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URLhttps://health.clevelandclinic.org/waking-up-with-a-headache
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Meta TitleSix Reasons Why You Wake Up With Headaches
Meta DescriptionMorning headaches are often linked to your sleep health. If you can’t pinpoint the head pain as coming from a hangover or teeth grinding, a sleep disorder may be the culprit.
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When you have a pounding headache , being unconscious might sound like a nice alternative. But what happens when sleep itself is the trigger for your aching head? If you’re wondering why you’re waking up with headaches, know that sleep problems are often part of the puzzle. “If you’re dealing with chronic headaches, or headaches that seem to appear as soon as you wake up, it could be a sleep disorder,” says Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, DO, MS , sleep medicine physician and Director of the Sleep Disorders Center. Which types of headaches are more common in the morning? First, it may be helpful to identify the type of pain or discomfort you’re feeling in your head in the mornings. Our head is a complicated part of our body, so it comes with a variety of … brain pains. And different sensations can indicate different issues. Here’s the type of headaches you’re likely to experience in the morning: Migraines : This type of headache usually feels like an intense throbbing in one location of your head. The pain is usually very intense and is often accompanied by symptoms of nausea and dizziness. Tension-type headaches : Often described as feeling like your head is being “squeezed” by a tight band, tension headaches are more of a consistent pressure across your entire head. The pain for these can range from mild to intense, but annoying either way. Cluster headaches : If you feel severe pain on one side of your head, which then swiftly goes away and then returns with a vengeance, you may be experiencing cluster headaches. These are also common after waking and can last between 15 minutes and four hours. Hypnic headaches: Although rare, these “alarm clock” headaches, as they’re often called, are also common in the mornings because they strike right when you’re in a deep slumber and wake you up. They can happen every night, sometimes, more than once a night. The type of headache you’re experiencing in the mornings is the first step to identify. The next step is to try to determine the cause behind them. Is there a rhyme or reason why you could be getting morning headaches? Or is this just some kind of cruel, pointless joke that the universe is playing on you? There are a number of causes that could be why your head feels like it’s about to explode as soon as you wake up. Insomnia and sleep problems Headaches and slumber troubles are linked in a variety of ways. Being sleep deprived can make you more likely to develop a tension headache during the day. It’s often a vicious cycle, Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer explains. “ Insomnia can cause tension headaches, which can make it harder to sleep, which can lead to more headaches.” (AHHH!) Lack of shuteye can also turn up the volume on other types of headaches. “When people aren’t sleeping well, their pain is magnified,” she adds. And even if you’re well-rested, sleep isn’t always an escape from chronic headaches. Both migraines and cluster headaches can come on while you’re snoozing. Of course, they can also strike when you’re wide awake, and the sun is shining. Other headache syndromes are closely tied to sleep, too. Sleep apnea and headaches People with sleep apnea stop breathing off and on for short periods during the night. Snoring is the symptom most commonly associated with sleep apnea. But sleep apnea headaches are also surprisingly common, Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer says. “We think more than half of the people with sleep apnea have headaches,” she adds. “The classic scenario is that a person wakes up with a headache each day, which goes away within four hours.” People usually describe apnea-related headaches as pressing pain that occurs on both sides of the head. They differ from migraines, which often cause pulsing pain on one side or the other and are usually accompanied by nausea or other symptoms. And the good news: “Typically then, we treat the apnea, the headaches go away,” Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer says. Exploding head syndrome Yes, there is a disorder called exploding head syndrome . No, it’s not what it sounds like. (Thank goodness!) This sleep disorder causes a person to hear an imaginary crash or exploding sound in the hazy moments between wake and sleep. It’s often painless, but some people report a stab of pain in the head. Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer says exploding head syndrome isn’t well understood. “We believe it’s a phenomenon that happens as your wake systems shut down and your sleep systems come online. It’s similar to the way your muscles sometimes suddenly jerk as you transition from wake to sleep.” Oversleeping When it comes to sleep and headaches, it’s all about balance. So even though we just went over how not sleeping enough can cause headaches, so can the opposite extreme. Sometimes, your body doesn’t like it when you sleep longer than you’re used to — it can disrupt your circadian rhythm , make you feel groggy and yes, contribute to headaches. A lot of the time, this happens when you’re getting plenty of hours of sleep, but the quality of ZZZs you’re getting is lacking. Teeth grinding If you grind your teeth in your sleep, this may be another reason why you’re waking up with headaches. Teeth grinding while sleeping, or “sleep bruxism ,” is when you unconsciously grind your teeth and clench your jaw while asleep. This creates an overall tension on your face and head, leading to a nasty headache or migraine the next morning . Hangover This may be one of the first possible culprits to cross off the list. Depending on your sensitivity to alcohol, even one cocktail the night before can lead to a pounding headache the next day . Especially if you’re binge-drinking shortly before you go to bed, you’ll likely experience head pain the next morning. Plus, alcohol dehydrates your body a lot , and that lack of H20 can contribute to headaches as well (whether they happen during the day or night). How do you treat morning headaches? Sleep itself is pretty mysterious, so it’s no surprise that scientists have a lot to learn about the weird and wild ways our sleep systems can go awry. But the link between headaches and sleep problems is fairly straightforward — and mostly treatable. “Many of my patients found that their headaches disappeared when we treated the insomnia or sleep apnea,” Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer notes. “If you have chronic headaches, it’s worth exploring whether a sleep disorder is an underlying trigger.” How can you stop waking up with headaches? Whether your healthcare provider recommends further sleep treatment or not, there are certain lifestyle choices you can also make to avoid waking up with a headache. Get on a good sleep schedule. This may take some adjusting over time, but if you make an effort to go to bed and wake up at similar times, it could help relieve your headaches. Stay on top of your migraines. Don’t let this morning head pain sneak by you — make sure to take note when you’re getting these headaches or migraines and if there are any possible patterns you notice. This could be as simple as keeping a journal by your bed or a note in your phone. Avoid alcohol. Especially if your headache diary is telling you that alcohol is a trigger for headaches, try to be conscious of how much you’re drinking in the evenings. If you need help with regulating your alcohol use, talk to a healthcare provider for resources. Good diet and plenty of hydration. Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day and sipping on a tall glass of H20 first thing in the morning. A balanced diet also helps with keeping headaches at bay. When are morning headaches serious? Even if you don’t suspect that there’s an underlying disorder behind your headaches, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor if you’re not feeling any relief, especially after trying lifestyle changes. A healthcare provider can provide some other treatment options, as well as try to rule out any other triggers like medication, diet or strained muscles. If your doctor finds that your headaches may be linked to something like insomnia, sleep apnea or bruxism, you may need further treatment to get to the root cause. And if you’re getting morning headaches three or more times per week, you should make an appointment to help figure out next steps.
