This Could Be Why You Wake Up With A Headache Every Morning
No one likes getting a headache. But waking up with one is enough to make you want to bury yourself in your blankets and stay in bed all day. If this happens frequently, it could really be messing with your mornings. According to Self, morning headaches are pretty common and have many causes. You may be dealing with insomnia, which is when you have trouble falling or staying asleep. Not getting enough sleep can contribute to frequent headaches, as well as other issues that may cause insomnia, like anxiety or stress. Sleep apnea, which is another sleep-related condition, restricts oxygen to the brain and can also lead to morning headaches.
Frequent headaches in the morning aren't necessarily related to sleep conditions. You may be getting migraines, which can occur at any time of the day, including the morning. Migraines are usually genetic, so it can be tough to prevent them. However, there are medications that can treat your symptoms. If you experience frequent headaches in the morning, speak with your doctor about what the underlying cause may be.
How to treat morning headaches
Headaches are no fun, but there are plenty of ways to treat your symptoms when one does come on. According to Good Housekeeping, it's best to treat your headaches without medication when possible, especially for mild pain. "It can induce something called medication overuse headaches, where too much medication actually induces more frequent headaches and makes the patient resistant to other treatments," said Lawrence Newman, MD, a neurologist and director of the Headache Division at NYU Langone Health in New York City.
Instead of taking ibuprofen or aspirin, try drinking a cup of coffee right after waking up if you have a headache in the morning. Caffeine may help reduce headache pain, but it can also cause headaches in some people, so you will need to determine your individual tolerance. Other medication-free ways to treat headaches include placing an ice or heat pack on your head, drinking plenty of water, and taking a break in a dark room.