Wake Up Headache? How to Solve
Why Do I Have a Headache Upon Waking Up?
Morning headaches can have many causes, ranging from lifestyle habits, underlying health issues and allergies. Knowing the possible reasons can help you find effective solutions.
Common Reasons for Headaches in the Morning
Understanding what might be causing morning headaches can be the first step toward relief.
Dust Mite Allergy
- 10% of the population are allergic to dust mites, which affect you most when you sleep
- If your headache is worst in the morning or after you sleep it could be a dust mite allergy
- If the headache is normally better after you have just washed your bedding then it could also be a dust mite allergy
- If you also get skin rashes, watery eyes and a blocked nose you are even more likely to have a dust mite allergy
- Read our guide here on how to get rid of dust mites in 6 steps which could drastically reduce your headache
Sleep Position and Pillow Support
- If you’re sleeping in a position that strains your neck or if your pillow doesn't support your head correctly, this may cause tension headaches.
- Practice sleeping in a different position
- Place pillows to ensure you can sleep on your side or back comfortably
- try Raising your mattress so you sleep on an angle
Sleep Apnea or Snoring
- Disrupted breathing during sleep, often due to sleep apnea, can lead to morning headaches. Lack of oxygen affects your brain, potentially resulting in pain when you wake up.
What to Do If You Woke Up with a Headache
- Start by identifying any factors that may have contributed to your headache above
- Dust Mite Allergy
- Position
- Diet
- Eating / Drinking timing
- Hydration
- Make one change each night to alleviate the above problem
- Docuent if this reduced your headache the next morning
Immediate fixes to your morning headache
here are some things you can do TODAY in order to reduce your morning headache tommorow morning
Get Rid of Dust Mites Before you Next Sleep
Deep clean your room including
- Washing bed sheets, pillow, duvet at 60 degrees
- Wipe down all surfaces
- Vacuum bedroom including bed frame and mattress
Full 6 step guide can be found here
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water as soon as you wake up can help, as dehydration often contributes to headaches. Drink plenty of water 3 hours before bedtime and then do not drink until you wake up
Stretch or Massage Your Neck and Shoulders
Tension in these areas can sometimes cause headaches, so stretching gently may relieve it.
Take Anti Histaimine / Nasal Spray / Painkiller before bed every night
Long term you should avoid taking these medications, however until you solve the root cause these medications can give you temporary releif
Headache Every Morning?
When you wake up with a headache every morning, it can affect your entire day. The key part is to identify what is causing this. Take the preventative steps mentioned before and keep a log - which action results in a reduced headache?
Waking Up with Migraine
Migraines can be especially challenging, as they often bring additional symptoms like nausea or sensitivity to light. Many people find migraines worsen in the morning due to hormone changes and dehydration. Treatments range from over-the-counter pain relievers to prescription medications.
Head Pain on the Right, Left, or Back of the Head
The location of the pain can sometimes indicate different types of headaches:
-
Right or Left Side Pain
Migraines often cause pain on one side of the head, which can be severe and throbbing. -
Pain Behind the Head
Tension or stress headaches often feel like a band around the head or pressure behind it.
Find Out if Your Headache is Caused By Dust Mites
Take our free quiz here to find out if your headache could be caused by dust mites