Why Your Morning Headaches Might Signal Hidden Sleep Apnea
Morning headaches linked to sleep apnea often strike as soon as people wake up. These headaches usually bring a pressing pain on both sides of the head and can last anywhere from half an hour to four hours. While they share some traits with other headache types, they rarely include nausea or light sensitivity.
Sleep apnea affects around 2% to 4% of adults aged 45 to 64. A 2020 study revealed that nearly a third of those with the condition experience these morning headaches regularly.
Sleep apnea headaches are directly tied to disrupted breathing during sleep. According to The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3), they must meet specific criteria to be diagnosed as such. Unlike migraines, they don’t typically cause additional symptoms like vomiting or sound sensitivity.
Treatment for sleep apnea often resolves these headaches as well. The most common approach is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which keeps airways open at night. Other options include custom oral devices or, in some cases, surgery.
Research confirms that addressing sleep apnea reduces headache frequency. Since the condition is most prevalent in middle-aged adults, doctors often check for it when patients report recurring morning headaches.
Effective management of sleep apnea usually stops the associated headaches. CPAP remains the leading solution, though alternatives exist for those who need them. With proper treatment, many patients see a significant drop in both sleep disruptions and morning pain.
