<\/p>\n

\nHeadaches are among the most common health issues faced worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 50% to 75% of adults have at least one episode a year. Given how widespread this issue is, it\u2019s little wonder that many complain of headaches at night.\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat causes nighttime head pain and other symptoms? Many arise due to primary headache disorders, those that occur independently of other symptoms, including tension headache, migraine, cluster, and hypnic headache. This article covers the basics of nighttime headaches, including their causes and what you can do to treat them.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

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d3sign \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

Causes of Nighttime Headaches <\/span> <\/h2>\n

\nWhile mornings are the most common time of day people have headaches, many occur at night. While the exact mechanisms of nighttime headaches aren\u2019t fully understood, they\u2019re likely related to the activity of the hypothalamus, a brain region associated with both pain perception and your natural sleep-wake cycle, known as your circadian rhythm. As this region changes activity throughout the day and night, it can spur both nighttime headaches as well as those when you wake up.\u00a0\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

\nSleep Disorders and Headache Disorders<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s a close association between the quality and quantity of sleep you get and the incidence of headache disorders. For instance, people who experience migraines are 2 to 8 times as likely to experience sleep disorders, such as insomnia (inability to fall or stay asleep) and sleep apnea (snoring and breathing disruption during sleep), among others.<\/p>\n

Tension Headache <\/span> <\/h3>\n

\nBy far the most prevalent headache, tension headaches are a common cause of nighttime headache. Lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to a week, they cause:\n<\/p>\n

\n
• Duller pain that is not pulsating<\/li>\n
• Headache on both sides of the head<\/li>\n
• A feeling of pressure, like a vice grip, on both sides<\/li>\n
• Pain may be sharper in the scalp, temples, back of the neck, and sometimes the shoulders\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  \nTension headaches are caused by the contraction of muscles in the scalp and neck. They can also be set off by a number of triggers, including:\n<\/p>\n

  \n
  • Physical and emotional stress<\/li>\n
  • Muscle tension and stiffness in the neck<\/li>\n
  • Holding your head in an awkward position for a long time<\/li>\n
  • Sleep interruptions; not getting enough sleep<\/li>\n
  • Sinus infections, common cold, and flu<\/li>\n
  • Teeth grinding or tooth misalignment<\/li>\n
  • Alcohol use, smoking, and\/or caffeine (excess or withdrawal)<\/li>\n
  • Eyestrain<\/li>\n
  • Physical fatigue; being over-tired<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Migraine <\/span> <\/h3>\n

    \nMigraine is a recurring type of headache that is moderate to severe in intensity. Migraine is a relatively common headache disorder that represents about 30% of all headache cases. Attacks of this condition go through stages and last anywhere from four to 72 hours. Migraine doesn’t just cause head pain; its typical symptoms can include:\n<\/p>\n

    \n
    • Throbbing or pulsing head pain, often on just one side of the head<\/li>\n
    • Nausea and vomiting<\/li>\n
    • Light or sound sensitivity<\/li>\n
    • Fatigue<\/li>\n
    • Restlessness<\/li>\n
    • Changes in mood<\/li>\n
    • Visual disturbances (auras), such as seeing angular lines or flashes prior to onset<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      \nThere are several different kinds of migraine, and specific symptoms can vary from person to person.\n<\/p>\n

      \nIn some cases, migraine can set on while you\u2019re asleep and wake you up. They most often arise towards the tail end of your sleep cycle, coming on between 4 and 9 AM. While the exact causes of nighttime migraines are not known, poor sleep and sleep disorders can trigger attacks, and they can also be the result of medications wearing off overnight. \u00a0\n<\/p>\n

      Hypnic Headache <\/span> <\/h3>\n

      \nHypnic headaches set on exclusively at night, waking people up from sleep. Attacks frequently recur 10 or more times a month and last anywhere from 15 minutes to four hours. It\u2019s sometimes called an \u201calarm clock headache\u201d because symptoms tend to arise at the same time every night. Though hypnic headaches can be severe, they are generally milder than other kinds.\u00a0\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

