Why do I wake up with a headache? – The Scottish Sun

You might be doing everything right – sleeping early, eating healthy, and avoiding alcohol – and still wake up with a pounding headache.

If that’s the case, you’re not alone.

There are several reasons why you wake up with a pounding head

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There are several reasons why you wake up with a pounding headPhoto credit: Getty

A learn In 2022, it was determined that one in six people worldwide will experience some form of headache.

Morning headaches are common and can have a variety of causes, many of which are not serious.

The NHS says that some of the most common culprits include a cold or the flu — or even stress.

In total, there are more than 100 different clinical categories of headaches, ranging from minor pains lasting only a few hours to severe and even life-threatening headaches.

Different headaches are triggered by different causes, some of which cannot be resolved with a trusted doctor paracetamol.

They can show up if we do dehydratedwhich can sometimes be due to consumption too much alcohol or even being in the sun for too long.

Often there is nothing to worry about, it is simply the result of dehydration after a fun night out.

But persistent pain most mornings can be a potential indicator of an underlying problem.

It’s best to know what it might mean and see if you need to speak to an expert about it.

What are headache symptoms?

Severe pain in the head or face is the most obvious sign of a headache.

But depending on what type you have, things can vary.

migraine Often described as a pounding, throbbing pain, sufferers often feel drained – some have to take prescribed medication.

Cluster headache Feel more like an intense burning sensation, sometimes around the eyes, and may make sufferers feel like they cannot open their eyes.

And sinus headaches, often caused by an infection or illness, are generally concentrated in the nose, eyes, or forehead.

What are the different types of headaches?

One of the most common types of headaches is the one that occurs in the morning.

It usually starts between 4am and 9am and often interrupts the sufferer’s sleep, allowing the pain to wake you up

Pain can be broken down into a number of categories such that it is either a cluster or a cluster tension headacheor even one migraine.

Other types of morning headaches can include paroxysmal headaches and medication-overuse headaches.

Studies have found that most people who suffer from morning headaches also suffer from insomnia.

Why do headaches occur?

There are many reasons why headaches occur – some are more obvious than others.

Here we take a look at the different causes.

shift work

Studies have shown that headaches can also be caused in the morning circadian rhythm Disorders in which the body’s natural “internal clock” is not in order, for example due to shift work.

Because of the misalignment between your natural internal clock and when you do it actually sleepyou may not be getting enough sleep, which can lead to headaches when you wake up.

This, as well Allergens in the bedroom or sleeping in an exceptionally cold room can worsen sleep quality.

sleep disorders

Disturbed sleep can cause headaches because the same part of the brain that controls sleep and mood also controls the pain you wake up with.

insomnia is one of the main reasons for morning migraines.

The condition can prevent you from getting enough rest by keeping you awake when you do try to fall asleepwakes you up as soon as you fall asleep and causes restless sleep.

Other sleep problems, including narcolepsy, sleepwalkingSleeping with the wrong pillow and sudden changes in sleep patterns—like oversleeping or lack of sleep—can contribute to your headaches.

Many sufferers also report sleep movement disorders such as sleep bruxism (where people unconsciously grind or bite their teeth during sleep) and restless legs syndrome (where people experience an extremely uncomfortable tingling sensation in their lower limbs that accompanies it while they sleep) . by the strong urge to move them to find relief).

Morning headaches are also an important warning sign of the condition sleep apneawhich Many people are not aware of this.

The condition causes the airways to narrow at night and breathing to stop temporarily.

This leads to headaches and fatigue the next day, as well as nightly snoring.

When should you see a doctor?

Everyone has headaches from time to time. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, you should see a doctor if your headache:

  1. Occurs more often than usual
  2. Are more severe than usual
  3. Get worse or not get better if you take over-the-counter medications
  4. Keep you from working, sleeping or participating in normal activities
  5. You suffer from stress and want to find treatment options that will help you control it better

You should seek emergency medical attention if you also have a headache:

  • Confusion or trouble understanding speech
  • fainting
  • High fever, above 39°C to 40°C
  • Numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
  • stiff neck
  • trouble seeing
  • problems speaking
  • problems walking
  • Nausea or vomiting (unless clearly related to a flu or hangover)

Mental and physical health problems

Both depressions And Fear are also major causes of chronic morning headaches as they are intertwined insomnia.

In addition, medications such as aspirin and withdrawal symptoms from painkillers and caffeine often lead to chronic headaches and migraines.

Not surprisingly, headaches can also be a result of alcohol. Usually a day Drinking water, A painkiller and some more sleep will do the trick.

Sometimes headaches can be a sign of a more serious health condition, but this is rare.

If you suffer from regular headaches and are unsure of the cause, it is always worth seeing a doctor, especially if you have other symptoms.

One of the main features of a brain tumor are headaches, together with vision or speech problems and changes in mental functioning such as memory problems,

high blood pressure And stroke can also cause headaches.

How do I get rid of a headache?

  • Cold pack: Putting a cold pack on your forehead can do wonders for migraines. Ice cubes wrapped in a towel, a bag of frozen peas, or even a cold shower can ease the pain. Leave the compress on your head for 15 minutes, then take a 15-minute break.
  • heating pad: For tension headaches, place a heating pad on your neck or the back of your head. If you have a sinus headache, hold a warm cloth over the painful area. A warm shower might also help.
  • Relieve your head: If your Ponytail is too tight, it could cause headache. These “external compression headaches” can also be caused by wearing a cap that is too tight, a headband, or even swimming goggles. Some people say that this method works almost immediately.
  • Dim the light: Bright or flickering lights can trigger migraines. If you tend to, cover your windows with blackout curtains during the day and try to wear sunglasses outdoors. You may also want to add anti-glare screens to your computer.
  • Avoid Chewing Too Much: Chewing gum not only hurts your jaw, it can also cause headaches. And this applies not only to chewing gum, but also to chewing fingernails, lips, the inside or cheeks or practical objects such as pens. Avoid crunchy and sticky foods when suffering and make sure to eat small bites. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about mouthguards, as they can help relieve early-morning headaches.
  • Get some caffeine: No, that’s not a mistake. Small amounts of caffeine can often relieve headaches and even increase the effects of over-the-counter pain relievers. However, too much caffeine can disrupt sleep and cause various types of headaches. Moderation is key.
  • Practice yoga: Whether it’s stretching, yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, learning to relax in the middle of a headache can help ease the pain.
  • Limit alcohol: Alcohol can trigger migraines in about a third of those who suffer from frequent headaches. It has also been shown to cause tension and cluster headaches in many people.

Anisha Joshi, an osteopath who owns several clinics also in Great Britain suggested that you try massaging your neck to relieve tension in the muscles. But taking some time each day to strengthen them can also help prevent future headaches.

Your sore head in the morning could also be due to a misaligned tooth, she added, recommending that you see a dentist.

Russell Falcon

Russell Falcon is a USTimesPost U.S. News Reporter based in London. His focus is on U.S. politics and the environment. He has covered climate change extensively, as well as healthcare and crime. Russell Falcon joined USTimesPost in 2023 from the Daily Express and previously worked for Chemist and Druggist and the Jewish Chronicle. He is a graduate of Cambridge University. Languages: English. You can get in touch with me by emailing russellfalcon@ustimespost.com.

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