Markdown
Locations: [Abu Dhabi](https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/)\|[Canada](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/canada)\|[Florida](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/florida)\|[London](https://clevelandcliniclondon.uk/)\|[Nevada](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations/nevada)\|[Ohio](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)\| ![Gray gradient](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/gray-gradient-left-16.59910877.svg?w=32&q=75)![Gray gradient](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/gray-gradient-right-32.dd7ce4e5.svg?w=64&q=75) - [Health Essentials](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/) - [Health Library](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health) - [Find a Provider](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/providers) - [Make an Appointment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/information/access) - [News](https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/) - [Careers](https://jobs.clevelandclinic.org/) - [Contact Us](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/contact-us) [![Cleveland Clinic logo](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/logo-ccf.1e52a22b.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)[![Cleveland Clinic icon](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/CCFLogo.000428c6.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/) [![Health Essentials logo](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/HealthEssentials.b811bb06.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/) ![](https://zdbb.net/l/Dnl1wmWs8xCCpvWNCt9Egf/?w=16&q=75) ![Search Icon](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/search--green.d4218f47.svg?w=64&q=75) Search Advertisement Advertisement February 3, 2023/[Health Conditions](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions)/[Brain & Nervous System](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/brain-nervous-system) # Here’s Why You’re Always Waking Up With Headaches If it isn’t a hangover or teeth grinding, your aching head might be a sign of a sleep disorder ![Elder woman hand to head in pain from a headache](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/LargeFeatureImage/ac1e9fe4-163b-4887-bd84-df731e432b27/Waking-Up-With-Headaches-1368004903-770x533-1_jpg) **Image content:** This image is available to view online. View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/ac1e9fe4-163b-4887-bd84-df731e432b27/Waking-Up-With-Headaches-1368004903-770x533-1\_jpg) Elder woman hand to head in pain from a headache When you have a pounding [headache](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9639-headaches?_ga=2.166445817.6705207.1674011656-226980631.1656420500&_gl=1*8aux8x*_ga*MjI2OTgwNjMxLjE2NTY0MjA1MDA.*_ga_HWJ092SPKP*MTY3NDA2MjQ4Ni45Mi4xLjE2NzQwNjQ1NDQuMC4wLjA.), being unconscious might sound like a nice alternative. But what happens when sleep itself is the trigger for your aching head? Advertisement Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. [Policy](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/advertising) If you’re wondering why you’re waking up with headaches, know that sleep problems are often part of the puzzle. “If you’re dealing with chronic headaches, or headaches that seem to appear as soon as you wake up, it could be a sleep disorder,” says [Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, DO, MS](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/1795-nancy-foldvary-schaefer?_ga=2.102959047.6705207.1674011656-226980631.1656420500&_gl=1*r4g7tw*_ga*MjI2OTgwNjMxLjE2NTY0MjA1MDA.*_ga_HWJ092SPKP*MTY3NDA2MjQ4Ni45Mi4xLjE2NzQwNjQ2NjguMC4wLjA.), sleep medicine physician and Director of the Sleep Disorders Center. ## Which types of headaches are more common in the morning? First, it may be helpful to identify the type of pain or discomfort you’re feeling in your head in the mornings. Our head is a complicated part of our body, so it comes with a variety of … brain pains. And different sensations can indicate different issues. Here’s the [type of headaches](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-you-get-headaches-and-where/) you’re likely to experience in the morning: - **[Migraines](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5005-migraine-headaches):** This type of headache usually feels like an intense throbbing in one location of your head. The pain is usually very intense and is often accompanied by symptoms of nausea and dizziness. - **[Tension-type headaches](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8257-tension-type-headaches):** Often described as feeling like your head is being “squeezed” by a tight band, [tension headaches](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tame-your-tension-headaches-naturally/) are more of a consistent pressure across your entire head. The pain for these can range from mild to intense, but annoying either way. - **[Cluster headaches](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5003-cluster-headaches):** If you feel severe pain on one side of your head, which then swiftly goes away and then returns with a vengeance, you may be experiencing cluster headaches. These are also common after waking and can last between 15 minutes and four hours. - **Hypnic headaches:** Although rare, these “alarm clock” headaches, as they’re often called, are also common in the mornings because they strike right when you’re in a deep slumber and wake you up. They can happen every night, sometimes, more than once a night. Advertisement The type of headache you’re experiencing in the mornings is the first step to identify. The next step is to try to determine the cause behind them. ## 6 reasons why you wake up with headaches Is there a rhyme or reason why you could be getting morning headaches? Or is this just some kind of cruel, pointless joke that the universe is playing on you? There are a number of causes that could be why your head feels like it’s about to explode as soon as you wake up. ### Insomnia and sleep problems Headaches and slumber troubles are linked in a variety of ways. Being [sleep deprived](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/10-ways-sleep-deprivation-affects-your-health/) can make you more likely to develop a tension headache during the day. It’s often a vicious cycle, Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer explains. “[Insomnia](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12119-insomnia?_ga=2.241371973.6705207.1674011656-226980631.1656420500&_gl=1*i5lvqw*_ga*MjI2OTgwNjMxLjE2NTY0MjA1MDA.*_ga_HWJ092SPKP*MTY3NDA2MjQ4Ni45Mi4xLjE2NzQwNjUwMDUuMC4wLjA.) can cause tension headaches, which can make it harder to sleep, which can lead to more headaches.” (AHHH!) Lack of shuteye can also turn up the volume on other types of headaches. “When people aren’t sleeping well, their pain is magnified,” she adds. And even if you’re well-rested, sleep isn’t always an escape from chronic headaches. Both migraines and cluster headaches can come on while you’re snoozing. Of course, they can also strike when you’re wide awake, and the sun is shining. Other headache syndromes are closely tied to sleep, too. ### Sleep apnea and headaches People with [sleep apnea](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8718-sleep-apnea) stop breathing off and on for short periods during the night. [Snoring](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stop-snoring/) is the symptom most commonly associated with sleep apnea. But sleep apnea headaches are also surprisingly common, Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer says. “We think more than half of the people with sleep apnea have headaches,” she adds. “The classic scenario is that a person wakes up with a headache each day, which goes away within four hours.” People usually describe apnea-related headaches as pressing pain that occurs on both sides of the head. They differ from migraines, which often cause pulsing pain on one side or the other and are usually accompanied by nausea or other symptoms. And the good news: “Typically then, we treat the apnea, the headaches go away,” Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer says. ### Exploding head syndrome Yes, there is a disorder called [exploding head syndrome](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21907-exploding-head-syndrome-ehs). No, it’s not what it sounds like. (Thank goodness!) This sleep disorder causes a person to hear an imaginary crash or exploding sound in the hazy moments between wake and sleep. It’s often painless, but some people report a stab of pain in the head. Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer says exploding head syndrome isn’t well understood. “We believe it’s a phenomenon that happens as your wake systems shut down and your sleep systems come online. It’s similar to the way your muscles sometimes suddenly jerk as you transition from wake to sleep.” ### Oversleeping When it comes to sleep and headaches, it’s all about balance. So even though we *just* went over how not sleeping enough can cause headaches, so can the opposite extreme. Sometimes, your body doesn’t like it when you [sleep longer](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-you-should-know-about-the-relationship-between-oversleeping-and-depression) than you’re used to — it can disrupt your [circadian rhythm](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-reset-circadian-rhythm/), make you feel groggy and yes, contribute to headaches. A lot of the time, this happens when you’re getting plenty of hours of sleep, but the quality of ZZZs you’re getting is lacking. Advertisement ### Teeth grinding If you grind your teeth in your sleep, this may be another reason why you’re waking up with headaches. Teeth grinding while sleeping, or “sleep [bruxism](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10955-teeth-grinding-bruxism),” is when you unconsciously grind your teeth and clench your jaw while asleep. This creates an overall tension on your face and head, leading to a [nasty headache or migraine the next morning](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/your-jaw-may-be-to-blame-for-your-migraine-headaches/). ### Hangover This may be one of the first possible culprits to cross off the list. Depending on your sensitivity to alcohol, even one cocktail the night before can lead to a [pounding headache the next day](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-cure-a-hangover/). Especially if you’re [binge-drinking](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-binge-drinking/) shortly before you go to bed, you’ll likely experience head pain the next morning. Plus, alcohol dehydrates your body *a lot*, and that lack