      Cluster Headache <\/span> <\/h3>\n

      \nConsidered the most severe and debilitating of the primary headache disorders, cluster headaches can also arise at night. As the name suggests, they arise in \u201cclusters\u201d\u2014periods of time with multiple attacks in a day\u2014that can last for weeks or even months. These are then followed by significant periods of remission.\n<\/p>\n

      \nCluster headache symptoms include:\n<\/p>\n

      \n
      • Unilateral (one-sided), very sharp headache<\/li>\n
      • Pain typically behind one eye, before moving to the forehead and other parts of the head<\/li>\n
      • Drooping eye<\/li>\n
      • Facial swelling<\/li>\n
      • Facial sweating<\/li>\n
      • Restlessness and jitteriness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        <\/p>\n

        Treatment <\/span> <\/h2>\n

        \nThere\u2019s no singular cure for headaches at night, so treatment may require a combination of approaches. A great deal depends on the underlying headache disorder you\u2019re having, and everything from over-the-counter medications to lifestyle changes and other treatments can help.\n<\/p>\n

        Over-the-Counter Pain Medications <\/span> <\/h3>\n

        \nOver-the-counter (OTC) analgesics, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen<\/span>) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aleve (ibuprofen) and Bayer (aspirin) are typically the first line of treatment for headaches. The use of these drugs should be monitored, especially in chronic cases.\n<\/p>\n

        Tension Headache Medications <\/span> <\/h3>\n

        \nIn more difficult or chronic tension headache cases, medications may be prescribed if OTC drugs aren\u2019t yielding results. These include muscle-relaxers, such as Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine<\/span>), and tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil (amitriptyline<\/span>) and Palemor (nortriptyline<\/span>).\n<\/p>\n

        \nMedication Overuse Headache<\/h3>\n

        Taking too many OTC drugs and other kinds of pain medication can cause or worsen headaches (a condition called medication overuse headache (MOH)). The risk for this rises if you take these drugs more than three days a week.<\/p>\n

        Migraine Medications <\/span> <\/h3>\n

        \nMigraine treatments focus both on managing symptoms and developing ways of preventing attacks. If OTC medications aren\u2019t yielding results, you may be prescribed triptans, such as Imitrex (sumatriptan<\/span>) and Zomig (zolmitriptan<\/span>), among others. In addition, for more difficult cases, several drugs work to prevent attacks. These include:\n<\/p>\n

        \n
        • Tricyclic antidepressants<\/li>\n
        • Anticonvulsants, including Neurontin (gabapentin<\/span>) among others<\/li>\n
        • Monoclonal antibodies like Aimovig (erunumab<\/span>) and Vyesti (eptinezumab<\/span>)<\/li>\n
        • Beta-blockers, such as Lopresor (metoprolol<\/span>) and Inderol (propranolol<\/span>)<\/li>\n
        • Botox injection (for difficult cases)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Hypnic Headache Medications <\/span> <\/h3>\n

          \nA common approach to treating hypnic headache is caffeine, as in a cup of coffee or black tea, before bed. This has been shown not to prevent you from getting good sleep. That said, this condition is notoriously difficult to treat and several other medications and supplements may also help:\n<\/p>\n

          Cluster Headache Therapies <\/span> <\/h3>\n

          \nCluster headaches, like other primary headache disorders, can be challenging to treat. Several treatments take on attacks, including:\n<\/p>\n

