Its Impact on Overall Health
When the muscles at the back of your throat struggle to keep the airway open while sleeping, you get sleep apnea, making you snore heavily and wake up gasping for air. This may result in insomnia, drowsiness throughout the day, and difficulties concentrating. Sleep apnea can eventually have a detrimental effect on general health.
Sleep apnea is a troublemaker for the heart. It raises the risk of cardiovascular disorders, like heart attacks, hypertension, and strokes, by damaging the arteries’ walls due to high blood pressure. It also causes abnormal heart rhythms, leading to heart failure. Sleep apnea can also mess with your blood sugar, making you more prone to type 2 diabetes. Raising insulin resistance levels forces the body to produce more insulin than needed, resulting in high blood sugar levels.
Understanding Sleep Apnea Headache
Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Headaches
Sleep apnea can cause morning headaches. Sleep studies indicate that around half of people with sleep apnea experience these symptoms. These headaches are typically described as dull, throbbing pain that spreads across both sides of the head. They can persist for hours and be so severe as to cause problems with your day-to-day activities.
The exact cause of morning headaches in people with sleep apnea is unknown. However, the headaches are believed to be caused by the decrease in oxygen levels that occurs during sleep apnea episodes. When the airway is blocked, the body is unable to get enough oxygen, leading to a decline in oxygen levels in the blood. This decrease in oxygen levels can cause headaches and other symptoms, such as fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Variations of Sleep Apnea Headaches
One of sleep apnea symptoms is headaches, which may be classified into three types: tension-type, cluster, and migraine. Tension headaches are the most common and generate a dull, continuous discomfort on both sides of the head. Cluster headaches, however, are rare but severe, causing intense, pressing pain on one side of the brain. Migraines are the least frequent but may be the most chronic, producing intense pain, nausea, and light and sound sensitivity. Knowing the kind of headache associated with sleep apnea is essential for deciding the best therapy, which can range from addressing the underlying cause of sleep apnea to taking medication to relieve headache symptoms.
Read Also: How Dental Appliances Help With Sleep Apnea
Causes of Sleep Apnea Headache
Frequent headaches from sleep apnea can have multiple causes that may include:
Oxygen Deprivation
During a sleep apnea episode, breathing pauses for a brief duration, resulting in a decrease in oxygen in the blood. Because of the reduced oxygen delivery, blood arteries in the brain widen, increasing blood flow and pressure and causing headaches. This headache frequently happens in the morning, when the person awakens, and the brain obtains higher oxygen levels.
Carbon Dioxide Retention
Carbon dioxide builds up when oxygen levels are low. When a person struggles to breathe while sleeping, this might result in headaches. Carbon dioxide can be trapped if a person does not have enough time to exhale between breaths.
Changes in Brain Chemistry
Frequent and regular sleep disruptions can lead to changes in the brain’s production of various hormones that regulate the body’s pain threshold. These changes can result in headaches ranging from mild to severe.
Increased Muscle Tension
Sleep apnea can also increase muscular tension, especially around the neck, resulting in headaches. When the upper airway muscles relax too much, they can place pressure on the neck bones, causing neck muscular tension. This stress can cause discomfort radiating to the brain, resulting in sleep apnea headaches.
Disrupted Sleep Patterns
The repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep can fragment sleep and prevent deep, restorative sleep. Poor sleep quality and disruption of the sleep-wake cycle can trigger headaches.
Changes in Blood Pressure
The fluctuations in blood pressure that occur during sleep apnea episodes can contribute to the development of headaches.
Co-Occurring Migraines
Some individuals with sleep apnea may also experience migraines, which can have separate triggers and causes. The presence of both conditions can contribute to the occurrence of sleep apnea headaches.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea Headache
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that can lead to health problems if not treated. Headaches upon waking are common symptoms. Consider seeking medical help if you experience this symptom often. Here are some other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea to watch for:
Morning Headaches
Waking up with a headache that disappears after a few hours might indicate sleep apnea. These headaches are frequently described as dull and pulsating, and they affect both sides of the head.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Sleep apnea may interrupt sleep and create excessive daytime fatigue. You may feel the constant urge for naps or find staying awake while working or engaging in other everyday activities challenging.
Loud Snoring
Sleep apnea is often indicated by loud snoring. If your sleep partner or roommate complains about your snoring, this might suggest that you have sleep apnea.
