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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 50 (from laksa075)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa050.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738","crawl_time":1776331739,"first_indexed_time":1526299090,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,verywellhealth!www,\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738 s443","src_root_hash":"5681562863987870850","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Why Do I Wake Up With a Headache? 10 Reasons and Cures","meta_descriptions":["Understanding why you wake up with a headache can help you find the right treatment to alleviate the pain and prevent it from recurring."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Key Takeaways\nPoor sleep from issues like insomnia, sleep apnea, and bruxism can lead to morning headaches. These can include tension, migraine, cluster, and medication-overuse headaches.\nChanging your pillow or sleep position can prevent strained muscle headaches. Over-the-counter pain relief may help.\nDehydration and drinking alcohol are common causes of morning headaches, so staying hydrated is key. Treatment will depend on the type and underlying cause, so talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerning symptoms.\nWaking up with a headache can be caused by factors like poor sleep quality, dehydration, or alcohol. Knowing the type and cause of your headache is key to finding relief and preventing it from happening again.\nPeter Dazeley \/ Getty Images\nTypes of Morning Headaches\nNot every morning headache is the same, and you might experience any of these types:\nTension headache\n:\nThis involves dull tightening or pressure on both sides of the head. It may start at the forehead and radiate to the back of the head.\nMigraine:\nIncapacitating pain occurs, usually on one side of the head, plus nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual phenomena called an\naura\n.\nCluster headache\n:\nBrief, severe, sudden-onset headaches may occur multiple times a day, affect one side, and cause red, inflamed eyes, flushing, and runny nose.\nMedication-overuse headache\n:\nTaking too much headache medication can lead to daily rebound headaches. These don't respond to headache medications.\nThe characteristics of your headache can help your healthcare provider determine what you may be dealing with and guide them toward a possible cause, which may include any of the following concerns.\nDehydration\nDehydration\ncan cause headaches when you lose more water than you take in. It often occurs with excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever.\nMorning headaches can happen if you get dehydrated overnight, possibly due to sweating while you sleep from a warm environment or menopause-related night sweats\nSymptoms of dehydration also include:\nIncreased thirst\nFatigue\nDizziness, especially when standing up\nDark urine or low urine output\nDry mouth\nIrritability\nTreating Dehydration\nIf dehydration is causing your headache, replenishing fluids and electrolytes can help alleviate it.\nIn mild cases, drinking water can relieve dehydration. If fluid loss is substantial, a rehydrating drink, like a sports drink, may be needed. Severe dehydration requires immediate medical care.\nPreventing dehydration is better than treating it, so try to replace the fluids you lose during the day. That can put a stop to morning dehydration headaches.\nAlcohol\nDrinking alcohol, especially in large amounts, can contribute to morning headaches.\nHangover\nheadaches are technically called delayed alcohol-induced headaches. They come on the morning after you drink and tend to:\nThrob\nGet worse with physical activity\nHurt on both sides of the head\nBe located on the forehead and\/or temples\nResearchers don't fully understand what causes hangovers and their associated headaches. Potential factors could include:\nDehydration\nOveractivation of certain pathways in the brain\nIncrease in blood sugars in the brain\nDisrupted sleep\nInflammation\nExposure to a chemical called\nacetaldehyde\n, which your body produces as it processes alcohol\nWithdrawal as the effects wear off\nHangover symptoms may last anywhere from a few hours to three days. The duration depends on how much you drank, how dehydrated you got, and several other factors.\nHangovers aren't the only way alcohol leads to morning headaches. If you get migraines, cluster headaches, or tension headaches, alcohol may be a trigger for them.\nSince drinking often takes place in the evening or at night, it's common to wake up to them.\nTreating a Hangover\nHangover\ntreatments\n, which may help ease your morning headache faster, include:\nRehydration\nEating or drinking carbohydrates to raise blood sugar\nNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)\nCaffeine\nB vitamins\nZinc\nYou can avoid hangovers and the associated morning headaches by drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all. Drinking water when you have alcohol beverages is also a good idea.\nIf you do drink enough to cause a hangover, drink plenty of water before you go to bed so you don't get dehydrated.\nStrained Muscle\nSleeping on the wrong pillow or in the wrong position can leave your neck muscles aching in the morning. That\nmuscle strain\nmay lead to a morning headache.\nWhen your muscles contract, it limits blood flow. That leads to chemical reactions that create a build-up of waste products including lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and water. They irritate your nerves, leading to pain.\nMorning neck-strain headaches tend to be tension headaches or migraines. They often feature:\nMild to moderate pain\nMild nausea\nLess often, increased sensitivity to light or sound (usually not both)\nBlood flow can't resume until the muscle relaxes. At that point, the waste is flushed out and the irritation can ease.\nTreating Strained Muscles\nYou can ease strained muscles with:\nRest\nIce\nMassage\nAnti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil (\nibuprofen\n) or Aleve (\nnaproxen\n)\nOnce you've identified strained muscles as the cause of your morning headaches, you can try a different pillow or change your sleep position.\nGrinding Your Teeth\nRegularly grinding your teeth at night is a disorder called sleep\nbruxism\n. This can be both a symptom of poor sleep and a cause of it. It's also tied to high stress levels.\nTooth grinding can aggravate your jaw joint and contribute to\ntemporomandibular\njoint disorders (TMJ)\n. Pain in the jaw, as well as the surrounding muscles and connective tissues, can lead to a dull, constant headache.\nResearch published in 2020 showed a direct relationship between nighttime grinding and morning headaches.\nTreating Bruxism\nTo\nprevent grinding your teeth\n, you may be given:\nA custom-fitted mouthguard to prevent clenching\nAntidepressants\nto regulate chemical messengers called\nneurotransmitters\nRelaxation techniques for easing the tension in your jaw and mouth area\nYou may not be aware that you grind your teeth while you sleep. If you have a sleep partner and morning headaches consistent with bruxism, ask them if they've noticed you grinding.\nInsomnia\nInsomnia\nis a common sleep disorder that can:\nMake it hard for you to fall asleep\nWake you up frequently overnight\nMake you wake up too early\nPoor sleep can be a headache trigger\nbecause the same brain regions and neurotransmitters deal with both sleep and pain processing.\nInsomnia is often associated with chronic migraines and chronic tension headaches.\nTreating Insomnia\nInsomnia treatments include:\nLifestyle changes such as adjusting the time you go to sleep and your routine\nSedative drugs\n(sleeping pills) such as Ambien (zolpidem) and Lunesta (eszopiclone)\nSpecialized cognitive behavioral therapy\n, a type of talk therapy\nPossibly supplements like\nmelatonin\nand\nvalerian\nTo help your doctor diagnose insomnia, keep a sleep journal that details how long it takes you to fall asleep, the amount of time you sleep, and how often you wake up overnight.\nObstructive Sleep Apnea\nObstructive sleep apnea (OSA)\ninvolves pauses in breathing that disrupt your sleep. Sleep disruption can be a headache trigger by itself.\nIt's also possible that low oxygen leads to high carbon dioxide levels in the brain, which increases blood flow and pressure inside your skull, leading to morning headaches.\nThese headaches typically:\nOccur more than 15 times a month\nAffect both sides of the head\nHave a squeezing quality\nDon't involve migraine symptoms (nausea, dizziness, vision changes, noise and light sensitivity)\nResolve within four hours of waking\nThe pain of morning OSA headaches is often described as aching rather than sharp. These headaches don't occur at other times of day.\nTreating Obstructive Sleep Apnea\nObstructive sleep apnea is treated with:\nA\ncontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)\nmachine, a breathing therapy device\nOther wearable or implantable devices\nNeurostimulation therapy\nSurgery\nSleep apnea and other sleep disorders are often diagnosed with\npolysomnography\n(a sleep study).\nImproving Your Sleep Hygiene\nIf you often don't sleep well and have regular morning headaches, you may benefit from better sleep hygiene—habits and an environment that encourages good sleep.\nThis includes:\nGoing to bed and waking up at the same time each day\nKeeping your bedroom dark, quiet, relaxing, and a comfortable temperature\nAvoiding caffeine, alcohol, and large meals close to bedtime\nGetting more exercise during the day (but not near bedtime)\nKeeping electronic devices out of the bedroom\nAnxiety and Depression\nThe brain regions and neurotransmitters tied to sleep and pain also impact your mood. Common physiology is at least part of why\nanxiety\nand\ndepression\nare both common in people with migraines and sleep disorders.\nIn fact, a 2020 study confirmed a link between headaches and increased anxiety and depression scores. The links were strongest between:\nMedication-overuse headache (see below) and both anxiety and depression\nMigraine and both anxiety\nand depression\nTension headache and anxiety\nTreating Anxiety and Depression\nAnxiety and depression are both real conditions that need to be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare practitioner. Treatments may include:\nAnxiety:\nPsychotherapy, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants,\nbeta-blockers\n,\nstress management\nDepression:\nPsychotherapy\n, antidepressants, and brain-stimulation therapies\nIf you have both depression and anxiety, you may want to start with treatments that can help both of them, such as talk therapy and antidepressants. Some antidepressants have sedative effects, helping you sleep better too.\nHigh Blood Pressure\nHypertension (high blood pressure)\noften doesn't cause symptoms, but that's not always the case.\nResearch is divided as to whether mild or moderate chronic hypertension is associated with headaches and migraines.\nThe link is better established between\nheadaches and severely high blood pressure\nor a\nhypertensive crisis\n.\nA hypertensive crisis is a sudden, sharp rise in blood pressure. It causes headaches that are often accompanied by a\nnosebleed\nand tend to be worse in the morning.\nThe reasons behind hypertensive headaches may vary for different headache types.\nIn non-migraines, researchers suspect it has to do with a disruption of the\nblood-brain barrier\n.\nThis is a network of cells that prevent harmful substances from reaching your brain.\nIn migraines, evidence suggests it's because of common underlying mechanisms including:\nA type of heart disease called\nendothelial\ndysfunction\nProblems with the automatic regulation of your heart and\nblood circulation\nInvolvement of hormones that regulate blood pressure and blood volume\nRecurring headaches of any severity are worth mentioning to a healthcare provider. This is especially important if you're pregnant and have frequent headaches. They could be a sign of a dangerous hypertension-related complication called\npreeclampsia\n, which can also cause blurry vision, swollen hands and face, and right-side abdominal pain.\nTreating Hypertension\nThere are several options for treating hypertension. These include:\nDietary changes\nPhysical activity\nWeight loss\nStress management\nSmoking cessation\nBlood pressure medications\nHypertension increases your risk of heart disease. It's important to have it diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional.\nYou should get a blood pressure cuff and\ncheck your blood pressure\nregularly if you have a history of hypertension, hypertensive crisis, or\nheadaches and nosebleeds\nthat occur together.\nCall 911\nIf you have a headache and a nosebleed at the same time, check your blood pressure if possible. If it's high, rest for five minutes and check it again. If your second reading is above 180\/120, call 911 immediately.\nMedication Side Effects\nSeveral types of medications cause side-effect headaches in some people who take them. They include:\nHormonal medications used for birth control and menopause\nErectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil)\nSome heart and hypertension medications including:\nPlavix (clopidogrel)\nZestril (lisinopril)\nNitroglycerin\nProcardia (nifedipine)\nDopamine\nMyriad other medications and some supplements can cause headaches as well. If you've started a new medication or had a recent dosage increase and start having regular headaches, talk to your healthcare provider.\nTreating Headaches Caused by Medications\nHeadaches and other medication side effects may eventually taper off if you stay on the medication. They should also clear up if you stop taking the drug in question.\nHowever, don't stop taking a prescription medication without the advice of a healthcare professional. Doing so can cause side effects, as well as complications related to your condition going untreated. Your provider can work with you to find a different treatment or a dosage of your current treatment that works better for you.\nAlso, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what pain medications you can safely use to ease your headaches given other drugs you are taking.\nHeadache Medication Overuse\nIronically, the drugs you take to treat chronic headaches may eventually start causing them. The headache medications work at first, but over time, they become less effective.\nTypically, you need to take the drugs more than 10 days a month for more than three months for this to happen.\nWhen they wear off, your headache comes back—usually worse than it was before you took the medication. If you don't realize this is happening, it's natural to take another dose. However, that just compounds the problem.\nDrugs that can cause medication overuse headaches (MOH) include:\nAspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)\nTylenol (acetaminophen)\nAdvil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and other NSAIDs\nCodeine, Vicodin (hydrocodone-acetaminophen),\nOxyContin (oxycodone)\n, and other\nopioid painkillers\nIf your headaches are getting worse despite taking pain medicine, talk to your healthcare provider.\nMedication-overuse headaches are sometimes called medication-induced headaches,\nrebound headaches\n, drug-induced headaches, or medication-misuse headaches. However, not everyone who gets them has overused or misused the medication.\nTreating Medication Overuse Headaches\nTo get rid of an MOH, it's usually recommended that you stop taking the problem drug. Your healthcare provider can help you find different treatment, if needed.\nAsk your healthcare provider or pharmacist how to treat your headache while the drug is still in your body.\nTiming of Headache Medications\nMigraines are most common early in the morning. There are several reasons for that:\nMany pain medications last for between four and eight hours. If you take them before bed, they'll likely wear off while you're still asleep and leave you vulnerable.\nIf you're having MOH, it's even more common for drugs to wear off overnight.\nMigraine treatments are most effective when taken soon after the migraine begins. If one begins while you're asleep, you may miss the ideal window for taking your next dose.\nTreating Medication-Timing Headaches\nAsk your healthcare provider about longer-acting or extended-release drugs.\nYou may also need to adjust the timing of your medications, but that should only be done under the direction of a medical professional.\nCircadian Rhythm Disorders\nCircadian rhythms\nare biological cycles, including the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. These rhythms help you to fall asleep at night and wake in the morning while playing an important role in the regulation of hormones and body functions.\nA number of health issues can disrupt your natural circadian rhythm, including:\nObesity\nDiabetes\nDepression\nBipolar disorder\nSeasonal affective disorder (SAD)\nThese disorders can cause you to wake up during the sleep cycle, or you might sleep for too short or too long a period of time. This can create an ongoing problem in which you develop headaches because of sleep disorders and then the headache itself causes additional problems sleeping.\nTreating Circadian Rhythm Disorders\nTo regulate circadian rhythm, your doctor may recommend at-home therapies such as:\nLimiting your caffeine intake\nKeeping a regular schedule for meals\nEstablishing a regular bedtime routine\nAvoiding naps during the day\nExercising regularly\nManaging light exposure including getting sunlight during the day and dimming light at night\nOversleeping\nIt may seem that getting extra sleep would be a good way to avoid a morning headache. However, sleeping too much is a type of sleep disorder that can leave you feeling terrible.\nSerotonin\n, one of the neurotransmitters that regulate circadian rhythm, signals to your body when it is time to wake up at the end of the natural sleep cycle. At that point, your brain begins to work and your body starts to want food and water.\nIf you continue to sleep after your brain has received the \"wake up\" signal, your body will begin to become dehydrated and suffer nutrient loss. If you continue for too long in that state, it can trigger a headache.\nTreating Oversleeping\nIf you experience a headache triggered by oversleeping as a one-time event or just occasionally, you can relieve the symptoms of your headache by rehydrating and taking over-the-counter pain-relieving medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.\nIn some instances, people find themselves chronically oversleeping or unable to wake after a normal night's sleep. This could be a sign of\nhypersomnia\nand may result in other symptoms such as confusion, anxiety, and hallucinations.\nExploding Head Syndrome\nTechnically,\nexploding headache syndrome\nis not considered a headache disorder because it doesn't cause a typical pain in the head. However, sometimes a stabbing sensation occurs along with the characteristics loud noises in your head.\nThis can cause anxiety that further disrupts sleep and can lead to recurring headaches.\nTreating Exploding Head Syndrome\nIn some instances, relaxation techniques may ease exploding head syndrome. There is also some research that has shown that the\ntricyclic antidepressant\nAnafranil (clomipramine) may help with symptoms as well.