of H20 can contribute to headaches as well (whether they happen during the day or night). ## How do you treat morning headaches? Sleep itself is pretty mysterious, so it’s no surprise that scientists have a lot to learn about the weird and wild ways our sleep systems can go awry. But the link between headaches and sleep problems is fairly straightforward — and mostly treatable. “Many of my patients found that their headaches disappeared when we treated the insomnia or sleep apnea,” Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer notes. “If you have chronic headaches, it’s worth exploring whether a sleep disorder is an underlying trigger.” Advertisement ## How can you stop waking up with headaches? Whether your healthcare provider recommends further sleep treatment or not, there are certain lifestyle choices you can also make to avoid waking up with a headache. - **Get on a good sleep schedule.** This may take some adjusting over time, but if you make an effort to [go to bed](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-time-should-i-go-to-bed/) and wake up at similar times, it could help relieve your headaches. - **Stay on top of your migraines.** Don’t let this morning head pain sneak by you — make sure to take note when you’re getting these headaches or migraines and if there are any possible patterns you notice. This could be as simple as keeping a journal by your bed or a note in your phone. - **Avoid alcohol.** Especially if your headache diary is telling you that alcohol is a trigger for headaches, try to be conscious of how much you’re drinking in the evenings. If you need help with regulating your alcohol use, talk to a healthcare provider for resources. - **Good diet and plenty of hydration.** Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day and sipping on a tall glass of H20 first thing in the morning. A balanced diet also helps with keeping headaches at bay. ## When are morning headaches serious? Even if you don’t suspect that there’s an underlying disorder behind your headaches, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor if you’re not feeling any relief, especially after trying lifestyle changes. A healthcare provider can provide some other treatment options, as well as try to rule out any other triggers like medication, diet or strained muscles. Advertisement If your doctor finds that your headaches may be linked to something like insomnia, sleep apnea or bruxism, you may need further treatment to get to the root cause. And if you’re getting morning headaches three or more times per week, you should make an appointment to help figure out next steps. [![Cleveland Clinic logo](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/logo-ccf.1e52a22b.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)[![Cleveland Clinic icon](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/CCFLogo.000428c6.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/) [![Health Essentials logo](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/HealthEssentials.b811bb06.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/) ![Subscription icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/482db8cd-aa1e-45b5-a2a4-cf6aa5e5d2d4/Health-Essentials?w=256&q=75) ## Better health starts here Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. [Example email](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/2ff943a2-abb1-4a1c-8ede-f8848703e789/HealthEssentials-SampleEmail-2026)[Sign up](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health-essentials-sign-up) [Sign up](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health-essentials-sign-up)[Example email](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/2ff943a2-abb1-4a1c-8ede-f8848703e789/HealthEssentials-SampleEmail-2026) Learn more about our [editorial process](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/editorial-policy). Health Library Cluster Headaches [Overview](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5003-cluster-headaches#overview) [Symptoms and Causes](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5003-cluster-headaches#symptoms-and-causes) [Diagnosis and Tests](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5003-cluster-headaches#diagnosis-and-tests) [Management and Treatment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5003-cluster-headaches#management-and-treatment) [Outlook / Prognosis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5003-cluster-headaches#outlook-prognosis) Health Library Cluster Headaches [Overview](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5003-cluster-headaches#overview) [Symptoms and Causes](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5003-cluster-headaches#symptoms-and-causes) [Diagnosis and Tests](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5003-cluster-headaches#diagnosis-and-tests) [Management and Treatment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5003-cluster-headaches#management-and-treatment) [Outlook / Prognosis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5003-cluster-headaches#outlook-prognosis) Advertisement ## Related Articles [![Person in distress holding a cloth over their head](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/25299bf6-a93f-4d8e-b3fa-cd61db6e17d4/hot-compress-1290561595?