The Challenge of Waking Up
Most people find it hard to wake up and get out of bed each morning once that dreaded alarm sounds. If you’re consistently waking up with morning headaches, the challenge of getting out of bed becomes even harder. While some may suffer from chronic migraines, others may be waking up with headaches due to sleep apnea. Find out below if your morning headaches are a sign of a possible sleep disorder below.
How Sleep Apnea Causes Headaches
Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that causes lapses in breathing throughout the night due to an obstruction of the airway. When the tissues in your throat continue to be obstructed, the air becomes trapped in the lungs. This de-oxygenated air is full of toxic carbon dioxide that builds up in your bloodstream and causes vessels in the brain to dilate. This dilation causes painful headaches that are very similar to the pain of a migraine.
Sleep Apnea Headaches vs. Migraines
It’s important to know the difference between a sleep apnea headache and a migraine, especially if you’ve been continually waking up with headaches in the morning. Here are a few signs that may indicate that your headache is due to sleep apnea:
- It tends to occur above the eyebrows but can migrate over the entire head
- They typically last for an hour or two each morning and then dissipate
- Dull pain
- Can occur daily
Migraines are also typically accompanied by other symptoms such as visual impairment, light sensitivity, and nausea. If you suspect you have sleep apnea headaches, we suggest undergoing a sleep apnea test at our Keller practice.
Say Goodbye to Sleep Apnea Headaches
Ready to wake up without an annoying, painful headache? At North Texas Sleep Solutions, Dr. Lauck can provide you with an effective sleep apnea treatment that will not only put an end to your headaches but provide you with restful nights once again. Learn more about sleep apnea and the variety of treatments we offer by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Lauck by contacting our Keller office at (817) 431-6764.