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#skip-to-content)\n\nMenu\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n  - [Colorectal Cancer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/colon-cancer-4014742)\n  - [Arthritis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/arthritis-overview-4582013)\n  - [Type 2 Diabetes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/type-2-diabetes-overview-4581874)\n  - [Digestive Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/digestive-health-4141198)\n  - [Multiple Sclerosis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/multiple-sclerosis-overview-4581925)\n  - [Skin Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/skin-health-4014649)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n- [Prevention & Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/prevention-and-treatment-4158390)\n  - 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[Studies & Guidelines](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/studies-and-guidelines-11869035)\n- Tools & Resources\n  - [Thyroid Test Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thyroid-test-analyzer-8647820)\n  - [Doctor Discussion Guides](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/doctor-discussion-guides-4179090)\n  - [Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/a1c-test-analyzer-8647852)\n  - [Lipid Test Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/lipid-test-analyzer-8647856)\n  - [Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/complete-blood-count-cbc-analyzer-8647862)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/about-us-5180305)\n  - [Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042)\n  - [Meet Our Medical Expert Board](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003)\n\nSearch\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n  - [Colorectal Cancer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/colon-cancer-4014742)\n  - 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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\n# Why Do I Wake Up With a Headache?\nBy [Brandon Peters, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/brandon-peters-md-3014640)\n\nUpdated on April 09, 2026\n\nMedically reviewed by  [Daniel Combs, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/daniel-combs-5214606)\n\nTable of Contents\n\nView All\n\nTable of Contents\n\n- [Types](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-types-of-morning-headaches)\n- [Dehydration](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-dehydration)\n- [Alcohol](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-alcohol)\n- [Strained Muscle](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-strained-muscle)\n- [Grinding Your Teeth](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-grinding-your-teeth)\n- [Insomnia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-insomnia)\n- [Sleep Apnea](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-obstructive-sleep-apnea)\n- [Anxiety\/Depression](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-anxiety-and-depression)\n- [High Blood Pressure](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-high-blood-pressure)\n- [Medication Side Effects](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-medication-side-effects)\n- [Headache Drug Overuse](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-headache-medication-overuse)\n- [Timing of Medications](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-timing-of-headache-medications)\n- [Circadian Rhythm Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-circadian-rhythm-disorders)\n- [Oversleeping](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-oversleeping)\n- [Exploding Head Syndrome](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-exploding-head-syndrome)\n\n### Key Takeaways\n- Poor sleep from issues like insomnia, sleep apnea, and bruxism can lead to morning headaches. These can include tension, migraine, cluster, and medication-overuse headaches.\n- Changing your pillow or sleep position can prevent strained muscle headaches. Over-the-counter pain relief may help.\n- Dehydration and drinking alcohol are common causes of morning headaches, so staying hydrated is key. Treatment will depend on the type and underlying cause, so talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerning symptoms.\n\nWaking up with a headache can be caused by factors like poor sleep quality, dehydration, or alcohol. Knowing the type and cause of your headache is key to finding relief and preventing it from happening again.\n\n![Woman in bed holding her head in her hands]()\n\n![Woman in bed holding her head in her hands](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/9s7aAUgcQXqq9w-EDxR_911MzQI=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/130897076_10-56a884b23df78cf7729e8396.JPG)\n\nPeter Dazeley \/ Getty Images\n## Types of Morning Headaches\nNot every morning headache is the same, and you might experience any of these types:\n\n- **[Tension headache](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/temple-headache-5219096):** This involves dull tightening or pressure on both sides of the head. It may start at the forehead and radiate to the back of the head.\n- **Migraine:** Incapacitating pain occurs, usually on one side of the head, plus nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual phenomena called an [aura](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/migraine-with-aura-headache-4171966).\n- **[Cluster headache](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/cluster-headaches-7548851):** Brief, severe, sudden-onset headaches may occur multiple times a day, affect one side, and cause red, inflamed eyes, flushing, and runny nose.\n- **[Medication-overuse headache](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/headache-left-side-5218920):** Taking too much headache medication can lead to daily rebound headaches. These don't respond to headache medications.\n\nThe characteristics of your headache can help your healthcare provider determine what you may be dealing with and guide them toward a possible cause, which may include any of the following concerns.\n\n## Dehydration\n[Dehydration](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/dehydration-symptoms-8662174) can cause headaches when you lose more water than you take in. It often occurs with excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever.\n\nMorning headaches can happen if you get dehydrated overnight, possibly due to sweating while you sleep from a warm environment or menopause-related night sweats\n\nSymptoms of dehydration also include:\n\n- Increased thirst\n- Fatigue\n- Dizziness, especially when standing up\n- Dark urine or low urine output\n- Dry mouth\n- Irritability\n### Treating Dehydration\nIf dehydration is causing your headache, replenishing fluids and electrolytes can help alleviate it.\n\nIn mild cases, drinking water can relieve dehydration. If fluid loss is substantial, a rehydrating drink, like a sports drink, may be needed. Severe dehydration requires immediate medical care.\n\nPreventing dehydration is better than treating it, so try to replace the fluids you lose during the day. That can put a stop to morning dehydration headaches.\n\n## Alcohol\nDrinking alcohol, especially in large amounts, can contribute to morning headaches.\n\n[Hangover](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/is-pedialyte-good-for-hangovers-11923122) headaches are technically called delayed alcohol-induced headaches. They come on the morning after you drink and tend to:\n\n- Throb\n- Get worse with physical activity\n- Hurt on both sides of the head\n- Be located on the forehead and\/or temples\n\nResearchers don't fully understand what causes hangovers and their associated headaches. Potential factors could include:\n\n- Dehydration\n- Overactivation of certain pathways in the brain\n- Increase in blood sugars in the brain\n- Disrupted sleep\n- Inflammation\n- Exposure to a chemical called acetaldehyde, which your body produces as it processes alcohol\n- Withdrawal as the effects wear off\n\nHangover symptoms may last anywhere from a few hours to three days. The duration depends on how much you drank, how dehydrated you got, and several other factors.\n\nHangovers aren't the only way alcohol leads to morning headaches. If you get migraines, cluster headaches, or tension headaches, alcohol may be a trigger for them. Since drinking often takes place in the evening or at night, it's common to wake up to them.\n\n### Treating a Hangover\nHangover [treatments](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/understanding-hangover-headaches-and-how-to-avoid-them-1719443), which may help ease your morning headache faster, include:\n\n- Rehydration\n- Eating or drinking carbohydrates to raise blood sugar\n- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)\n- Caffeine\n- B vitamins\n- Zinc\n\nYou can avoid hangovers and the associated morning headaches by drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all. Drinking water when you have alcohol beverages is also a good idea.\n\nIf you do drink enough to cause a hangover, drink plenty of water before you go to bed so you don't get dehydrated.\n\n## Strained Muscle\nSleeping on the wrong pillow or in the wrong position can leave your neck muscles aching in the morning. That [muscle strain](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/muscle-pain-what-you-should-know-190093) may lead to a morning headache.\n\nWhen your muscles contract, it limits blood flow. That leads to chemical reactions that create a build-up of waste products including lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and water. They irritate your nerves, leading to pain.\n\nMorning neck-strain headaches tend to be tension headaches or migraines. They often feature:\n\n- Mild to moderate pain\n- Mild nausea\n- Less often, increased sensitivity to light or sound (usually not both)\n\nBlood flow can't resume until the muscle relaxes. At that point, the waste is flushed out and the irritation can ease.\n\n### Treating Strained Muscles\nYou can ease strained muscles with:\n\n- [Rest](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-rice-190446)\n- Ice\n- Massage\n- Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil ([ibuprofen](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/advil-and-aleve-whats-the-difference-2552183)) or Aleve ([naproxen](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/nsaids-for-chronic-pain-2564481))\n\nOnce you've identified strained muscles as the cause of your morning headaches, you can try a different pillow or change your sleep position.\n\n## Grinding Your Teeth\nRegularly grinding your teeth at night is a disorder called sleep [bruxism](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/how-to-stop-grinding-teeth-8781722). This can be both a symptom of poor sleep and a cause of it. It's also tied to high stress levels.\n\nTooth grinding can aggravate your jaw joint and contribute to [temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-tmj-disorder-1192014). Pain in the jaw, as well as the surrounding muscles and connective tissues, can lead to a dull, constant headache.\n\nResearch published in 2020 showed a direct relationship between nighttime grinding and morning headaches.\n\n### Treating Bruxism\nTo [prevent grinding your teeth](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/how-to-stop-grinding-teeth-8781722), you may be given:\n\n- A custom-fitted mouthguard to prevent clenching\n- [Antidepressants](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482) to regulate chemical messengers called [neurotransmitters](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/neurotransmitters-8706506)\n- Relaxation techniques for easing the tension in your jaw and mouth area\n\nYou may not be aware that you grind your teeth while you sleep. If you have a sleep partner and morning headaches consistent with bruxism, ask them if they've noticed you grinding.\n\n## Insomnia\n[Insomnia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-insomnia-the-features-symptoms-and-causes-3014805) is a common sleep disorder that can:\n\n- Make it hard for you to fall asleep\n- Wake you up frequently overnight\n- Make you wake up too early\n\n[Poor sleep can be a headache trigger](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/headache-from-lack-of-sleep-5218116) because the same brain regions and neurotransmitters deal with both sleep and pain processing.\n\nInsomnia is often associated with chronic migraines and chronic tension headaches.\n\n### Treating Insomnia\nInsomnia treatments include:\n\n- Lifestyle changes such as adjusting the time you go to sleep and your routine\n- [Sedative drugs](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-to-take-when-you-cant-sleep-3015261) (sleeping pills) such as Ambien (zolpidem) and Lunesta (eszopiclone)\n- [Specialized cognitive behavioral therapy](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-insomnia-cbti-3015310), a type of talk therapy\n- Possibly supplements like [melatonin](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/melatonin-7501303) and [valerian](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/valerian-root-side-effects-11899523)\n\nTo help your doctor diagnose insomnia, keep a sleep journal that details how long it takes you to fall asleep, the amount of time you sleep, and how often you wake up overnight.\n\n## Obstructive Sleep Apnea\n[Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mild-obstructive-sleep-apnea-5095471) involves pauses in breathing that disrupt your sleep. Sleep disruption can be a headache trigger by itself.\n\nIt's also possible that low oxygen leads to high carbon dioxide levels in the brain, which increases blood flow and pressure inside your skull, leading to morning headaches.\n\nThese headaches typically:\n\n- Occur more than 15 times a month\n- Affect both sides of the head\n- Have a squeezing quality\n- Don't involve migraine symptoms (nausea, dizziness, vision changes, noise and light sensitivity)\n- Resolve within four hours of waking\n\nThe pain of morning OSA headaches is often described as aching rather than sharp. These headaches don't occur at other times of day.\n\n### Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea\nObstructive sleep apnea is treated with:\n\n- A [continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/how-does-a-cpap-machine-work-to-treat-sleep-apnea-3946439) machine, a breathing therapy device\n- Other wearable or implantable devices\n- Neurostimulation therapy\n- [Surgery](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-uppp-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty-1192060)\n\nSleep apnea and other sleep disorders are often diagnosed with [polysomnography](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-to-expect-in-a-sleep-study-3015121) (a sleep study).\n\n### Improving Your Sleep Hygiene\nIf you often don't sleep well and have regular morning headaches, you may benefit from better sleep hygiene—habits and an environment that encourages good sleep.\n\nThis includes:\n\n- Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day\n- Keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, relaxing, and a comfortable temperature\n- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and large meals close to bedtime\n- Getting more exercise during the day (but not near bedtime)\n- Keeping electronic devices out of the bedroom\n## Anxiety and Depression\nThe brain regions and neurotransmitters tied to sleep and pain also impact your mood. Common physiology is at least part of why [anxiety](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/anxiety-attack-5088600) and [depression](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/major-depressive-disorder-5092483) are both common in people with migraines and sleep disorders.\n\nIn fact, a 2020 study confirmed a link between headaches and increased anxiety and depression scores. The links were strongest between:\n\n- Medication-overuse headache (see below) and both anxiety and depression\n- [Migraine and both anxiety](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/migraine-and-anxiety-11732098) and depression\n- Tension headache and anxiety\n### Treating Anxiety and Depression\nAnxiety and depression are both real conditions that need to be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare practitioner. Treatments may include:\n\n- **Anxiety:** Psychotherapy, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, [beta-blockers](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/propranolol-vs-metoprolol-11691471), [stress management](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/psychological-stress-5205714)\n- **Depression:** [Psychotherapy](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/psychotherapy-4157172), antidepressants, and brain-stimulation therapies\n\nIf you have both depression and anxiety, you may want to start with treatments that can help both of them, such as talk therapy and antidepressants. Some antidepressants have sedative effects, helping you sleep better too.\n\n## High Blood Pressure\n[Hypertension (high blood pressure)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/high-blood-pressure-overview-4581957) often doesn't cause symptoms, but that's not always the case.\n\nResearch is divided as to whether mild or moderate chronic hypertension is associated with headaches and migraines. The link is better established between [headaches and severely high blood pressure](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/symptoms-of-hypertension-1763965) or a [hypertensive crisis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/symptoms-of-hypertension-1763965).\n\nA hypertensive crisis is a sudden, sharp rise in blood pressure. It causes headaches that are often accompanied by a [nosebleed](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/when-is-a-bloody-nose-a-medical-emergency-1192061) and tend to be worse in the morning.\n\nThe reasons behind hypertensive headaches may vary for different headache types.\n\nIn non-migraines, researchers suspect it has to do with a disruption of the [blood-brain barrier](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-are-capillaries-2249069). This is a network of cells that prevent harmful substances from reaching your brain.\n\nIn migraines, evidence suggests it's because of common underlying mechanisms including:\n\n- A type of heart disease called [endothelial dysfunction](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/heart-palpitations-1745232)\n- Problems with the automatic regulation of your heart and [blood circulation](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/cardiovascular-system-8695175)\n- Involvement of hormones that regulate blood pressure and blood volume\n\nRecurring headaches of any severity are worth mentioning to a healthcare provider. This is especially important if you're pregnant and have frequent headaches. They could be a sign of a dangerous hypertension-related complication called [preeclampsia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/protein-in-urine-during-pregnancy-8350021), which can also cause blurry vision, swollen hands and face, and right-side abdominal pain.\n\n### Treating Hypertension\nThere are several options for treating hypertension. These include:\n\n- [Dietary changes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/food-for-high-blood-pressure-8348308)\n- Physical activity\n- Weight loss\n- Stress management\n- [Smoking cessation](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/smokers-flu-5179980)\n- [Blood pressure medications](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/hypertension-treatment-1763942)\n\nHypertension increases your risk of heart disease. It's important to have it diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional.\n\nYou should get a blood pressure cuff and [check your blood pressure](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/protein-in-urine-during-pregnancy-8350021) regularly if you have a history of hypertension, hypertensive crisis, or [headaches and nosebleeds](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/headache-and-nosebleed-5537122) that occur together.\n\n### Call 911\nIf you have a headache and a nosebleed at the same time, check your blood pressure if possible. If it's high, rest for five minutes and check it again. If your second reading is above 180\/120, call 911 immediately.\n## Medication Side Effects\nSeveral types of medications cause side-effect headaches in some people who take them. They include:\n\n- Hormonal medications used for birth control and menopause\n- Erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil)\n- Some heart and hypertension medications including:\n- Plavix (clopidogrel)\n- Zestril (lisinopril)\n- Nitroglycerin\n- Procardia (nifedipine)\n- Dopamine\n\nMyriad other medications and some supplements can cause headaches as well. If you've started a new medication or had a recent dosage increase and start having regular headaches, talk to your healthcare provider.\n\n### Treating Headaches Caused by Medications\nHeadaches and other medication side effects may eventually taper off if you stay on the medication. They should also clear up if you stop taking the drug in question.\n\nHowever, don't stop taking a prescription medication without the advice of a healthcare professional. Doing so can cause side effects, as well as complications related to your condition going untreated. Your provider can work with you to find a different treatment or a dosage of your current treatment that works better for you.\n\nAlso, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what pain medications you can safely use to ease your headaches given other drugs you are taking.\n\n## Headache Medication Overuse\nIronically, the drugs you take to treat chronic headaches may eventually start causing them. The headache medications work at first, but over time, they become less effective.\n\nTypically, you need to take the drugs more than 10 days a month for more than three months for this to happen.\n\nWhen they wear off, your headache comes back—usually worse than it was before you took the medication. If you don't realize this is happening, it's natural to take another dose. However, that just compounds the problem.\n\nDrugs that can cause medication overuse headaches (MOH) include:\n\n- Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)\n- Tylenol (acetaminophen)\n- Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and other NSAIDs\n- Codeine, Vicodin (hydrocodone-acetaminophen), [OxyContin (oxycodone)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/oxycodone-5093105), and other [opioid painkillers](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/types-of-opioids-chronic-pain-medications-2564496)\n\nIf your headaches are getting worse despite taking pain medicine, talk to your healthcare provider.\n\nMedication-overuse headaches are sometimes called medication-induced headaches, [rebound headaches](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/headache-left-side-5218920), drug-induced headaches, or medication-misuse headaches. However, not everyone who gets them has overused or misused the medication.\n\n### Treating Medication Overuse Headaches\nTo get rid of an MOH, it's usually recommended that you stop taking the problem drug. Your healthcare provider can help you find different treatment, if needed.\n\nAsk your healthcare provider or pharmacist how to treat your headache while the drug is still in your body.\n\n## Timing of Headache Medications\nMigraines are most common early in the morning. There are several reasons for that:\n\n- Many pain medications last for between four and eight hours. If you take them before bed, they'll likely wear off while you're still asleep and leave you vulnerable.\n- If you're having MOH, it's even more common for drugs to wear off overnight.\n- Migraine treatments are most effective when taken soon after the migraine begins. If one begins while you're asleep, you may miss the ideal window for taking your next dose.\n### Treating Medication-Timing Headaches\nAsk your healthcare provider about longer-acting or extended-release drugs.\n\nYou may also need to adjust the timing of your medications, but that should only be done under the direction of a medical professional.\n\n## Circadian Rhythm Disorders\n[Circadian rhythms](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/why-do-you-wake-up-at-the-same-time-every-night-4137952) are biological cycles, including the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. These rhythms help you to fall asleep at night and wake in the morning while playing an important role in the regulation of hormones and body functions.\n\nA number of health issues can disrupt your natural circadian rhythm, including:\n\n- [Obesity](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obesity-symptoms-4689168)\n- [Diabetes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/diabetes-mellitus-7944909)\n- [Depression](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/different-types-of-depression-overview-5209204)\n- [Bipolar disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-bipolar-disorder-8430648)\n- [Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mood-disorders-5120944)\n\nThese disorders can cause you to wake up during the sleep cycle, or you might sleep for too short or too long a period of time. This can create an ongoing problem in which you develop headaches because of sleep disorders and then the headache itself causes additional problems sleeping.\n\n### Treating Circadian Rhythm Disorders\nTo regulate circadian rhythm, your doctor may recommend at-home therapies such as:\n\n- Limiting your caffeine intake\n- Keeping a regular schedule for meals\n- Establishing a regular bedtime routine\n- Avoiding naps during the day\n- Exercising regularly\n- Managing light exposure including getting sunlight during the day and dimming light at night\n## Oversleeping\nIt may seem that getting extra sleep would be a good way to avoid a morning headache. However, sleeping too much is a type of sleep disorder that can leave you feeling terrible.\n\n[Serotonin](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/serotonin-8682041), one of the neurotransmitters that regulate circadian rhythm, signals to your body when it is time to wake up at the end of the natural sleep cycle. At that point, your brain begins to work and your body starts to want food and water.\n\nIf you continue to sleep after your brain has received the \"wake up\" signal, your body will begin to become dehydrated and suffer nutrient loss. If you continue for too long in that state, it can trigger a headache.\n\n### Treating Oversleeping\nIf you experience a headache triggered by oversleeping as a one-time event or just occasionally, you can relieve the symptoms of your headache by rehydrating and taking over-the-counter pain-relieving medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.\n\nIn some instances, people find themselves chronically oversleeping or unable to wake after a normal night's sleep. This could be a sign of [hypersomnia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/hypersomnia-overview-4582688) and may result in other symptoms such as confusion, anxiety, and hallucinations.\n\n## Exploding Head Syndrome\nTechnically, [exploding headache syndrome](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-exploding-head-syndrome-3014764) is not considered a headache disorder because it doesn't cause a typical pain in the head. However, sometimes a stabbing sensation occurs along with the characteristics loud noises in your head. This can cause anxiety that further disrupts sleep and can lead to recurring headaches.\n\n### Treating Exploding Head Syndrome\nIn some instances, relaxation techniques may ease exploding head syndrome. There is also some research that has shown that the [tricyclic antidepressant](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/antidepressant-chronic-pain-7152653) Anafranil (clomipramine) may help with symptoms as well.\n\nRead more:\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n- [Sleep Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleep-disorders-4014648)\n- [Sleep Apnea](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleep-apnea-4158397)\n\n45 Sources\n\nVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.\n\n1. MedlinePlus. [Tension headache](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/000797.htm).\n2. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [Migraine](https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/migraine).\n3. American Migraine Foundation. [Understanding cluster headache](https:\/\/americanmigrainefoundation.org\/resource-library\/cluster-headache-2\/).\n4. American Migraine Foundation. [Medication overuse headache](https:\/\/americanmigrainefoundation.org\/resource-library\/medication-overuse\/).\n5. Arca KN, Halker Singh RB. [Dehydration and headache](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8280611\/). *Curr Pain Headache Rep*. 2021;25(8):56. doi:10.1007\/s11916-021-00966-z\n6. Cedars-Sinai. [Dehydration](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/diseases-and-conditions\/d\/dehydration.html).\n7. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). [The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version)](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0333102413485658). *Cephalalgia*. 2013 Jul;33(9):629-808. doi:10.1177\/0333102413485658\n8. National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. [Hangovers](https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/publications\/brochures-and-fact-sheets\/hangovers).\n9. Johns Hopkins Medicine. [Hangover headache](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/headache\/hangover-headache).\n10. Zlotnik Y, Plakht Y, Aven A, Engel Y, Am NB, Ifergane G. [Alcohol consumption and hangover patterns among migraine sufferers](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/0976-3147.131652). *J Neurosci Rural Pract*. 2014;5(2):128-134. doi:10.4103\/0976-3147.131652\n11. Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing. [7 steps to cure your hangover](https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/staying-healthy\/7-steps-to-cure-your-hangover).\n12. Society for Neuroscience: BrainFacts.org. [How do tight muscles trigger headaches?](https:\/\/www.brainfacts.org\/thinking-sensing-and-behaving\/pain\/2021\/how-do-tight-muscles-trigger-headaches-022521)\n13. MedlinePlus. [Muscle strain treatment](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/002116.htm).\n14. American Migraine Foundation. [Sleep disorders and headache](https:\/\/americanmigrainefoundation.org\/resource-library\/sleep\/).\n15. Vieira KRM, Folchini CM, Heyde MDVD, Stuginski-Barbosa J, Kowacs PA, Piovesan EJ. [Wake-up headache is associated with sleep bruxism](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/head.13816). *Headache*. 2020;60(5):974-980. doi:10.1111\/head.13816\n16. Johns Hopkins Medicine. [Bruxism](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/bruxism).\n17. Singh NN, Sahota P. [Sleep-related headache and its management](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11940-013-0258-1). *Curr Treat Options Neurol*. 2013;15(6):704-722. doi:10.1007\/s11940-013-0258-1\n18. Spałka J, Kędzia K, Kuczyński W, et al. [Morning headache as an obstructive sleep apnea-related symptom among sleep clinic patients-a cross-section analysis](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/brainsci10010057). *Brain Sci*. 2020;10(1):57. doi:10.3390\/brainsci10010057\n19. Suzuki K, Miyamoto M, Miyamoto T, et al. [Sleep apnoea headache in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome patients presenting with morning headache: comparison of the ICHD-2 and ICHD-3 beta criteria](http:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s10194-015-0540-6). *J Headache Pain*. 2015;16:56. doi:10.1186\/s10194-015-0540-6\n20. American Sleep Apnea Association. [Which sleep apnea treatment options for you?](https:\/\/www.sleepapnea.org\/treatment\/)\n21. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [About sleep](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sleep\/about\/index.html).\n22. National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. [Anxiety disorders](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/anxiety-disorders).\n23. National Alliance on Mental Illness. [Treatments](https:\/\/www.nami.org\/About-Mental-Illness\/Treatments\/).\n24. National Alliance on Mental Illness. [ECT, TMS and other brain stimulation therapies](https:\/\/www.nami.org\/about-mental-illness\/treatments\/ect-tms-and-other-brain-stimulation-therapies\/).\n25. Wichniak A, Wierzbicka A, Walęcka M, Jernajczyk W. [Effects of antidepressants on sleep](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11920-017-0816-4). *Curr Psychiatry Rep*. 2017;19(9):63. doi:10.1007\/s11920-017-0816-4\n26. American Heart Association. [What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?](https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/health-topics\/high-blood-pressure\/know-your-risk-factors-for-high-blood-pressure\/what-are-the-symptoms-of-high-blood-pressure)\n27. Arca KN, Halker Singh RB. [The hypertensive headache: A review](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11916-019-0767-z). *Curr Pain Headache Rep*. 2019;23(5):30. doi:10.1007\/s11916-019-0767-z\n28. Assarzadegan F, Asadollahi M, Hesami O, Aryani O, Mansouri B, Beladi Moghadam N. [Secondary headaches attributed to arterial hypertension](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3829292\/). *Iran J Neurol*. 2013;12(3):106-110.\n29. Finocchi C, Sassos D. [Headache and arterial hypertension](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10072-017-2893-x). *Neurol Sci*. 2017;38(Suppl 1):67-72. doi:10.1007\/s10072-017-2893-x\n30. Cleveland Clinic. [Preeclampsia](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/17952-preeclampsia).\n31. MedlinePlus. [High blood pressure medicine](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/007484.htm).\n32. University of Michigan Health, Michigan Medicine. [Medicines that can cause headache](https:\/\/www.uofmhealth.org\/health-library\/sig55516).\n33. Prescribers' Digital Reference: PDR. [Sildenafil citrate - drug summary](https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/?drugLabelId=Viagra-sildenafil-citrate-471).\n34. Prescribers' Digital Reference: PDR. [Tadalafil - drug summary](https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/?drugLabelId=Cialis-tadalafil-2262).\n35. Prescribers' Digital Reference: PDR. [Clopidogrel bisulfate - drug summary](https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/?drugLabelId=Plavix-clopidogrel-bisulfate-525).\n36. Prescribers' Digital Reference: PDR. [Lisinopril - drug summary](https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/?drugLabelId=Zestril-lisinopril-2456).\n37. Prescribers' Digital Reference: PDR. [Nitroglycerin - drug summary](https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/?drugLabelId=Nitroglycerin-in-5--Dextrose-nitroglycerin-1148).\n38. Prescribers' Digital Reference: PDR. [Nifedipine - drug summary](https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/?drugLabelId=Nifedipine-nifedipine-1481).\n39. Prescribers' Digital Reference: PDR. [Dopamine hydrochloride - drug summary](https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/?drugLabelId=Dopamine-Hydrochloride-dopamine-hydrochloride-3710).\n40. Kristoffersen ES, Lundqvist C. [Medication-overuse headache: Epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/2042098614522683). *Ther Adv Drug Saf*. 2014;5(2):87-99. doi:10.1177\/2042098614522683\n41. National Institute of General Medical Sciences. [Circadian rhythms](https:\/\/nigms.nih.gov\/education\/fact-sheets\/Pages\/circadian-rhythms.aspx),\n42. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. [Circadian rhythm disorders treatment](https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/circadian-rhythm-disorders\/treatment%20).\n43. Ferini-Strambi L, Galbiati A, Combi R. [Sleep disorder-related headaches](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10072-019-03837-z). *Neurol Sci*. 2019;40(Suppl 1):107-113. doi:10.1007\/s10072-019-03837-z\n44. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. [Idiopathic hypersomnia](https:\/\/www.mountsinai.org\/health-library\/diseases-conditions\/idiopathic-hypersomnia).\n45. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. [Exploding headache syndrome](https:\/\/sleepeducation.org\/sleep-disorders\/exploding-head-syndrome\/).\n\n![Brandon Peters, M.D.]()\n\n![Brandon Peters, M.D.](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/BbtKTL7wVNFD-4Y2KIj4azA0HpE=\/144x144\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/BrandonPetersMD_1000-5143e542c3084368b1220c4b86ede01c.png)\n\nBy [Brandon Peters, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/brandon-peters-md-3014640)   \n Dr. Peters is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist and is a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.\n\n[See Our Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042)\n\n[Meet Our Medical Expert Board](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003)\n\nShare Feedback\n\nWas this page helpful?\n\nThanks for your feedback\\!\n\nWhat is your feedback?\n\nHelpful\n\nReport an Error\n\nOther\n\nRelated Articles\n\n[![Man sleeping and snoring, overhead 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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\nVerywell Health is part of the [People Inc.](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/) publishing family.","attrs_readable_markdown":"### Key Takeaways\n- Poor sleep from issues like insomnia, sleep apnea, and bruxism can lead to morning headaches. These can include tension, migraine, cluster, and medication-overuse headaches.\n- Changing your pillow or sleep position can prevent strained muscle headaches. Over-the-counter pain relief may help.\n- Dehydration and drinking alcohol are common causes of morning headaches, so staying hydrated is key. Treatment will depend on the type and underlying cause, so talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerning symptoms.\n\nWaking up with a headache can be caused by factors like poor sleep quality, dehydration, or alcohol. Knowing the type and cause of your headache is key to finding relief and preventing it from happening again.\n\nPeter Dazeley \/ Getty Images\n\n## Types of Morning Headaches\nNot every morning headache is the same, and you might experience any of these types:\n\n- **[Tension headache](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/temple-headache-5219096):** This involves dull tightening or pressure on both sides of the head. It may start at the forehead and radiate to the back of the head.\n- **Migraine:** Incapacitating pain occurs, usually on one side of the head, plus nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual phenomena called an [aura](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/migraine-with-aura-headache-4171966).\n- **[Cluster headache](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/cluster-headaches-7548851):** Brief, severe, sudden-onset headaches may occur multiple times a day, affect one side, and cause red, inflamed eyes, flushing, and runny nose.