Home Morning headaches

[radiantquest]

Every morning I wake with a headache. It seems like it happens more often when I dont have to wake up early for work. I am sleeping about 9 hrs when I dont have to wake up for something so it isnt like I am getting too much sleep. I thought I might be grinding my teeth in my sleep and even if I get a bite plate wont the force of clenching my teeth still give me the headache. I am not even sure if that is what it is. Does anyone else wake with a headache? What do you think could be causing it?

 

[zipzapgirl]

What kind of headache is it? Back of your head or front? Is it severe or dull? Is it a pounding headache? How long does it last once you get out of bed? Is it every single day or more likely on the weekends/weekdays?

Lots of factors you could look into:

-Caffeine intake
-Alcohol intake (esp red wine)
-Pillow comfort/neck support
-Mattress comfort
-Sinus blockage

Also, maybe 9 hours is *too much* sleep. Have you tried waking naturally to see what your natural circadian rhythm is?

 

[jewelz617]

If the air isn''t properly circulating in your room it could be causing headaches. Crack open a window and turn the fan on. Try drinking a glass of water before bed too. I used to get massive headaches in the morning, turns out that stale air and dehydration were causing them.

 

[Octavia]

I get these sometimes, also after I''ve slept too much. Actually, it might be sleeping too late -- I don''t think it''s ever happened when I crashed at 10 and didn''t wake up until 9 the next morning, but definitely when I''ve gone to bed late and not gotten up until noon. I often wonder if it has anything to do with dehydration, but circadian rhythms are probably a factor, too.

Also, when I was working, I got weekend headaches ALL THE TIME. I think the release from the previous week''s stress really got to me. Since I''ve been in law school and am stressed all the time, I don''t notice it just on weekends, but I still do get stress headaches occasionally.

 

[elrohwen]

If you think it''s teeth grinding, there are mouth guards with soft plastic that will absorb a lot of the pressure. That could be a solution.

I''ve had a lot of morning headaches as well and I don''t really know what to tell you

I haven''t figured it out yet. However, sleeping later does contribute. Can you go to bed earlier so that you still get up reasonably early the days you don''t have to work?

 

[Pandora II]

Do you drink coffee in the morning normally? If so, what time and is that time around when you wake up when you don''t go to work?

 

[LtlFirecracker]

Morning headaches can be lots of things, but I think they are worth being checked out by your doctor.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I use to get pounding headaches every day (around 2 pm). For a while I thought it was related to caffeine (diet coke), but then I went to an allergist and discovered I am allergic to eggs. When I quit eating them, the headaches went away.

Is your diet different depending upon whether you''re working or not?

 

[stepcutnut]

Patients with sleep apnea also often wake with morning headaches, might be something to check into.

 

[PumpkinPie]

wow - you got lots of good advice - I can''t think of anything else to add, but wanted to wish you good luck figuring it out!

 

[ponder]

If you think you are clenching or grinding you teeth then you probably are. Most people do it to some extent. Besides headaches you may also experience facial muscle pain, pain of the temporal mandibular joint (near the ear), physical wear of the teeth, and even tooth pain.

You need to be evaluated by a dentist that has training in crainiofacial pain. http://www.aacfp.org/referral.html Not all dentists are trained in depth in the treatment of clenching and grinding which can be debilitating. Also not all bite plates/night gaurds/occlusal splints are created equal. There are specific appliances to treat specific symptoms, there are appliances that are designed to prevent you from engaging the muscles that are probably causing the tension headaches even though you may still make the grinding or cleching motion. Also, never use a sport gaurd from an athletic store, they are not suited for the purpose and may worsen symptoms.

And DITTO Stepcutnut on the sleep apnea, very important to look into....

 

[October2008bride]

I wake up with a headache often. It is a dull, throbbing ache that gets worse when I stand up. You know what it feels like? A hangover. And from what I understand, hangovers are in large part caused by dehydration.

I barely drink water so I know it is my fault, but I totally feel your pain. So my 2 cents is to spend a week drinking more water and see how it goes.

 

[BeachRunner]

I also get headaches if I sleep too much, which admittedly, hasn''t been to recent. You''ve gotten a lot of great advice already. I hope you find a remedy soon!

 

[radiantquest]

I dont think it is from sleeping too much. I will go to sleep around 12 or 1 and sleep til 9 or 9:30. I know that when I am stressed I will clench my jaw and it feels the same as the headache I get from doing that. Usually after hour 2 or 3 of being up I take a couple pain relievers so I can go about my day. It never goes away on its own. I have made an appointment with my doctor. Although as soon as I complain to the doctor about something it magically stops. I got the same amount of sleep last night as I would if I were off, but no headache today at work. Thanks for all the suggestions. I have a dentist appointment coming up too and I will ask if there are signs of grinding.

 

[AprilBaby]

Teeth grinding will show first in a sore jaw in the morning. Not so much a headache. Thritto on the sleep apnea or blocked nose.

 

[ponder]

Date: 4/22/2010 12:28:29 PM
Author: AprilBaby
Teeth grinding will show first in a sore jaw in the morning. Not so much a headache. Thritto on the sleep apnea or blocked nose.

Patients can have multiple symptoms from grinding or no apparent symptoms at all. Headaches are very commonly the only symptom, especially if you wake up in the morning with the headache or if the headache wakes you from sleep.