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/natural-remedies-for-headaches) October 10, 2025/[Primary Care](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/primary-care) ### [9 Ways To Relieve a Headache Naturally](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/natural-remedies-for-headaches) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/natural-remedies-for-headaches Exercising, hydrating and other natural remedies can help a headache without the meds [![A person holding their head while a glass of red wine is filled, and two hands toast with red wine](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/b5c178a9-5220-4b77-bc64-e988f8016d35/red-wine-head-ache-2185939509?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/wine-headache) October 8, 2025/[Brain & Nervous System](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/brain-nervous-system) ### [What’s a Wine Headache?](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/wine-headache) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/wine-headache Certain components found in wine like tannins and histamines may be the culprit [![Healthcare provider examining patient's jaw](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/ae587721-3d79-4472-a3e0-50c1918bd84e/patient-doctor-jaw-pain-2167039421?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/your-jaw-may-be-to-blame-for-your-migraine-headaches) August 12, 2025/[Chronic Pain](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/chronic-pain) ### [Your Jaw May Be To Blame for Your Headaches](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/your-jaw-may-be-to-blame-for-your-migraine-headaches) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/your-jaw-may-be-to-blame-for-your-migraine-headaches TMJ pain can cause headaches, but chiropractic treatments, lifestyle adjustments and medication can help ease discomfort [![Person leaning against wall, holding their head](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/0c117913-fb69-4206-bbb8-db9e0997246f/head-ache-1397693555?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-your-head-hurts-when-you-stand-up) April 24, 2025/[Primary Care](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/primary-care) ### [Why Standing Up May Cause Head Pain](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-your-head-hurts-when-you-stand-up) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-your-head-hurts-when-you-stand-up Dehydration, spinal fluid leaks and other conditions can cause positional headaches when you stand up [![Close up of person pouring a cup of coffee](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/f092aeec-271f-4a0f-a46f-fefed94d56c7/pouring-coffee-morning-1300229083?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-caffeine-help-headaches) February 23, 2024/[Brain & Nervous System](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/brain-nervous-system) ### [Does Caffeine Help Headaches?](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-caffeine-help-headaches) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-caffeine-help-headaches It’s all about the amount — try to stick to 100 to 150 milligrams a day to reduce and prevent a pounding, throbbing head [![Male with eyes closed sitting hunched over, pinching area between their eyes](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/f54896ad-8f6b-41ca-ba00-781dc150fac1/person-Headache-Tired-1321701820-967x544-1_jpg?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/headache-and-fatigue) January 29, 2024/[Primary Care](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/primary-care) ### [Headache and Fatigue: 11 Possible Causes That Can Trigger Both](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/headache-and-fatigue) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/headache-and-fatigue Many factors, like dehydration, a cold or even your medication, can result in these common symptoms [![Person rubs temples of head while having a painful headache.](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/41d40c25-0e20-4679-9ea8-ab749de11b56/headache-at-temples-72459345-770x533-1_jpg?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-you-get-headaches-and-where) May 11, 2023/[Brain & Nervous System](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/brain-nervous-system) ### [Heads Up: What Your Headache Location Means](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-you-get-headaches-and-where) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-you-get-headaches-and-where Behind your eye, on one side of your face or as a band around your head — headaches are no fun [![person in bed holding head with headache](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/b39faaa2-74c9-4666-add5-06ff5cc389a9/Sex-And-Headaches-1323737326-770x533-1_jpg?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/orgasm-headache) April 7, 2023/[Brain & Nervous System](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/brain-nervous-system) ### [Can an Orgasm Cause a Headache?](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/orgasm-headache) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/orgasm-headache Yes, especially if you get migraines — but medicine can help ## Trending Topics [![Person getting a mammogram under direction of radiologist](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/d48b86ea-87b8-4134-a200-c5992bd4b060/mammogram-scan-appointment-2185896557?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-reduce-risk-of-breast-cancer) [Cancer Care & Prevention](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/cancer-care-prevention) ### 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Readable Markdown