\n- **[Medication-overuse headache](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/headache-left-side-5218920):** Taking too much headache medication can lead to daily rebound headaches. These don't respond to headache medications.\n\nThe characteristics of your headache can help your healthcare provider determine what you may be dealing with and guide them toward a possible cause, which may include any of the following concerns.\n\n## Dehydration\n[Dehydration](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/dehydration-symptoms-8662174) can cause headaches when you lose more water than you take in. It often occurs with excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever.\n\nMorning headaches can happen if you get dehydrated overnight, possibly due to sweating while you sleep from a warm environment or menopause-related night sweats\n\nSymptoms of dehydration also include:\n\n- Increased thirst\n- Fatigue\n- Dizziness, especially when standing up\n- Dark urine or low urine output\n- Dry mouth\n- Irritability\n### Treating Dehydration\nIf dehydration is causing your headache, replenishing fluids and electrolytes can help alleviate it.\n\nIn mild cases, drinking water can relieve dehydration. If fluid loss is substantial, a rehydrating drink, like a sports drink, may be needed. Severe dehydration requires immediate medical care.\n\nPreventing dehydration is better than treating it, so try to replace the fluids you lose during the day. That can put a stop to morning dehydration headaches.\n\n## Alcohol\nDrinking alcohol, especially in large amounts, can contribute to morning headaches.\n\n[Hangover](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/is-pedialyte-good-for-hangovers-11923122) headaches are technically called delayed alcohol-induced headaches. They come on the morning after you drink and tend to:\n\n- Throb\n- Get worse with physical activity\n- Hurt on both sides of the head\n- Be located on the forehead and\/or temples\n\nResearchers don't fully understand what causes hangovers and their associated headaches. Potential factors could include:\n\n- Dehydration\n- Overactivation of certain pathways in the brain\n- Increase in blood sugars in the brain\n- Disrupted sleep\n- Inflammation\n- Exposure to a chemical called acetaldehyde, which your body produces as it processes alcohol\n- Withdrawal as the effects wear off\n\nHangover symptoms may last anywhere from a few hours to three days. The duration depends on how much you drank, how dehydrated you got, and several other factors.\n\nHangovers aren't the only way alcohol leads to morning headaches. If you get migraines, cluster headaches, or tension headaches, alcohol may be a trigger for them. Since drinking often takes place in the evening or at night, it's common to wake up to them.\n\n### Treating a Hangover\nHangover [treatments](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/understanding-hangover-headaches-and-how-to-avoid-them-1719443), which may help ease your morning headache faster, include:\n\n- Rehydration\n- Eating or drinking carbohydrates to raise blood sugar\n- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)\n- Caffeine\n- B vitamins\n- Zinc\n\nYou can avoid hangovers and the associated morning headaches by drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all. Drinking water when you have alcohol beverages is also a good idea.\n\nIf you do drink enough to cause a hangover, drink plenty of water before you go to bed so you don't get dehydrated.\n\n## Strained Muscle\nSleeping on the wrong pillow or in the wrong position can leave your neck muscles aching in the morning. That [muscle strain](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/muscle-pain-what-you-should-know-190093) may lead to a morning headache.\n\nWhen your muscles contract, it limits blood flow. That leads to chemical reactions that create a build-up of waste products including lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and water. They irritate your nerves, leading to pain.\n\nMorning neck-strain headaches tend to be tension headaches or migraines. They often feature:\n\n- Mild to moderate pain\n- Mild nausea\n- Less often, increased sensitivity to light or sound (usually not both)\n\nBlood flow can't resume until the muscle relaxes. At that point, the waste is flushed out and the irritation can ease.\n\n### Treating Strained Muscles\nYou can ease strained muscles with:\n\n- [Rest](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-rice-190446)\n- Ice\n- Massage\n- Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil ([ibuprofen](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/advil-and-aleve-whats-the-difference-2552183)) or Aleve ([naproxen](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/nsaids-for-chronic-pain-2564481))\n\nOnce you've identified strained muscles as the cause of your morning headaches, you can try a different pillow or change your sleep position.\n\n## Grinding Your Teeth\nRegularly grinding your teeth at night is a disorder called sleep [bruxism](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/how-to-stop-grinding-teeth-8781722). This can be both a symptom of poor sleep and a cause of it. It's also tied to high stress levels.\n\nTooth grinding can aggravate your jaw joint and contribute to [temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-tmj-disorder-1192014). Pain in the jaw, as well as the surrounding muscles and connective tissues, can lead to a dull, constant headache.\n\nResearch published in 2020 showed a direct relationship between nighttime grinding and morning headaches.\n\n### Treating Bruxism\nTo [prevent grinding your teeth](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/how-to-stop-grinding-teeth-8781722), you may be given:\n\n- A custom-fitted mouthguard to prevent clenching\n- [Antidepressants](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482) to regulate chemical messengers called [neurotransmitters](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/neurotransmitters-8706506)\n- Relaxation techniques for easing the tension in your jaw and mouth area\n\nYou may not be aware that you grind your teeth while you sleep. If you have a sleep partner and morning headaches consistent with bruxism, ask them if they've noticed you grinding.\n\n## Insomnia\n[Insomnia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-insomnia-the-features-symptoms-and-causes-3014805) is a common sleep disorder that can:\n\n- Make it hard for you to fall asleep\n- Wake you up frequently overnight\n- Make you wake up too early\n\n[Poor sleep can be a headache trigger](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/headache-from-lack-of-sleep-5218116) because the same brain regions and neurotransmitters deal with both sleep and pain processing.\n\nInsomnia is often associated with chronic migraines and chronic tension headaches.\n\n### Treating Insomnia\nInsomnia treatments include:\n\n- Lifestyle changes such as adjusting the time you go to sleep and your routine\n- [Sedative drugs](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-to-take-when-you-cant-sleep-3015261) (sleeping pills) such as Ambien (zolpidem) and Lunesta (eszopiclone)\n- [Specialized cognitive behavioral therapy](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-insomnia-cbti-3015310), a type of talk therapy\n- Possibly supplements like [melatonin](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/melatonin-7501303) and [valerian](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/valerian-root-side-effects-11899523)\n\nTo help your doctor diagnose insomnia, keep a sleep journal that details how long it takes you to fall asleep, the amount of time you sleep, and how often you wake up overnight.\n\n## Obstructive Sleep Apnea\n[Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mild-obstructive-sleep-apnea-5095471) involves pauses in breathing that disrupt your sleep. Sleep disruption can be a headache trigger by itself.\n\nIt's also possible that low oxygen leads to high carbon dioxide levels in the brain, which increases blood flow and pressure inside your skull, leading to morning headaches.\n\nThese headaches typically:\n\n- Occur more than 15 times a month\n- Affect both sides of the head\n- Have a squeezing quality\n- Don't involve migraine symptoms (nausea, dizziness, vision changes, noise and light sensitivity)\n- Resolve within four hours of waking\n\nThe pain of morning OSA headaches is often described as aching rather than sharp. These headaches don't occur at other times of day.\n\n### Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea\nObstructive sleep apnea is treated with:\n\n- A [continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/how-does-a-cpap-machine-work-to-treat-sleep-apnea-3946439) machine, a breathing therapy device\n- Other wearable or implantable devices\n- Neurostimulation therapy\n- [Surgery](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-uppp-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty-1192060)\n\nSleep apnea and other sleep disorders are often diagnosed with [polysomnography](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-to-expect-in-a-sleep-study-3015121) (a sleep study).\n\n### Improving Your Sleep Hygiene\nIf you often don't sleep well and have regular morning headaches, you may benefit from better sleep hygiene—habits and an environment that encourages good sleep.\n\nThis includes:\n\n- Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day\n- Keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, relaxing, and a comfortable temperature\n- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and large meals close to bedtime\n- Getting more exercise during the day (but not near bedtime)\n- Keeping electronic devices out of the bedroom\n## Anxiety and Depression\nThe brain regions and neurotransmitters tied to sleep and pain also impact your mood. Common physiology is at least part of why [anxiety](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/anxiety-attack-5088600) and [depression](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/major-depressive-disorder-5092483) are both common in people with migraines and sleep disorders.\n\nIn fact, a 2020 study confirmed a link between headaches and increased anxiety and depression scores. The links were strongest between:\n\n- Medication-overuse headache (see below) and both anxiety and depression\n- [Migraine and both anxiety](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/migraine-and-anxiety-11732098) and depression\n- Tension headache and anxiety\n### Treating Anxiety and Depression\nAnxiety and depression are both real conditions that need to be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare practitioner. Treatments may include:\n\n- **Anxiety:** Psychotherapy, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, [beta-blockers](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/propranolol-vs-metoprolol-11691471), [stress management](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/psychological-stress-5205714)\n- **Depression:** [Psychotherapy](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/psychotherapy-4157172), antidepressants, and brain-stimulation therapies\n\nIf you have both depression and anxiety, you may want to start with treatments that can help both of them, such as talk therapy and antidepressants. Some antidepressants have sedative effects, helping you sleep better too.\n\n## High Blood Pressure\n[Hypertension (high blood pressure)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/high-blood-pressure-overview-4581957) often doesn't cause symptoms, but that's not always the case.\n\nResearch is divided as to whether mild or moderate chronic hypertension is associated with headaches and migraines. The link is better established between [headaches and severely high blood pressure](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/symptoms-of-hypertension-1763965) or a [hypertensive crisis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/symptoms-of-hypertension-1763965).\n\nA hypertensive crisis is a sudden, sharp rise in blood pressure. It causes headaches that are often accompanied by a [nosebleed](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/when-is-a-bloody-nose-a-medical-emergency-1192061) and tend to be worse in the morning.\n\nThe reasons behind hypertensive headaches may vary for different headache types.\n\nIn non-migraines, researchers suspect it has to do with a disruption of the [blood-brain barrier](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-are-capillaries-2249069). This is a network of cells that prevent harmful substances from reaching your brain.\n\nIn migraines, evidence suggests it's because of common underlying mechanisms including:\n\n- A type of heart disease called [endothelial dysfunction](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/heart-palpitations-1745232)\n- Problems with the automatic regulation of your heart and [blood circulation](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/cardiovascular-system-8695175)\n- Involvement of hormones that regulate blood pressure and blood volume\n\nRecurring headaches of any severity are worth mentioning to a healthcare provider. This is especially important if you're pregnant and have frequent headaches. They could be a sign of a dangerous hypertension-related complication called [preeclampsia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/protein-in-urine-during-pregnancy-8350021), which can also cause blurry vision, swollen hands and face, and right-side abdominal pain.\n\n### Treating Hypertension\nThere are several options for treating hypertension. These include:\n\n- [Dietary changes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/food-for-high-blood-pressure-8348308)\n- Physical activity\n- Weight loss\n- Stress management\n- [Smoking cessation](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/smokers-flu-5179980)\n- [Blood pressure medications](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/hypertension-treatment-1763942)\n\nHypertension increases your risk of heart disease. It's important to have it diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional.\n\nYou should get a blood pressure cuff and [check your blood pressure](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/protein-in-urine-during-pregnancy-8350021) regularly if you have a history of hypertension, hypertensive crisis, or [headaches and nosebleeds](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/headache-and-nosebleed-5537122) that occur together.\n\n### Call 911\nIf you have a headache and a nosebleed at the same time, check your blood pressure if possible. If it's high, rest for five minutes and check it again. If your second reading is above 180\/120, call 911 immediately.\n## Medication Side Effects\nSeveral types of medications cause side-effect headaches in some people who take them. They include:\n\n- Hormonal medications used for birth control and menopause\n- Erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil)\n- Some heart and hypertension medications including:\n- Plavix (clopidogrel)\n- Zestril (lisinopril)\n- Nitroglycerin\n- Procardia (nifedipine)\n- Dopamine\n\nMyriad other medications and some supplements can cause headaches as well. If you've started a new medication or had a recent dosage increase and start having regular headaches, talk to your healthcare provider.\n\n### Treating Headaches Caused by Medications\nHeadaches and other medication side effects may eventually taper off if you stay on the medication. They should also clear up if you stop taking the drug in question.\n\nHowever, don't stop taking a prescription medication without the advice of a healthcare professional. Doing so can cause side effects, as well as complications related to your condition going untreated. Your provider can work with you to find a different treatment or a dosage of your current treatment that works better for you.\n\nAlso, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what pain medications you can safely use to ease your headaches given other drugs you are taking.\n\n## Headache Medication Overuse\nIronically, the drugs you take to treat chronic headaches may eventually start causing them. The headache medications work at first, but over time, they become less effective.\n\nTypically, you need to take the drugs more than 10 days a month for more than three months for this to happen.\n\nWhen they wear off, your headache comes back—usually worse than it was before you took the medication. If you don't realize this is happening, it's natural to take another dose. However, that just compounds the problem.\n\nDrugs that can cause medication overuse headaches (MOH) include:\n\n- Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)\n- Tylenol (acetaminophen)\n- Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and other NSAIDs\n- Codeine, Vicodin (hydrocodone-acetaminophen), [OxyContin (oxycodone)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/oxycodone-5093105), and other [opioid painkillers](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/types-of-opioids-chronic-pain-medications-2564496)\n\nIf your headaches are getting worse despite taking pain medicine, talk to your healthcare provider.\n\nMedication-overuse headaches are sometimes called medication-induced headaches, [rebound headaches](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/headache-left-side-5218920), drug-induced headaches, or medication-misuse headaches. However, not everyone who gets them has overused or misused the medication.\n\n### Treating Medication Overuse Headaches\nTo get rid of an MOH, it's usually recommended that you stop taking the problem drug. Your healthcare provider can help you find different treatment, if needed.\n\nAsk your healthcare provider or pharmacist how to treat your headache while the drug is still in your body.\n\n## Timing of Headache Medications\nMigraines are most common early in the morning. There are several reasons for that:\n\n- Many pain medications last for between four and eight hours. If you take them before bed, they'll likely wear off while you're still asleep and leave you vulnerable.\n- If you're having MOH, it's even more common for drugs to wear off overnight.\n- Migraine treatments are most effective when taken soon after the migraine begins. If one begins while you're asleep, you may miss the ideal window for taking your next dose.\n### Treating Medication-Timing Headaches\nAsk your healthcare provider about longer-acting or extended-release drugs.\n\nYou may also need to adjust the timing of your medications, but that should only be done under the direction of a medical professional.\n\n## Circadian Rhythm Disorders\n[Circadian rhythms](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/why-do-you-wake-up-at-the-same-time-every-night-4137952) are biological cycles, including the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. These rhythms help you to fall asleep at night and wake in the morning while playing an important role in the regulation of hormones and body functions.\n\nA number of health issues can disrupt your natural circadian rhythm, including:\n\n- [Obesity](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/obesity-symptoms-4689168)\n- [Diabetes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/diabetes-mellitus-7944909)\n- [Depression](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/different-types-of-depression-overview-5209204)\n- [Bipolar disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-bipolar-disorder-8430648)\n- [Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mood-disorders-5120944)\n\nThese disorders can cause you to wake up during the sleep cycle, or you might sleep for too short or too long a period of time. This can create an ongoing problem in which you develop headaches because of sleep disorders and then the headache itself causes additional problems sleeping.