Gasping or Choking During Sleep
You may be awakened throughout the night gasping or choking for air if you have sleep apnea. This can be a scary experience and should be addressed with a medical professional.
Mood Changes
People with sleep apnea may experience mood changes, such as irritability, depression, or anxiety.
Pressure or Tension Sensation
Some patients with sleep apnea headaches may experience a sensation of pressure or tension in the head, which can contribute to the discomfort.
How to Get Rid of Sleep Apnea Headaches: Treatment Options
To effectively address sleep apnea headaches, treating the underlying sleep apnea condition is essential. Here are some treatment choices that can help alleviate the types of headaches caused by sleep apnea:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
The most frequent therapy for sleep apnea is a device known as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). A CPAP machine uses a mask that covers the nose or mouth and delivers a constant flow of air pressure that keeps your airway open during sleep. By keeping your airway open, you can get more oxygen while you sleep, reducing the likelihood of headaches.
Read More: How To Cure Sleep Apnea Naturally At Home Without CPAP
Oral Appliance Therapy
This treatment involves wearing a device that fits over the teeth and helps to hold the jaw and tongue in place, preventing the airway from collapsing during sleep.
Surgery
In severe cases of sleep apnea, undergoing surgery may be the most effective treatment option. For example, surgery to remove excess tissue from the throat or to remove the tonsils may be required. While surgery is usually reserved for the most severe cases, it can be a very effective treatment for headaches caused by sleep apnea.
Weight Loss
Losing weight if you are obese might help prevent sleep apnea headaches. Excess weight can strain the airway passages, resulting in more sleep apnea episodes. You may minimize the frequency and severity of sleep apnea headaches by decreasing weight.
Lifestyle Changes
As recommended by sleep experts, specific lifestyle changes can also aid in managing sleep apnea headaches. For example, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and avoiding sedatives can help to reduce sleep apnea symptoms, including headaches.
Tips for Prevention and Management of Morning Headaches
Morning headaches can ruin the start of your day and affect your productivity. To avoid morning headaches, follow these tips for prevention and management. You’ll feel refreshed and prepared to take on whatever the day brings.
- Maintain a regular sleep routine and a comfortable environment to improve your sleep.
- To preserve appropriate alignment and limit the chances of morning headaches, use a pillow that properly supports your neck and head.
- Limit or avoid coffee and other stimulants, particularly in the evening, since they can interfere with sleep quality.
- Use stress-reduction tactics such as relaxation exercises, deep breathing, meditation, or engaging in activities that help you unwind before bed.
- Limit alcohol intake as it can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to dehydration, contributing to morning headaches.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day since dehydration can cause headaches.
- Sleep in a position that supports the proper alignment of your head, neck, and spine.
- Seek medical help and treatment if you suspect you have sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.
- Avoid eating heavy meals before bed.
- Engage in regular physical activities, eat a balanced diet, and manage chronic health conditions to promote overall well-being, which can positively impact sleep and headaches.
- If morning headaches persist or worsen despite implementing lifestyle changes, consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
When to See a Doctor
If you encounter signs of sleep apnea, such as headaches, you should see a doctor or sleep specialist for a comprehensive evaluation. Seeking medical attention is particularly important if the headaches are frequent, severe, or significantly impacting your daily life. A healthcare provider can analyze your symptoms, medical history and perform necessary tests to diagnose sleep apnea and determine its potential role in your headaches. Undiagnosed sleep apnea is a serious health condition that can lead to other health problems. Seeking treatment for sleep apnea as soon as possible can help you avoid the above risks and improve your overall health.
Read Next: Is Sleep Apnea Genetic?
Experience Headache-Free Sleep with Garza DDS
Alleviate your morning headache caused by sleep apnea with Garza DDS, the trusted sleep apnea expert from Gilbert, AZ. If you’re tired of waking up with debilitating headaches caused by apnea, it’s time to take action and seek professional help. Dr. Garza is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to help his patients overcome sleep apnea and enjoy restful nights without headaches.
Experience personalized care and expertise from Garza DDS. Say goodbye to sleep apnea headaches and hello to nights filled with peaceful, rejuvenating sleep. Schedule your appointment with Garza DDS now and take control of your sleep health.