When you have a pounding [headache](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9639-headaches?_ga=2.166445817.6705207.1674011656-226980631.1656420500&_gl=1*8aux8x*_ga*MjI2OTgwNjMxLjE2NTY0MjA1MDA.*_ga_HWJ092SPKP*MTY3NDA2MjQ4Ni45Mi4xLjE2NzQwNjQ1NDQuMC4wLjA.), being unconscious might sound like a nice alternative. But what happens when sleep itself is the trigger for your aching head? If you’re wondering why you’re waking up with headaches, know that sleep problems are often part of the puzzle. “If you’re dealing with chronic headaches, or headaches that seem to appear as soon as you wake up, it could be a sleep disorder,” says [Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, DO, MS](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/1795-nancy-foldvary-schaefer?_ga=2.102959047.6705207.1674011656-226980631.1656420500&_gl=1*r4g7tw*_ga*MjI2OTgwNjMxLjE2NTY0MjA1MDA.*_ga_HWJ092SPKP*MTY3NDA2MjQ4Ni45Mi4xLjE2NzQwNjQ2NjguMC4wLjA.), sleep medicine physician and Director of the Sleep Disorders Center. ## Which types of headaches are more common in the morning? First, it may be helpful to identify the type of pain or discomfort you’re feeling in your head in the mornings. Our head is a complicated part of our body, so it comes with a variety of … brain pains. And different sensations can indicate different issues. Here’s the [type of headaches](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-you-get-headaches-and-where/) you’re likely to experience in the morning: - **[Migraines](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5005-migraine-headaches):** This type of headache usually feels like an intense throbbing in one location of your head. The pain is usually very intense and is often accompanied by symptoms of nausea and dizziness. - **[Tension-type headaches](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8257-tension-type-headaches):** Often described as feeling like your head is being “squeezed” by a tight band, [tension headaches](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tame-your-tension-headaches-naturally/) are more of a consistent pressure across your entire head. The pain for these can range from mild to intense, but annoying either way. - **[Cluster headaches](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5003-cluster-headaches):** If you feel severe pain on one side of your head, which then swiftly goes away and then returns with a vengeance, you may be experiencing cluster headaches. These are also common after waking and can last between 15 minutes and four hours. - **Hypnic headaches:** Although rare, these “alarm clock” headaches, as they’re often called, are also common in the mornings because they strike right when you’re in a deep slumber and wake you up. They can happen every night, sometimes, more than once a night. The type of headache you’re experiencing in the mornings is the first step to identify. The next step is to try to determine the cause behind them. Is there a rhyme or reason why you could be getting morning headaches? Or is this just some kind of cruel, pointless joke that the universe is playing on you? There are a number of causes that could be why your head feels like it’s about to explode as soon as you wake up. ### Insomnia and sleep problems Headaches and slumber troubles are linked in a variety of ways. Being [sleep deprived](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/10-ways-sleep-deprivation-affects-your-health/) can make you more likely to develop a tension headache during the day. It’s often a vicious cycle, Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer explains. “[Insomnia](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12119-insomnia?_ga=2.241371973.6705207.1674011656-226980631.1656420500&_gl=1*i5lvqw*_ga*MjI2OTgwNjMxLjE2NTY0MjA1MDA.*_ga_HWJ092SPKP*MTY3NDA2MjQ4Ni45Mi4xLjE2NzQwNjUwMDUuMC4wLjA.) can cause tension headaches, which can make it harder to sleep, which can lead to more headaches.” (AHHH!) Lack of shuteye can also turn up the volume on other types of headaches. “When people aren’t sleeping well, their pain is magnified,” she adds. And even if you’re well-rested, sleep isn’t always an escape from chronic headaches. Both migraines and cluster headaches can come on while you’re snoozing. Of course, they can also strike when you’re wide awake, and the sun is shining. Other headache syndromes are closely tied to sleep, too. ### Sleep apnea and headaches People with [sleep apnea](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8718-sleep-apnea) stop breathing off and on for short periods during the night. [Snoring](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stop-snoring/) is the symptom most commonly associated with sleep apnea. But sleep apnea headaches are also surprisingly common, Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer says. “We think more than half of the people with sleep apnea have headaches,” she adds. “The classic scenario is that a person wakes up with a headache each day, which goes away within four hours.” People usually describe apnea-related headaches as pressing pain that occurs on both sides of the head. They differ from migraines, which often cause pulsing pain on one side or the other and are usually accompanied by nausea or other symptoms. And the good news: “Typically then, we treat the apnea, the headaches go away,” Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer says. ### Exploding head syndrome Yes, there is a disorder called [exploding head syndrome](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21907-exploding-head-syndrome-ehs). No, it’s not what it sounds like. (Thank goodness!) This sleep disorder causes a person to hear an imaginary crash or exploding sound in the hazy moments between wake and sleep. It’s often painless, but some people report a stab of pain in the head. Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer says exploding head syndrome isn’t well understood. “We believe it’s a phenomenon that happens as your wake systems shut down and your sleep systems come online. It’s similar to the way your muscles sometimes suddenly jerk as you transition from wake to sleep.” ### Oversleeping When it comes to sleep and headaches, it’s all about balance. So even though we *just* went over how not sleeping enough can cause headaches, so can the opposite extreme. Sometimes, your body doesn’t like it when you [sleep longer](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-you-should-know-about-the-relationship-between-oversleeping-and-depression) than you’re used to — it can disrupt your [circadian rhythm](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-reset-circadian-rhythm/), make you feel groggy and yes, contribute to headaches. A lot of the time, this happens when you’re getting plenty of hours of sleep, but the quality of ZZZs you’re getting is lacking. ### Teeth grinding If you grind your teeth in your sleep, this may be another reason why you’re waking up with headaches. Teeth grinding while sleeping, or “sleep [bruxism](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10955-teeth-grinding-bruxism),” is when you unconsciously grind your teeth and clench your jaw while asleep. This creates an overall tension on your face and head, leading to a [nasty headache or migraine the next morning](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/your-jaw-may-be-to-blame-for-your-migraine-headaches/). ### Hangover This may be one of the first possible culprits to cross off the list. Depending on your sensitivity to alcohol, even one cocktail the night before can lead to a [pounding headache the next day](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-cure-a-hangover/). Especially if you’re [binge-drinking](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-binge-drinking/) shortly before you go to bed, you’ll likely experience head pain the next morning. Plus, alcohol dehydrates your body *a lot*, and that lack of H20 can contribute to headaches as well (whether they happen during the day or night). ## How do you treat morning headaches? Sleep itself is pretty mysterious, so it’s no surprise that scientists have a lot to learn about the weird and wild ways our sleep systems can go awry. But the link between headaches and sleep problems is fairly straightforward — and mostly treatable. “Many of my patients found that their headaches disappeared when we treated the insomnia or sleep apnea,” Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer notes. “If you have chronic headaches, it’s worth exploring whether a sleep disorder is an underlying trigger.” ## How can you stop waking up with headaches? Whether your healthcare provider recommends further sleep treatment or not, there are certain lifestyle choices you can also make to avoid waking up with a headache. - **Get on a good sleep schedule.** This may take some adjusting over time, but if you make an effort to [go to bed](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-time-should-i-go-to-bed/) and wake up at similar times, it could help relieve your headaches. - **Stay on top of your migraines.** Don’t let this morning head pain sneak by you — make sure to take note when you’re getting these headaches or migraines and if there are any possible patterns you notice. This could be as simple as keeping a journal by your bed or a note in your phone. - **Avoid alcohol.** Especially if your headache diary is telling you that alcohol is a trigger for headaches, try to be conscious of how much you’re drinking in the evenings. If you need help with regulating your alcohol use, talk to a healthcare provider for resources. - **Good diet and plenty of hydration.** Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day and sipping on a tall glass of H20 first thing in the morning. A balanced diet also helps with keeping headaches at bay. ## When are morning headaches serious? Even if you don’t suspect that there’s an underlying disorder behind your headaches, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor if you’re not feeling any relief, especially after trying lifestyle changes. A healthcare provider can provide some other treatment options, as well as try to rule out any other triggers like medication, diet or strained muscles. If your doctor finds that your headaches may be linked to something like insomnia, sleep apnea or bruxism, you may need further treatment to get to the root cause. And if you’re getting morning headaches three or more times per week, you should make an appointment to help figure out next steps.
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