\n\n### Treating Circadian Rhythm Disorders\nTo regulate circadian rhythm, your doctor may recommend at-home therapies such as:\n\n- Limiting your caffeine intake\n- Keeping a regular schedule for meals\n- Establishing a regular bedtime routine\n- Avoiding naps during the day\n- Exercising regularly\n- Managing light exposure including getting sunlight during the day and dimming light at night\n## Oversleeping\nIt may seem that getting extra sleep would be a good way to avoid a morning headache. However, sleeping too much is a type of sleep disorder that can leave you feeling terrible.\n\n[Serotonin](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/serotonin-8682041), one of the neurotransmitters that regulate circadian rhythm, signals to your body when it is time to wake up at the end of the natural sleep cycle. At that point, your brain begins to work and your body starts to want food and water.\n\nIf you continue to sleep after your brain has received the \"wake up\" signal, your body will begin to become dehydrated and suffer nutrient loss. If you continue for too long in that state, it can trigger a headache.\n\n### Treating Oversleeping\nIf you experience a headache triggered by oversleeping as a one-time event or just occasionally, you can relieve the symptoms of your headache by rehydrating and taking over-the-counter pain-relieving medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.\n\nIn some instances, people find themselves chronically oversleeping or unable to wake after a normal night's sleep. This could be a sign of [hypersomnia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/hypersomnia-overview-4582688) and may result in other symptoms such as confusion, anxiety, and hallucinations.\n\n## Exploding Head Syndrome\nTechnically, [exploding headache syndrome](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-exploding-head-syndrome-3014764) is not considered a headache disorder because it doesn't cause a typical pain in the head. However, sometimes a stabbing sensation occurs along with the characteristics loud noises in your head. This can cause anxiety that further disrupts sleep and can lead to recurring headaches.\n\n### Treating Exploding Head Syndrome\nIn some instances, relaxation techniques may ease exploding head syndrome. There is also some research that has shown that the [tricyclic antidepressant](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/antidepressant-chronic-pain-7152653) Anafranil (clomipramine) may help with symptoms as well.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Key Takeaways Poor sleep from issues like insomnia, sleep apnea, and bruxism can lead to morning headaches. These can include tension, migraine, cluster, and medication-overuse headaches. Changing your pillow or sleep position can prevent strained muscle headaches. Over-the-counter pain relief may help. Dehydration and drinking alcohol are common causes of morning headaches, so staying hydrated is key. Treatment will depend on the type and underlying cause, so talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerning symptoms. Waking up with a headache can be caused by factors like poor sleep quality, dehydration, or alcohol. Knowing the type and cause of your headache is key to finding relief and preventing it from happening again. Peter Dazeley / Getty Images Types of Morning Headaches Not every morning headache is the same, and you might experience any of these types: Tension headache : This involves dull tightening or pressure on both sides of the head. It may start at the forehead and radiate to the back of the head. Migraine: Incapacitating pain occurs, usually on one side of the head, plus nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual phenomena called an aura . Cluster headache : Brief, severe, sudden-onset headaches may occur multiple times a day, affect one side, and cause red, inflamed eyes, flushing, and runny nose. Medication-overuse headache : Taking too much headache medication can lead to daily rebound headaches. These don't respond to headache medications. The characteristics of your headache can help your healthcare provider determine what you may be dealing with and guide them toward a possible cause, which may include any of the following concerns. Dehydration Dehydration can cause headaches when you lose more water than you take in. It often occurs with excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever. Morning headaches can happen if you get dehydrated overnight, possibly due to sweating while you sleep from a warm environment or menopause-related night sweats Symptoms of dehydration also include: Increased thirst Fatigue Dizziness, especially when standing up Dark urine or low urine output Dry mouth Irritability Treating Dehydration If dehydration is causing your headache, replenishing fluids and electrolytes can help alleviate it. In mild cases, drinking water can relieve dehydration. If fluid loss is substantial, a rehydrating drink, like a sports drink, may be needed. Severe dehydration requires immediate medical care. Preventing dehydration is better than treating it, so try to replace the fluids you lose during the day. That can put a stop to morning dehydration headaches. Alcohol Drinking alcohol, especially in large amounts, can contribute to morning headaches. Hangover headaches are technically called delayed alcohol-induced headaches. They come on the morning after you drink and tend to: Throb Get worse with physical activity Hurt on both sides of the head Be located on the forehead and/or temples Researchers don't fully understand what causes hangovers and their associated headaches. Potential factors could include: Dehydration Overactivation of certain pathways in the brain Increase in blood sugars in the brain Disrupted sleep Inflammation Exposure to a chemical called acetaldehyde , which your body produces as it processes alcohol Withdrawal as the effects wear off Hangover symptoms may last anywhere from a few hours to three days. The duration depends on how much you drank, how dehydrated you got, and several other factors. Hangovers aren't the only way alcohol leads to morning headaches. If you get migraines, cluster headaches, or tension headaches, alcohol may be a trigger for them. Since drinking often takes place in the evening or at night, it's common to wake up to them. Treating a Hangover Hangover treatments , which may help ease your morning headache faster, include: Rehydration Eating or drinking carbohydrates to raise blood sugar Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Caffeine B vitamins Zinc You can avoid hangovers and the associated morning headaches by drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all. Drinking water when you have alcohol beverages is also a good idea. If you do drink enough to cause a hangover, drink plenty of water before you go to bed so you don't get dehydrated. Strained Muscle Sleeping on the wrong pillow or in the wrong position can leave your neck muscles aching in the morning. That muscle strain may lead to a morning headache. When your muscles contract, it limits blood flow. That leads to chemical reactions that create a build-up of waste products including lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and water. They irritate your nerves, leading to pain. Morning neck-strain headaches tend to be tension headaches or migraines. They often feature: Mild to moderate pain Mild nausea Less often, increased sensitivity to light or sound (usually not both) Blood flow can't resume until the muscle relaxes. At that point, the waste is flushed out and the irritation can ease. Treating Strained Muscles You can ease strained muscles with: Rest Ice Massage Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil ( ibuprofen ) or Aleve ( naproxen ) Once you've identified strained muscles as the cause of your morning headaches, you can try a different pillow or change your sleep position. Grinding Your Teeth Regularly grinding your teeth at night is a disorder called sleep bruxism . This can be both a symptom of poor sleep and a cause of it. It's also tied to high stress levels. Tooth grinding can aggravate your jaw joint and contribute to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) . Pain in the jaw, as well as the surrounding muscles and connective tissues, can lead to a dull, constant headache. Research published in 2020 showed a direct relationship between nighttime grinding and morning headaches. Treating Bruxism To prevent grinding your teeth , you may be given: A custom-fitted mouthguard to prevent clenching Antidepressants to regulate chemical messengers called neurotransmitters Relaxation techniques for easing the tension in your jaw and mouth area You may not be aware that you grind your teeth while you sleep. If you have a sleep partner and morning headaches consistent with bruxism, ask them if they've noticed you grinding. Insomnia Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can: Make it hard for you to fall asleep Wake you up frequently overnight Make you wake up too early Poor sleep can be a headache trigger because the same brain regions and neurotransmitters deal with both sleep and pain processing. Insomnia is often associated with chronic migraines and chronic tension headaches. Treating Insomnia Insomnia treatments include: Lifestyle changes such as adjusting the time you go to sleep and your routine Sedative drugs (sleeping pills) such as Ambien (zolpidem) and Lunesta (eszopiclone) Specialized cognitive behavioral therapy , a type of talk therapy Possibly supplements like melatonin and valerian To help your doctor diagnose insomnia, keep a sleep journal that details how long it takes you to fall asleep, the amount of time you sleep, and how often you wake up overnight. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) involves pauses in breathing that disrupt your sleep. Sleep disruption can be a headache trigger by itself. It's also possible that low oxygen leads to high carbon dioxide levels in the brain, which increases blood flow and pressure inside your skull, leading to morning headaches. These headaches typically: Occur more than 15 times a month Affect both sides of the head Have a squeezing quality Don't involve migraine symptoms (nausea, dizziness, vision changes, noise and light sensitivity) Resolve within four hours of waking The pain of morning OSA headaches is often described as aching rather than sharp. These headaches don't occur at other times of day. Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea Obstructive sleep apnea is treated with: A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, a breathing therapy device Other wearable or implantable devices Neurostimulation therapy Surgery Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders are often diagnosed with polysomnography (a sleep study). Improving Your Sleep Hygiene If you often don't sleep well and have regular morning headaches, you may benefit from better sleep hygiene—habits and an environment that encourages good sleep. This includes: Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day Keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, relaxing, and a comfortable temperature Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and large meals close to bedtime Getting more exercise during the day (but not near bedtime) Keeping electronic devices out of the bedroom Anxiety and Depression The brain regions and neurotransmitters tied to sleep and pain also impact your mood. Common physiology is at least part of why anxiety and depression are both common in people with migraines and sleep disorders. In fact, a 2020 study confirmed a link between headaches and increased anxiety and depression scores. The links were strongest between: Medication-overuse headache (see below) and both anxiety and depression Migraine and both anxiety and depression Tension headache and anxiety Treating Anxiety and Depression Anxiety and depression are both real conditions that need to be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare practitioner. Treatments may include: Anxiety: Psychotherapy, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, beta-blockers , stress management Depression: Psychotherapy , antidepressants, and brain-stimulation therapies If you have both depression and anxiety, you may want to start with treatments that can help both of them, such as talk therapy and antidepressants. Some antidepressants have sedative effects, helping you sleep better too. High Blood Pressure Hypertension (high blood pressure) often doesn't cause symptoms, but that's not always the case. Research is divided as to whether mild or moderate chronic hypertension is associated with headaches and migraines. The link is better established between headaches and severely high blood pressure or a hypertensive crisis . A hypertensive crisis is a sudden, sharp rise in blood pressure. It causes headaches that are often accompanied by a nosebleed and tend to be worse in the morning. The reasons behind hypertensive headaches may vary for different headache types. In non-migraines, researchers suspect it has to do with a disruption of the blood-brain barrier . This is a network of cells that prevent harmful substances from reaching your brain. In migraines, evidence suggests it's because of common underlying mechanisms including: A type of heart disease called endothelial dysfunction Problems with the automatic regulation of your heart and blood circulation Involvement of hormones that regulate blood pressure and blood volume Recurring headaches of any severity are worth mentioning to a healthcare provider. This is especially important if you're pregnant and have frequent headaches. They could be a sign of a dangerous hypertension-related complication called preeclampsia , which can also cause blurry vision, swollen hands and face, and right-side abdominal pain. Treating Hypertension There are several options for treating hypertension. These include: Dietary changes Physical activity Weight loss Stress management Smoking cessation Blood pressure medications Hypertension increases your risk of heart disease. It's important to have it diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional. You should get a blood pressure cuff and check your blood pressure regularly if you have a history of hypertension, hypertensive crisis, or headaches and nosebleeds that occur together. Call 911 If you have a headache and a nosebleed at the same time, check your blood pressure if possible. If it's high, rest for five minutes and check it again. If your second reading is above 180/120, call 911 immediately. Medication Side Effects Several types of medications cause side-effect headaches in some people who take them. They include: Hormonal medications used for birth control and menopause Erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) Some heart and hypertension medications including: Plavix (clopidogrel) Zestril (lisinopril) Nitroglycerin Procardia (nifedipine) Dopamine Myriad other medications and some supplements can cause headaches as well. If you've started a new medication or had a recent dosage increase and start having regular headaches, talk to your healthcare provider. Treating Headaches Caused by Medications Headaches and other medication side effects may eventually taper off if you stay on the medication. They should also clear up if you stop taking the drug in question. However, don't stop taking a prescription medication without the advice of a healthcare professional. Doing so can cause side effects, as well as complications related to your condition going untreated. Your provider can work with you to find a different treatment or a dosage of your current treatment that works better for you. Also, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what pain medications you can safely use to ease your headaches given other drugs you are taking. Headache Medication Overuse Ironically, the drugs you take to treat chronic headaches may eventually start causing them. The headache medications work at first, but over time, they become less effective. Typically, you need to take the drugs more than 10 days a month for more than three months for this to happen. When they wear off, your headache comes back—usually worse than it was before you took the medication. If you don't realize this is happening, it's natural to take another dose. However, that just compounds the problem. Drugs that can cause medication overuse headaches (MOH) include: Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) Tylenol (acetaminophen) Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and other NSAIDs Codeine, Vicodin (hydrocodone-acetaminophen), OxyContin (oxycodone) , and other opioid painkillers If your headaches are getting worse despite taking pain medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. Medication-overuse headaches are sometimes called medication-induced headaches, rebound headaches , drug-induced headaches, or medication-misuse headaches. However, not everyone who gets them has overused or misused the medication. Treating Medication Overuse Headaches To get rid of an MOH, it's usually recommended that you stop taking the problem drug. Your healthcare provider can help you find different treatment, if needed. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist how to treat your headache while the drug is still in your body. Timing of Headache Medications Migraines are most common early in the morning. There are several reasons for that: Many pain medications last for between four and eight hours. If you take them before bed, they'll likely wear off while you're still asleep and leave you vulnerable. If you're having MOH, it's even more common for drugs to wear off overnight. Migraine treatments are most effective when taken soon after the migraine begins. If one begins while you're asleep, you may miss the ideal window for taking your next dose. Treating Medication-Timing Headaches Ask your healthcare provider about longer-acting or extended-release drugs. You may also need to adjust the timing of your medications, but that should only be done under the direction of a medical professional. Circadian Rhythm Disorders Circadian rhythms are biological cycles, including the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. These rhythms help you to fall asleep at night and wake in the morning while playing an important role in the regulation of hormones and body functions. A number of health issues can disrupt your natural circadian rhythm, including: Obesity Diabetes Depression Bipolar disorder Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) These disorders can cause you to wake up during the sleep cycle, or you might sleep for too short or too long a period of time. This can create an ongoing problem in which you develop headaches because of sleep disorders and then the headache itself causes additional problems sleeping. Treating Circadian Rhythm Disorders To regulate circadian rhythm, your doctor may recommend at-home therapies such as: Limiting your caffeine intake Keeping a regular schedule for meals Establishing a regular bedtime routine Avoiding naps during the day Exercising regularly Managing light exposure including getting sunlight during the day and dimming light at night Oversleeping It may seem that getting extra sleep would be a good way to avoid a morning headache. However, sleeping too much is a type of sleep disorder that can leave you feeling terrible. Serotonin , one of the neurotransmitters that regulate circadian rhythm, signals to your body when it is time to wake up at the end of the natural sleep cycle. At that point, your brain begins to work and your body starts to want food and water. If you continue to sleep after your brain has received the "wake up" signal, your body will begin to become dehydrated and suffer nutrient loss. If you continue for too long in that state, it can trigger a headache. Treating Oversleeping If you experience a headache triggered by oversleeping as a one-time event or just occasionally, you can relieve the symptoms of your headache by rehydrating and taking over-the-counter pain-relieving medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In some instances, people find themselves chronically oversleeping or unable to wake after a normal night's sleep. This could be a sign of hypersomnia and may result in other symptoms such as confusion, anxiety, and hallucinations. Exploding Head Syndrome Technically, exploding headache syndrome is not considered a headache disorder because it doesn't cause a typical pain in the head. However, sometimes a stabbing sensation occurs along with the characteristics loud noises in your head. This can cause anxiety that further disrupts sleep and can lead to recurring headaches. Treating Exploding Head Syndrome In some instances, relaxation techniques may ease exploding head syndrome. There is also some research that has shown that the tricyclic antidepressant Anafranil (clomipramine) may help with symptoms as well.
