{"id":508,"date":"2018-05-30T15:35:56","date_gmt":"2018-05-30T15:35:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepdunwoody.com\/blog\/?p=508"},"modified":"2020-06-18T15:22:50","modified_gmt":"2020-06-18T15:22:50","slug":"sleep-apnea-headaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleepdunwoody.com\/blog\/2018\/05\/30\/sleep-apnea-headaches\/","title":{"rendered":"The Mystifying Connection Between Headaches & Sleep"},"content":{"rendered":"\"sleep\n\nMillions of Americans deal with headaches every day, and for some, they always seem to occur in the morning right after they wake up or when they are feeling particularly tired. Studies have shown that headaches and sleep have an <\/span>interdependent relationship<\/span>, as<\/span><\/a> headaches are <\/span>two to eight times more common<\/span><\/a> in those with sleep disorders.<\/span>\n\n\n\nIf this sounds familiar to you, you might be interested to learn more about the connection between headaches and sleep, a few disorders that display these symptoms and solutions for both painful headaches and poor rest.<\/span>\n

Types of Headaches<\/h2>\n

Migraines<\/h3>\nIt is estimated that more than <\/span>38 million people<\/span><\/a> in the U.S. suffer from migraines. Lasting anywhere between two and 72 hours and causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and a sensitivity to light, sound, or smell, migraines are severe and debilitating for the sufferer.<\/span>\n\nInterestingly, both a lack of sleep <\/span>and<\/span><\/i> excessive sleep can trigger migraines. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 50% of migraines occur between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m., and 80% of regular migraine sufferers wake up still feeling tired. Chronically waking up with a migraine could be the sign of a sleep disorder, such as insomnia or sleep apnea. Migraines sufferers are also more likely to be <\/span>depressed or anxious<\/span><\/a>, making existing sleep issues worse. <\/span>\n\nFortunately, on the other side of the coin, sleep can also help <\/span>alleviate or even terminate<\/span><\/a> a migraine attack.<\/span>\n

Cluster Headaches<\/h3>\nAnother type of severe headache is a cluster headache, which occurs in patterns, or clusters, and is usually limited to one side of the head. Attacks typically manifest <\/span>during sleep<\/span><\/a>, which some experts believe may be due to <\/span>the brain switching from REM sleep to a lighter stage of sleep<\/span><\/a>, possibly indicating a connection between a person\u2019s circadian rhythm (the sleep\/wake cycle) and headaches. A sleep analysis can help determine if certain sleep habits are playing a role in the onset of cluster headaches.<\/span>\n

Exploding Head Syndrome<\/h3>\nAnother headache phenomenon that has been associated with sleep issues is <\/span>exploding head syndrome<\/span><\/a>. This type of headache is a rare condition in which a person experiences unreal noises that are loud and short when falling asleep and waking up, such as the sound of a bomb exploding or other loud bang. Sufferers should consult a doctor for treatment, which may include <\/span>medication or stress reduction<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\n

Sleep Disorders & Headaches<\/h2>\n

Bruxism<\/h3>\nOne sleep disorder particularly linked with headaches is bruxism, a condition in which a person unconsciously clenches their jaw and grinds their teeth during sleep. It\u2019s estimated that about <\/span>8% of adults<\/span><\/a> have the disorder, often brought on by stress. It\u2019s common for sufferers of bruxism to wake up with a morning headache.<\/span>\n\nSolutions for bruxism include:<\/span>\n