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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ⓒ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved # Why Do I Wake Up With a Headache? By [Brandon Peters, MD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/brandon-peters-md-3014640) Updated on April 09, 2026 Medically reviewed by [Daniel Combs, MD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/daniel-combs-5214606) Table of Contents View All Table of Contents - [Types](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-types-of-morning-headaches) - [Dehydration](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-dehydration) - [Alcohol](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-alcohol) - [Strained Muscle](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-strained-muscle) - [Grinding Your Teeth](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-grinding-your-teeth) - [Insomnia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-insomnia) - [Sleep Apnea](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-obstructive-sleep-apnea) - [Anxiety/Depression](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-anxiety-and-depression) - [High Blood Pressure](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-high-blood-pressure) - [Medication Side Effects](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-medication-side-effects) - [Headache Drug Overuse](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-headache-medication-overuse) - [Timing of Medications](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-timing-of-headache-medications) - [Circadian Rhythm Disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-circadian-rhythm-disorders) - [Oversleeping](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-oversleeping) - [Exploding Head Syndrome](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-am-headaches-3014738#toc-exploding-head-syndrome) ### Key Takeaways - Poor sleep from issues like insomnia, sleep apnea, and bruxism can lead to morning headaches. These can include tension, migraine, cluster, and medication-overuse headaches. - Changing your pillow or sleep position can prevent strained muscle headaches. Over-the-counter pain relief may help. - Dehydration and drinking alcohol are common causes of morning headaches, so staying hydrated is key. Treatment will depend on the type and underlying cause, so talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerning symptoms. Waking up with a headache can be caused by factors like poor sleep quality, dehydration, or alcohol. Knowing the type and cause of your headache is key to finding relief and preventing it from happening again. ![Woman in bed holding her head in her hands]() ![Woman in bed holding her head in her hands](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/9s7aAUgcQXqq9w-EDxR_911MzQI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/130897076_10-56a884b23df78cf7729e8396.JPG) Peter Dazeley / Getty Images ## Types of Morning Headaches Not every morning headache is the same, and you might experience any of these types: - [Tension headache](https://www.verywellhealth.com/temple-headache-5219096): This involves dull tightening or pressure on both sides of the head. It may start at the forehead and radiate to the back of the head. - Migraine: Incapacitating pain occurs, usually on one side of the head, plus nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual phenomena called an [aura](https://www.verywellhealth.com/migraine-with-aura-headache-4171966). - [Cluster headache](https://www.verywellhealth.com/cluster-headaches-7548851): Brief, severe, sudden-onset headaches may occur multiple times a day, affect one side, and cause red, inflamed eyes, flushing, and runny nose. - [Medication-overuse headache](https://www.verywellhealth.com/headache-left-side-5218920): Taking too much headache medication can lead to daily rebound headaches. These don't respond to headache medications. The characteristics of your headache can help your healthcare provider determine what you may be dealing with and guide them toward a possible cause, which may include any of the following concerns. ## Dehydration [Dehydration](https://www.verywellhealth.com/dehydration-symptoms-8662174) can cause headaches when you lose more water than you take in. It often occurs with excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever. Morning headaches can happen if you get dehydrated overnight, possibly due to sweating while you sleep from a warm environment or menopause-related night sweats Symptoms of dehydration also include: - Increased thirst - Fatigue - Dizziness, especially when standing up - Dark urine or low urine output - Dry mouth - Irritability ### Treating Dehydration If dehydration is causing your headache, replenishing fluids and electrolytes can help alleviate it. In mild cases, drinking water can relieve dehydration. If fluid loss is substantial, a rehydrating drink, like a sports drink, may be needed. Severe dehydration requires immediate medical care. Preventing dehydration is better than treating it, so try to replace the fluids you lose during the day. That can put a stop to morning dehydration headaches. ## Alcohol Drinking alcohol, especially in large amounts, can contribute to morning headaches. [Hangover](https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-pedialyte-good-for-hangovers-11923122) headaches are technically called delayed alcohol-induced headaches. They come on the morning after you drink and tend to: - Throb - Get worse with physical activity - Hurt on both sides of the head - Be located on the forehead and/or temples Researchers don't fully understand what causes hangovers and their associated headaches. Potential factors could include: - Dehydration - Overactivation of certain pathways in the brain - Increase in blood sugars in the brain - Disrupted sleep - Inflammation - Exposure to a chemical called acetaldehyde, which your body produces as it processes alcohol - Withdrawal as the effects wear off Hangover symptoms may last anywhere from a few hours to three days. The duration depends on how much you drank, how dehydrated you got, and several other factors. Hangovers aren't the only way alcohol leads to morning headaches. If you get migraines, cluster headaches, or tension headaches, alcohol may be a trigger for them. Since drinking often takes place in the evening or at night, it's common to wake up to them. ### Treating a Hangover Hangover [treatments](https://www.verywellhealth.com/understanding-hangover-headaches-and-how-to-avoid-them-1719443), which may help ease your morning headache faster, include: - Rehydration - Eating or drinking carbohydrates to raise blood sugar - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - Caffeine - B vitamins - Zinc You can avoid hangovers and the associated morning headaches by drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all. Drinking water when you have alcohol beverages is also a good idea. If you do drink enough to cause a hangover, drink plenty of water before you go to bed so you don't get dehydrated. ## Strained Muscle Sleeping on the wrong pillow or in the wrong position can leave your neck muscles aching in the morning. That [muscle strain](https://www.verywellhealth.com/muscle-pain-what-you-should-know-190093) may lead to a morning headache. When your muscles contract, it limits blood flow. That leads to chemical reactions that create a build-up of waste products including lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and water. They irritate your nerves, leading to pain. Morning neck-strain headaches tend to be tension headaches or migraines. They often feature: - Mild to moderate pain - Mild nausea - Less often, increased sensitivity to light or sound (usually not both) Blood flow can't resume until the muscle relaxes. At that point, the waste is flushed out and the irritation can ease. ### Treating Strained Muscles You can ease strained muscles with: - [Rest](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-rice-190446) - Ice - Massage - Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil ([ibuprofen](https://www.verywellhealth.com/advil-and-aleve-whats-the-difference-2552183)) or Aleve ([naproxen](https://www.verywellhealth.com/nsaids-for-chronic-pain-2564481)) Once you've identified strained muscles as the cause of your morning headaches, you can try a different pillow or change your sleep position. ## Grinding Your Teeth Regularly grinding your teeth at night is a disorder called sleep [bruxism](https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-stop-grinding-teeth-8781722). This can be both a symptom of poor sleep and a cause of it. It's also tied to high stress levels. Tooth grinding can aggravate your jaw joint and contribute to [temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-tmj-disorder-1192014). Pain in the jaw, as well as the surrounding muscles and connective tissues, can lead to a dull, constant headache. Research published in 2020 showed a direct relationship between nighttime grinding and morning headaches. ### Treating Bruxism To [prevent grinding your teeth](https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-stop-grinding-teeth-8781722), you may be given: - A custom-fitted mouthguard to prevent clenching - [Antidepressants](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482) to regulate chemical messengers called [neurotransmitters](https://www.verywellhealth.com/neurotransmitters-8706506) - Relaxation techniques for easing the tension in your jaw and mouth area You may not be aware that you grind your teeth while you sleep. If you have a sleep partner and morning headaches consistent with bruxism, ask them if they've noticed you grinding. ## Insomnia [Insomnia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-insomnia-the-features-symptoms-and-causes-3014805) is a common sleep disorder that can: - Make it hard for you to fall asleep - Wake you up frequently overnight - Make you wake up too early [Poor sleep can be a headache trigger](https://www.verywellhealth.com/headache-from-lack-of-sleep-5218116) because the same brain regions and neurotransmitters deal with both sleep and pain processing. Insomnia is often associated with chronic migraines and chronic tension headaches. ### Treating Insomnia Insomnia treatments include: - Lifestyle changes such as adjusting the time you go to sleep and your routine - [Sedative drugs](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-take-when-you-cant-sleep-3015261) (sleeping pills) such as Ambien (zolpidem) and Lunesta (eszopiclone) - [Specialized cognitive behavioral therapy](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-insomnia-cbti-3015310), a type of talk therapy - Possibly supplements like [melatonin](https://www.verywellhealth.com/melatonin-7501303) and [valerian](https://www.verywellhealth.com/valerian-root-side-effects-11899523) To help your doctor diagnose insomnia, keep a sleep journal that details how long it takes you to fall asleep, the amount of time you sleep, and how often you wake up overnight. ## Obstructive Sleep Apnea [Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/mild-obstructive-sleep-apnea-5095471) involves pauses in breathing that disrupt your sleep. Sleep disruption can be a headache trigger by itself. It's also possible that low oxygen leads to high carbon dioxide levels in the brain, which increases blood flow and pressure inside your skull, leading to morning headaches. These headaches typically: - Occur more than 15 times a month - Affect both sides of the head - Have a squeezing quality - Don't involve migraine symptoms (nausea, dizziness, vision changes, noise and light sensitivity) - Resolve within four hours of waking The pain of morning OSA headaches is often described as aching rather than sharp. These headaches don't occur at other times of day. ### Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea Obstructive sleep apnea is treated with: - A [continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-does-a-cpap-machine-work-to-treat-sleep-apnea-3946439) machine, a breathing therapy device - Other wearable or implantable devices - Neurostimulation therapy - [Surgery](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-uppp-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty-1192060) Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders are often diagnosed with [polysomnography](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-expect-in-a-sleep-study-3015121) (a sleep study). ### Improving Your Sleep Hygiene If you often don't sleep well and have regular morning headaches, you may benefit from better sleep hygiene—habits and an environment that encourages good sleep. This includes: - Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day - Keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, relaxing, and a comfortable temperature - Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and large meals close to bedtime - Getting more exercise during the day (but not near bedtime) - Keeping electronic devices out of the bedroom ## Anxiety and Depression The brain regions and neurotransmitters tied to sleep and pain also impact your mood. Common physiology is at least part of why [anxiety](https://www.verywellhealth.com/anxiety-attack-5088600) and [depression](https://www.verywellhealth.com/major-depressive-disorder-5092483) are both common in people with migraines and sleep disorders. In fact, a 2020 study confirmed a link between headaches and increased anxiety and depression scores. The links were strongest between: - Medication-overuse headache (see below) and both anxiety and depression - [Migraine and both anxiety](https://www.verywellhealth.com/migraine-and-anxiety-11732098) and depression - Tension headache and anxiety ### Treating Anxiety and Depression Anxiety and depression are both real conditions that need to be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare practitioner. Treatments may include: - Anxiety: Psychotherapy, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, [beta-blockers](https://www.verywellhealth.com/propranolol-vs-metoprolol-11691471), [stress management](https://www.verywellhealth.com/psychological-stress-5205714) - Depression: [Psychotherapy](https://www.verywellmind.com/psychotherapy-4157172), antidepressants, and brain-stimulation therapies If you have both depression and anxiety, you may want to start with treatments that can help both of them, such as talk therapy and antidepressants. Some antidepressants have sedative effects, helping you sleep better too. ## High Blood Pressure [Hypertension (high blood pressure)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/high-blood-pressure-overview-4581957) often doesn't cause symptoms, but that's not always the case. Research is divided as to whether mild or moderate chronic hypertension is associated with headaches and migraines. The link is better established between [headaches and severely high blood pressure](https://www.verywellhealth.com/symptoms-of-hypertension-1763965) or a [hypertensive crisis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/symptoms-of-hypertension-1763965). A hypertensive crisis is a sudden, sharp rise in blood pressure. It causes headaches that are often accompanied by a [nosebleed](https://www.verywellhealth.com/when-is-a-bloody-nose-a-medical-emergency-1192061) and tend to be worse in the morning. The reasons behind hypertensive headaches may vary for different headache types. In non-migraines, researchers suspect it has to do with a disruption of the [blood-brain barrier](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-capillaries-2249069). This is a network of cells that prevent harmful substances from reaching your brain. In migraines, evidence suggests it's because of common underlying mechanisms including: - A type of heart disease called [endothelial dysfunction](https://www.verywellhealth.com/heart-palpitations-1745232) - Problems with the automatic regulation of your heart and [blood circulation](https://www.verywellhealth.com/cardiovascular-system-8695175) - Involvement of hormones that regulate blood pressure and blood volume Recurring headaches of any severity are worth mentioning to a healthcare provider. This is especially important if you're pregnant and have frequent headaches. They could be a sign of a dangerous hypertension-related complication called [preeclampsia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/protein-in-urine-during-pregnancy-8350021), which can also cause blurry vision, swollen hands and face, and right-side abdominal pain. ### Treating Hypertension There are several options for treating hypertension. These include: - [Dietary changes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/food-for-high-blood-pressure-8348308) - Physical activity - Weight loss - Stress management - [Smoking cessation](https://www.verywellhealth.com/smokers-flu-5179980) - [Blood pressure medications](https://www.verywellhealth.com/hypertension-treatment-1763942) Hypertension increases your risk of heart disease. It's important to have it diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional. You should get a blood pressure cuff and [check your blood pressure](https://www.verywellhealth.com/protein-in-urine-during-pregnancy-8350021) regularly if you have a history of hypertension, hypertensive crisis, or [headaches and nosebleeds](https://www.verywellhealth.com/headache-and-nosebleed-5537122) that occur together. ### Call 911 If you have a headache and a nosebleed at the same time, check your blood pressure if possible. If it's high, rest for five minutes and check it again. If your second reading is above 180/120, call 911 immediately. ## Medication Side Effects Several types of medications cause side-effect headaches in some people who take them. They include: - Hormonal medications used for birth control and menopause - Erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) - Some heart and hypertension medications including: - Plavix (clopidogrel) - Zestril (lisinopril) - Nitroglycerin - Procardia (nifedipine) - Dopamine Myriad other medications and some supplements can cause headaches as well. If you've started a new medication or had a recent dosage increase and start having regular headaches, talk to your healthcare provider. ### Treating Headaches Caused by Medications Headaches and other medication side effects may eventually taper off if you stay on the medication. They should also clear up if you stop taking the drug in question. However, don't stop taking a prescription medication without the advice of a healthcare professional. Doing so can cause side effects, as well as complications related to your condition going untreated. Your provider can work with you to find a different treatment or a dosage of your current treatment that works better for you. Also, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what pain medications you can safely use to ease your headaches given other drugs you are taking. ## Headache Medication Overuse Ironically, the drugs you take to treat chronic headaches may eventually start causing them. The headache medications work at first, but over time, they become less effective. Typically, you need to take the drugs more than 10 days a month for more than three months for this to happen. When they wear off, your headache comes back—usually worse than it was before you took the medication. If you don't realize this is happening, it's natural to take another dose. However, that just compounds the problem. Drugs that can cause medication overuse headaches (MOH) include: - Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) - Tylenol (acetaminophen) - Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and other NSAIDs - Codeine, Vicodin (hydrocodone-acetaminophen), [OxyContin (oxycodone)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/oxycodone-5093105), and other [opioid painkillers](https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-of-opioids-chronic-pain-medications-2564496) If your headaches are getting worse despite taking pain medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. Medication-overuse headaches are sometimes called medication-induced headaches, [rebound headaches](https://www.verywellhealth.com/headache-left-side-5218920), drug-induced headaches, or medication-misuse headaches. However, not everyone who gets them has overused or misused the medication. ### Treating Medication Overuse Headaches To get rid of an MOH, it's usually recommended that you stop taking the problem drug. Your healthcare provider can help you find different treatment, if needed. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist how to treat your headache while the drug is still in your body. ## Timing of Headache Medications Migraines are most common early in the morning. There are several reasons for that: - Many pain medications last for between four and eight hours. If you take them before bed, they'll likely wear off while you're still asleep and leave you vulnerable. - If you're having MOH, it's even more common for drugs to wear off overnight. - Migraine treatments are most effective when taken soon after the migraine begins. If one begins while you're asleep, you may miss the ideal window for taking your next dose. ### Treating Medication-Timing Headaches Ask your healthcare provider about longer-acting or extended-release drugs. You may also need to adjust the timing of your medications, but that should only be done under the direction of a medical professional. ## Circadian Rhythm Disorders [Circadian rhythms](https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-do-you-wake-up-at-the-same-time-every-night-4137952) are biological cycles, including the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. These rhythms help you to fall asleep at night and wake in the morning while playing an important role in the regulation of hormones and body functions. A number of health issues can disrupt your natural circadian rhythm, including: - [Obesity](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obesity-symptoms-4689168) - [Diabetes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/diabetes-mellitus-7944909) - [Depression](https://www.verywellhealth.com/different-types-of-depression-overview-5209204) - [Bipolar disorder](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-bipolar-disorder-8430648) - [Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/mood-disorders-5120944) These disorders can cause you to wake up during the sleep cycle, or you might sleep for too short or too long a period of time. This can create an ongoing problem in which you develop headaches because of sleep disorders and then the headache itself causes additional problems sleeping. ### Treating Circadian Rhythm Disorders To regulate circadian rhythm, your doctor may recommend at-home therapies such as: - Limiting your caffeine intake - Keeping a regular schedule for meals - Establishing a regular bedtime routine - Avoiding naps during the day - Exercising regularly - Managing light exposure including getting sunlight during the day and dimming light at night ## Oversleeping It may seem that getting extra sleep would be a good way to avoid a morning headache. However, sleeping too much is a type of sleep disorder that can leave you feeling terrible. [Serotonin](https://www.verywellhealth.com/serotonin-8682041), one of the neurotransmitters that regulate circadian rhythm, signals to your body when it is time to wake up at the end of the natural sleep cycle. At that point, your brain begins to work and your body starts to want food and water. If you continue to sleep after your brain has received the "wake up" signal, your body will begin to become dehydrated and suffer nutrient loss. If you continue for too long in that state, it can trigger a headache. ### Treating Oversleeping If you experience a headache triggered by oversleeping as a one-time event or just occasionally, you can relieve the symptoms of your headache by rehydrating and taking over-the-counter pain-relieving medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In some instances, people find themselves chronically oversleeping or unable to wake after a normal night's sleep. This could be a sign of [hypersomnia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/hypersomnia-overview-4582688) and may result in other symptoms such as confusion, anxiety, and hallucinations. ## Exploding Head Syndrome Technically, [exploding headache syndrome](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-exploding-head-syndrome-3014764) is not considered a headache disorder because it doesn't cause a typical pain in the head. However, sometimes a stabbing sensation occurs along with the characteristics loud noises in your head. This can cause anxiety that further disrupts sleep and can lead to recurring headaches. ### Treating Exploding Head Syndrome In some instances, relaxation techniques may ease exploding head syndrome. There is also some research that has shown that the [tricyclic antidepressant](https://www.verywellhealth.com/antidepressant-chronic-pain-7152653) Anafranil (clomipramine) may help with symptoms as well. Read more: - [Health A-Z](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770) - [Sleep Disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/sleep-disorders-4014648) - [Sleep Apnea](https://www.verywellhealth.com/sleep-apnea-4158397) 45 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 1. MedlinePlus. [Tension headache](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000797.htm). 2. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [Migraine](https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/migraine). 3. American Migraine Foundation. [Understanding cluster headache](https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/cluster-headache-2/). 4. American Migraine Foundation. [Medication overuse headache](https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/medication-overuse/). 5. Arca KN, Halker Singh RB. [Dehydration and headache](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8280611/). Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2021;25(8):56. doi:10.1007/s11916-021-00966-z 6. Cedars-Sinai. [Dehydration](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/d/dehydration.html). 7. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). [The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version)](https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102413485658). Cephalalgia. 2013 Jul;33(9):629-808. doi:10.1177/0333102413485658 8. National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. [Hangovers](https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers). 9. Johns Hopkins Medicine. [Hangover headache](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/headache/hangover-headache). 10. Zlotnik Y, Plakht Y, Aven A, Engel Y, Am NB, Ifergane G. [Alcohol consumption and hangover patterns among migraine sufferers](https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-3147.131652). J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2014;5(2):128-134. doi:10.4103/0976-3147.131652 11. Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing. [7 steps to cure your hangover](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/7-steps-to-cure-your-hangover). 12. Society for Neuroscience: BrainFacts.org. [How do tight muscles trigger headaches?](https://www.brainfacts.org/thinking-sensing-and-behaving/pain/2021/how-do-tight-muscles-trigger-headaches-022521) 13. MedlinePlus. [Muscle strain treatment](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002116.htm). 14. American Migraine Foundation. [Sleep disorders and headache](https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/sleep/). 15. Vieira KRM, Folchini CM, Heyde MDVD, Stuginski-Barbosa J, Kowacs PA, Piovesan EJ. [Wake-up headache is associated with sleep bruxism](https://doi.org/10.1111/head.13816). Headache. 2020;60(5):974-980. doi:10.1111/head.13816 16. Johns Hopkins Medicine. [Bruxism](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bruxism). 17. Singh NN, Sahota P. [Sleep-related headache and its management](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-013-0258-1). Curr Treat Options Neurol. 2013;15(6):704-722. doi:10.1007/s11940-013-0258-1 18. Spałka J, Kędzia K, Kuczyński W, et al. [Morning headache as an obstructive sleep apnea-related symptom among sleep clinic patients-a cross-section analysis](https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10010057). Brain Sci. 2020;10(1):57. doi:10.3390/brainsci10010057 19. Suzuki K, Miyamoto M, Miyamoto T, et al. [Sleep apnoea headache in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome patients presenting with morning headache: comparison of the ICHD-2 and ICHD-3 beta criteria](http://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-015-0540-6). J Headache Pain. 2015;16:56. doi:10.1186/s10194-015-0540-6 20. American Sleep Apnea Association. [Which sleep apnea treatment options for you?](https://www.sleepapnea.org/treatment/) 21. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [About sleep](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html). 22. National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. [Anxiety disorders](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders). 23. National Alliance on Mental Illness. [Treatments](https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/). 24. National Alliance on Mental Illness. [ECT, TMS and other brain stimulation therapies](https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/ect-tms-and-other-brain-stimulation-therapies/). 25. Wichniak A, Wierzbicka A, Walęcka M, Jernajczyk W. [Effects of antidepressants on sleep](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0816-4). Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017;19(9):63. doi:10.1007/s11920-017-0816-4 26. American Heart Association. [What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?](https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/know-your-risk-factors-for-high-blood-pressure/what-are-the-symptoms-of-high-blood-pressure) 27. Arca KN, Halker Singh RB. [The hypertensive headache: A review](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-019-0767-z). Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2019;23(5):30. doi:10.1007/s11916-019-0767-z 28. Assarzadegan F, Asadollahi M, Hesami O, Aryani O, Mansouri B, Beladi Moghadam N. [Secondary headaches attributed to arterial hypertension](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3829292/). Iran J Neurol. 2013;12(3):106-110. 29. Finocchi C, Sassos D. [Headache and arterial hypertension](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-017-2893-x). Neurol Sci. 2017;38(Suppl 1):67-72. doi:10.1007/s10072-017-2893-x 30. Cleveland Clinic. [Preeclampsia](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17952-preeclampsia). 31. MedlinePlus. [High blood pressure medicine](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007484.htm). 32. University of Michigan Health, Michigan Medicine. [Medicines that can cause headache](https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/sig55516). 33. Prescribers' Digital Reference: PDR. [Sildenafil citrate - drug summary](https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=Viagra-sildenafil-citrate-471). 34. Prescribers' Digital Reference: PDR. [Tadalafil - drug summary](https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=Cialis-tadalafil-2262). 35. Prescribers' Digital Reference: PDR. [Clopidogrel bisulfate - drug summary](https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=Plavix-clopidogrel-bisulfate-525). 36. Prescribers' Digital Reference: PDR. [Lisinopril - drug summary](https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=Zestril-lisinopril-2456). 37. Prescribers' Digital Reference: PDR. [Nitroglycerin - drug summary](https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=Nitroglycerin-in-5--Dextrose-nitroglycerin-1148). 38. Prescribers' Digital Reference: PDR. [Nifedipine - drug summary](https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=Nifedipine-nifedipine-1481). 39. Prescribers' Digital Reference: PDR. [Dopamine hydrochloride - drug summary](https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=Dopamine-Hydrochloride-dopamine-hydrochloride-3710). 40. Kristoffersen ES, Lundqvist C. [Medication-overuse headache: Epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment](https://doi.org/10.1177/2042098614522683). Ther Adv Drug Saf. 2014;5(2):87-99. doi:10.1177/2042098614522683 41. National Institute of General Medical Sciences. [Circadian rhythms](https://nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms.aspx), 42. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. [Circadian rhythm disorders treatment](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/circadian-rhythm-disorders/treatment%20). 43. Ferini-Strambi L, Galbiati A, Combi R. [Sleep disorder-related headaches](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-019-03837-z). Neurol Sci. 2019;40(Suppl 1):107-113. doi:10.1007/s10072-019-03837-z 44. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. [Idiopathic hypersomnia](https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/idiopathic-hypersomnia). 45. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. [Exploding headache syndrome](https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/exploding-head-syndrome/). ![Brandon Peters, M.D.]() ![Brandon Peters, M.D.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/BbtKTL7wVNFD-4Y2KIj4azA0HpE=/144x144/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/BrandonPetersMD_1000-5143e542c3084368b1220c4b86ede01c.png) By [Brandon Peters, MD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/brandon-peters-md-3014640) Dr. Peters is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist and is a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. [See Our Editorial Process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) [Meet Our Medical Expert Board](https://www.verywellhealth.com/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003) Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback\! What is your feedback? 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Readable Markdown	### Key Takeaways - Poor sleep from issues like insomnia, sleep apnea, and bruxism can lead to morning headaches. These can include tension, migraine, cluster, and medication-overuse headaches. - Changing your pillow or sleep position can prevent strained muscle headaches. Over-the-counter pain relief may help. - Dehydration and drinking alcohol are common causes of morning headaches, so staying hydrated is key. Treatment will depend on the type and underlying cause, so talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerning symptoms. Waking up with a headache can be caused by factors like poor sleep quality, dehydration, or alcohol. Knowing the type and cause of your headache is key to finding relief and preventing it from happening again. Peter Dazeley / Getty Images ## Types of Morning Headaches Not every morning headache is the same, and you might experience any of these types: - [Tension headache](https://www.verywellhealth.com/temple-headache-5219096): This involves dull tightening or pressure on both sides of the head. It may start at the forehead and radiate to the back of the head. - Migraine: Incapacitating pain occurs, usually on one side of the head, plus nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual phenomena called an [aura](https://www.verywellhealth.com/migraine-with-aura-headache-4171966). - [Cluster headache](https://www.verywellhealth.com/cluster-headaches-7548851): Brief, severe, sudden-onset headaches may occur multiple times a day, affect one side, and cause red, inflamed eyes, flushing, and runny nose. - [Medication-overuse headache](https://www.verywellhealth.com/headache-left-side-5218920): Taking too much headache medication can lead to daily rebound headaches. These don't respond to headache medications. The characteristics of your headache can help your healthcare provider determine what you may be dealing with and guide them toward a possible cause, which may include any of the following concerns. ## Dehydration [Dehydration](https://www.verywellhealth.com/dehydration-symptoms-8662174) can cause headaches when you lose more water than you take in. It often occurs with excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever. Morning headaches can happen if you get dehydrated overnight, possibly due to sweating while you sleep from a warm environment or menopause-related night sweats Symptoms of dehydration also include: - Increased thirst - Fatigue - Dizziness, especially when standing up - Dark urine or low urine output - Dry mouth - Irritability ### Treating Dehydration If dehydration is causing your headache, replenishing fluids and electrolytes can help alleviate it. In mild cases, drinking water can relieve dehydration. If fluid loss is substantial, a rehydrating drink, like a sports drink, may be needed. Severe dehydration requires immediate medical care. Preventing dehydration is better than treating it, so try to replace the fluids you lose during the day. That can put a stop to morning dehydration headaches. ## Alcohol Drinking alcohol, especially in large amounts, can contribute to morning headaches. [Hangover](https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-pedialyte-good-for-hangovers-11923122) headaches are technically called delayed alcohol-induced headaches. They come on the morning after you drink and tend to: - Throb - Get worse with physical activity - Hurt on both sides of the head - Be located on the forehead and/or temples Researchers don't fully understand what causes hangovers and their associated headaches. Potential factors could include: - Dehydration - Overactivation of certain pathways in the brain - Increase in blood sugars in the brain - Disrupted sleep - Inflammation - Exposure to a chemical called acetaldehyde, which your body produces as it processes alcohol - Withdrawal as the effects wear off Hangover symptoms may last anywhere from a few hours to three days. The duration depends on how much you drank, how dehydrated you got, and several other factors. Hangovers aren't the only way alcohol leads to morning headaches. If you get migraines, cluster headaches, or tension headaches, alcohol may be a trigger for them. Since drinking often takes place in the evening or at night, it's common to wake up to them. ### Treating a Hangover Hangover [treatments](https://www.verywellhealth.com/understanding-hangover-headaches-and-how-to-avoid-them-1719443), which may help ease your morning headache faster, include: - Rehydration - Eating or drinking carbohydrates to raise blood sugar - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - Caffeine - B vitamins - Zinc You can avoid hangovers and the associated morning headaches by drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all. Drinking water when you have alcohol beverages is also a good idea. If you do drink enough to cause a hangover, drink plenty of water before you go to bed so you don't get dehydrated. ## Strained Muscle Sleeping on the wrong pillow or in the wrong position can leave your neck muscles aching in the morning. That [muscle strain](https://www.verywellhealth.com/muscle-pain-what-you-should-know-190093) may lead to a morning headache. When your muscles contract, it limits blood flow. That leads to chemical reactions that create a build-up of waste products including lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and water. They irritate your nerves, leading to pain. Morning neck-strain headaches tend to be tension headaches or migraines. They often feature: - Mild to moderate pain - Mild nausea - Less often, increased sensitivity to light or sound (usually not both) Blood flow can't resume until the muscle relaxes. At that point, the waste is flushed out and the irritation can ease. ### Treating Strained Muscles You can ease strained muscles with: - [Rest](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-rice-190446) - Ice - Massage - Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil ([ibuprofen](https://www.verywellhealth.com/advil-and-aleve-whats-the-difference-2552183)) or Aleve ([naproxen](https://www.verywellhealth.com/nsaids-for-chronic-pain-2564481)) Once you've identified strained muscles as the cause of your morning headaches, you can try a different pillow or change your sleep position. ## Grinding Your Teeth Regularly grinding your teeth at night is a disorder called sleep [bruxism](https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-stop-grinding-teeth-8781722). This can be both a symptom of poor sleep and a cause of it. It's also tied to high stress levels. Tooth grinding can aggravate your jaw joint and contribute to [temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-tmj-disorder-1192014). Pain in the jaw, as well as the surrounding muscles and connective tissues, can lead to a dull, constant headache. Research published in 2020 showed a direct relationship between nighttime grinding and morning headaches. ### Treating Bruxism To [prevent grinding your teeth](https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-stop-grinding-teeth-8781722), you may be given: - A custom-fitted mouthguard to prevent clenching - [Antidepressants](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-real-pros-and-cons-of-taking-antidepressants-5114482) to regulate chemical messengers called [neurotransmitters](https://www.verywellhealth.com/neurotransmitters-8706506) - Relaxation techniques for easing the tension in your jaw and mouth area You may not be aware that you grind your teeth while you sleep. If you have a sleep partner and morning headaches consistent with bruxism, ask them if they've noticed you grinding. ## Insomnia [Insomnia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-insomnia-the-features-symptoms-and-causes-3014805) is a common sleep disorder that can: - Make it hard for you to fall asleep - Wake you up frequently overnight - Make you wake up too early [Poor sleep can be a headache trigger](https://www.verywellhealth.com/headache-from-lack-of-sleep-5218116) because the same brain regions and neurotransmitters deal with both sleep and pain processing. Insomnia is often associated with chronic migraines and chronic tension headaches. ### Treating Insomnia Insomnia treatments include: - Lifestyle changes such as adjusting the time you go to sleep and your routine - [Sedative drugs](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-take-when-you-cant-sleep-3015261) (sleeping pills) such as Ambien (zolpidem) and Lunesta (eszopiclone) - [Specialized cognitive behavioral therapy](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-insomnia-cbti-3015310), a type of talk therapy - Possibly supplements like [melatonin](https://www.verywellhealth.com/melatonin-7501303) and [valerian](https://www.verywellhealth.com/valerian-root-side-effects-11899523) To help your doctor diagnose insomnia, keep a sleep journal that details how long it takes you to fall asleep, the amount of time you sleep, and how often you wake up overnight. ## Obstructive Sleep Apnea [Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/mild-obstructive-sleep-apnea-5095471) involves pauses in breathing that disrupt your sleep. Sleep disruption can be a headache trigger by itself. It's also possible that low oxygen leads to high carbon dioxide levels in the brain, which increases blood flow and pressure inside your skull, leading to morning headaches. These headaches typically: - Occur more than 15 times a month - Affect both sides of the head - Have a squeezing quality - Don't involve migraine symptoms (nausea, dizziness, vision changes, noise and light sensitivity) - Resolve within four hours of waking The pain of morning OSA headaches is often described as aching rather than sharp. These headaches don't occur at other times of day. ### Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea Obstructive sleep apnea is treated with: - A [continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-does-a-cpap-machine-work-to-treat-sleep-apnea-3946439) machine, a breathing therapy device - Other wearable or implantable devices - Neurostimulation therapy - [Surgery](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-uppp-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty-1192060) Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders are often diagnosed with [polysomnography](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-expect-in-a-sleep-study-3015121) (a sleep study). ### Improving Your Sleep Hygiene If you often don't sleep well and have regular morning headaches, you may benefit from better sleep hygiene—habits and an environment that encourages good sleep. This includes: - Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day - Keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, relaxing, and a comfortable temperature - Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and large meals close to bedtime - Getting more exercise during the day (but not near bedtime) - Keeping electronic devices out of the bedroom ## Anxiety and Depression The brain regions and neurotransmitters tied to sleep and pain also impact your mood. Common physiology is at least part of why [anxiety](https://www.verywellhealth.com/anxiety-attack-5088600) and [depression](https://www.verywellhealth.com/major-depressive-disorder-5092483) are both common in people with migraines and sleep disorders. In fact, a 2020 study confirmed a link between headaches and increased anxiety and depression scores. The links were strongest between: - Medication-overuse headache (see below) and both anxiety and depression - [Migraine and both anxiety](https://www.verywellhealth.com/migraine-and-anxiety-11732098) and depression - Tension headache and anxiety ### Treating Anxiety and Depression Anxiety and depression are both real conditions that need to be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare practitioner. Treatments may include: - Anxiety: Psychotherapy, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, [beta-blockers](https://www.verywellhealth.com/propranolol-vs-metoprolol-11691471), [stress management](https://www.verywellhealth.com/psychological-stress-5205714) - Depression: [Psychotherapy](https://www.verywellmind.com/psychotherapy-4157172), antidepressants, and brain-stimulation therapies If you have both depression and anxiety, you may want to start with treatments that can help both of them, such as talk therapy and antidepressants. Some antidepressants have sedative effects, helping you sleep better too. ## High Blood Pressure [Hypertension (high blood pressure)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/high-blood-pressure-overview-4581957) often doesn't cause symptoms, but that's not always the case. Research is divided as to whether mild or moderate chronic hypertension is associated with headaches and migraines. The link is better established between [headaches and severely high blood pressure](https://www.verywellhealth.com/symptoms-of-hypertension-1763965) or a [hypertensive crisis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/symptoms-of-hypertension-1763965). A hypertensive crisis is a sudden, sharp rise in blood pressure. It causes headaches that are often accompanied by a [nosebleed](https://www.verywellhealth.com/when-is-a-bloody-nose-a-medical-emergency-1192061) and tend to be worse in the morning. The reasons behind hypertensive headaches may vary for different headache types. In non-migraines, researchers suspect it has to do with a disruption of the [blood-brain barrier](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-capillaries-2249069). This is a network of cells that prevent harmful substances from reaching your brain. In migraines, evidence suggests it's because of common underlying mechanisms including: - A type of heart disease called [endothelial dysfunction](https://www.verywellhealth.com/heart-palpitations-1745232) - Problems with the automatic regulation of your heart and [blood circulation](https://www.verywellhealth.com/cardiovascular-system-8695175) - Involvement of hormones that regulate blood pressure and blood volume Recurring headaches of any severity are worth mentioning to a healthcare provider. This is especially important if you're pregnant and have frequent headaches. They could be a sign of a dangerous hypertension-related complication called [preeclampsia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/protein-in-urine-during-pregnancy-8350021), which can also cause blurry vision, swollen hands and face, and right-side abdominal pain. ### Treating Hypertension There are several options for treating hypertension. These include: - [Dietary changes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/food-for-high-blood-pressure-8348308) - Physical activity - Weight loss - Stress management - [Smoking cessation](https://www.verywellhealth.com/smokers-flu-5179980) - [Blood pressure medications](https://www.verywellhealth.com/hypertension-treatment-1763942) Hypertension increases your risk of heart disease. It's important to have it diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional. You should get a blood pressure cuff and [check your blood pressure](https://www.verywellhealth.com/protein-in-urine-during-pregnancy-8350021) regularly if you have a history of hypertension, hypertensive crisis, or [headaches and nosebleeds](https://www.verywellhealth.com/headache-and-nosebleed-5537122) that occur together. ### Call 911 If you have a headache and a nosebleed at the same time, check your blood pressure if possible. If it's high, rest for five minutes and check it again. If your second reading is above 180/120, call 911 immediately. ## Medication Side Effects Several types of medications cause side-effect headaches in some people who take them. They include: - Hormonal medications used for birth control and menopause - Erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) - Some heart and hypertension medications including: - Plavix (clopidogrel) - Zestril (lisinopril) - Nitroglycerin - Procardia (nifedipine) - Dopamine Myriad other medications and some supplements can cause headaches as well. If you've started a new medication or had a recent dosage increase and start having regular headaches, talk to your healthcare provider. ### Treating Headaches Caused by Medications Headaches and other medication side effects may eventually taper off if you stay on the medication. They should also clear up if you stop taking the drug in question. However, don't stop taking a prescription medication without the advice of a healthcare professional. Doing so can cause side effects, as well as complications related to your condition going untreated. Your provider can work with you to find a different treatment or a dosage of your current treatment that works better for you. Also, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what pain medications you can safely use to ease your headaches given other drugs you are taking. ## Headache Medication Overuse Ironically, the drugs you take to treat chronic headaches may eventually start causing them. The headache medications work at first, but over time, they become less effective. Typically, you need to take the drugs more than 10 days a month for more than three months for this to happen. When they wear off, your headache comes back—usually worse than it was before you took the medication. If you don't realize this is happening, it's natural to take another dose. However, that just compounds the problem. Drugs that can cause medication overuse headaches (MOH) include: - Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) - Tylenol (acetaminophen) - Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and other NSAIDs - Codeine, Vicodin (hydrocodone-acetaminophen), [OxyContin (oxycodone)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/oxycodone-5093105), and other [opioid painkillers](https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-of-opioids-chronic-pain-medications-2564496) If your headaches are getting worse despite taking pain medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. Medication-overuse headaches are sometimes called medication-induced headaches, [rebound headaches](https://www.verywellhealth.com/headache-left-side-5218920), drug-induced headaches, or medication-misuse headaches. However, not everyone who gets them has overused or misused the medication. ### Treating Medication Overuse Headaches To get rid of an MOH, it's usually recommended that you stop taking the problem drug. Your healthcare provider can help you find different treatment, if needed. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist how to treat your headache while the drug is still in your body. ## Timing of Headache Medications Migraines are most common early in the morning. There are several reasons for that: - Many pain medications last for between four and eight hours. If you take them before bed, they'll likely wear off while you're still asleep and leave you vulnerable. - If you're having MOH, it's even more common for drugs to wear off overnight. - Migraine treatments are most effective when taken soon after the migraine begins. If one begins while you're asleep, you may miss the ideal window for taking your next dose. ### Treating Medication-Timing Headaches Ask your healthcare provider about longer-acting or extended-release drugs. You may also need to adjust the timing of your medications, but that should only be done under the direction of a medical professional. ## Circadian Rhythm Disorders [Circadian rhythms](https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-do-you-wake-up-at-the-same-time-every-night-4137952) are biological cycles, including the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. These rhythms help you to fall asleep at night and wake in the morning while playing an important role in the regulation of hormones and body functions. A number of health issues can disrupt your natural circadian rhythm, including: - [Obesity](https://www.verywellhealth.com/obesity-symptoms-4689168) - [Diabetes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/diabetes-mellitus-7944909) - [Depression](https://www.verywellhealth.com/different-types-of-depression-overview-5209204) - [Bipolar disorder](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-bipolar-disorder-8430648) - [Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/mood-disorders-5120944) These disorders can cause you to wake up during the sleep cycle, or you might sleep for too short or too long a period of time. This can create an ongoing problem in which you develop headaches because of sleep disorders and then the headache itself causes additional problems sleeping. ### Treating Circadian Rhythm Disorders To regulate circadian rhythm, your doctor may recommend at-home therapies such as: - Limiting your caffeine intake - Keeping a regular schedule for meals - Establishing a regular bedtime routine - Avoiding naps during the day - Exercising regularly - Managing light exposure including getting sunlight during the day and dimming light at night ## Oversleeping It may seem that getting extra sleep would be a good way to avoid a morning headache. However, sleeping too much is a type of sleep disorder that can leave you feeling terrible. [Serotonin](https://www.verywellhealth.com/serotonin-8682041), one of the neurotransmitters that regulate circadian rhythm, signals to your body when it is time to wake up at the end of the natural sleep cycle. At that point, your brain begins to work and your body starts to want food and water. If you continue to sleep after your brain has received the "wake up" signal, your body will begin to become dehydrated and suffer nutrient loss. If you continue for too long in that state, it can trigger a headache. ### Treating Oversleeping If you experience a headache triggered by oversleeping as a one-time event or just occasionally, you can relieve the symptoms of your headache by rehydrating and taking over-the-counter pain-relieving medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In some instances, people find themselves chronically oversleeping or unable to wake after a normal night's sleep. This could be a sign of [hypersomnia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/hypersomnia-overview-4582688) and may result in other symptoms such as confusion, anxiety, and hallucinations. ## Exploding Head Syndrome Technically, [exploding headache syndrome](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-exploding-head-syndrome-3014764) is not considered a headache disorder because it doesn't cause a typical pain in the head. However, sometimes a stabbing sensation occurs along with the characteristics loud noises in your head. This can cause anxiety that further disrupts sleep and can lead to recurring headaches. ### Treating Exploding Head Syndrome In some instances, relaxation techniques may ease exploding head syndrome. There is also some research that has shown that the [tricyclic antidepressant](https://www.verywellhealth.com/antidepressant-chronic-pain-7152653) Anafranil (clomipramine) may help with symptoms as well.
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