          \n
          • Oxygen therapy<\/strong>: <\/strong>Often the first line of cluster headache treatment, inhaling oxygen from a canister using a respirator can effectively take on symptoms. Most cases resolve within 20 minutes of this therapy.<\/li>\n
          • Triptans<\/strong>: <\/strong>Triptans for cluster headaches typically take the form of nasal sprays or subcutaneous patches rather than tablets. These medications help reduce the duration of attacks. They can also be used for migraines.<\/li>\n
          • Dihydroergotamine<\/strong>: <\/strong>Injections or nasal sprays of the ergot alkaloid, dihydroergotamine<\/span>, may also help with cluster headaches.<\/li>\n
          • Lidocaine<\/strong>: <\/strong>Nasal drops of lidocaine can also help after cluster headaches have come on. A second dose can be taken after 15 minutes, but you shouldn\u2019t take more than that.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            \nAs with migraine, some drugs may also help with prevention. Evidence suggests Verelan (verapamil), lithium carbonate, and Topamax may help reduce the frequency of attack.\n<\/p>\n

            Relaxation Therapies <\/span> <\/h3>\n

            \nSince stress and tension are often at the root of headache problems, working on relaxation strategies is a common means of prevention and minimizing the intensity of attacks. Typically employed strategies include:\n<\/p>\n

            \n
            • Cognitive behavioral therapy<\/strong>: This is a talk therapy that focuses on developing coping strategies, while working to change your perception of your condition.<\/li>\n
            • Biofeedback<\/strong>: <\/strong>This therapy involves using wearable devices to detect physiological signs of tension and stress, while learning relaxation strategies to prevent and proactively manage attacks.<\/li>\n
            • Meditation<\/strong>: Meditation, mindfulness, and other relaxation can help ease stress, a common migraine trigger.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Lifestyle Changes <\/span> <\/h3>\n

              \nA big part of headache treatment involves making significant changes in your lifestyle, while being strategic about how to practically manage your condition. This can involve:\n<\/p>\n

              \n
              • Getting regular and consistent exercise<\/li>\n
              • Ensuring you are eating healthy meals and aren\u2019t skipping meals<\/li>\n
              • Getting enough sleep and going to bed, and waking up at consistent times<\/li>\n
              • Take part in relaxing activities, such as yoga, gardening, or others<\/li>\n
              • Avoiding dietary and other types of triggers for migraines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                \nKeep a Headache Diary<\/h3>\n

                Critical in managing a primary headache disorder like migraine, hypnic headache, or cluster headaches is learning about your condition. This means recording what medications you\u2019re taking, tracking when headaches arise and how severe they are, and any triggers you\u2019re finding.<\/p>\n

                Learn More:<\/strong> Making a Headache Diary Template<\/p>\n

                Complementary Therapies <\/span> <\/h3>\n

                \nSome evidence has shown some complementary therapies that can accompany other treatments to help with headaches. Stretching-oriented activities like yoga, meditation, and acupuncture are all options. Additionally, the supplements riboflavin, magnesium, or co-enzyme Q10.\n<\/p>\n

                Medical Devices <\/span> <\/h3>\n

                \nIn chronic, difficult to manage headache cases, neurostimulation is another option to manage pain. This involves using magnetic fields or mild electrical shocks to stimulate nerves associated with pain perception. Overstimulating these nerve pathways blocks pain perception, and, in some cases, prevents headaches. Among these devices are:\n<\/p>\n

                \n
                • Trigeminal nerve stimulators, like Cefaly<\/li>\n
                • Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulators, such as eNeura<\/li>\n
                • Remote electrical neuromodulation device (transcutaneous<\/span> electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS) , such as Neurivo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  <\/p>\n

                  When to Seek Medical Attention <\/span> <\/h2>\n

                  \nWhile headaches can be very debilitating, not all of them require medical attention. However, especially if you live with a condition like a migraine, cluster, or hypnic headache, it\u2019s important to know the signs that you do need help. Get emergency help if you experience:\n<\/p>\n

                  \n
                  • Loss of consciousness following an impact to the head<\/li>\n
                  • Very rapid onset of headache<\/li>\n
                  • Pain that is unusually severe<\/li>\n
                  • Headache getting worse for 14 or more hours<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    \nIt\u2019s also important to get help if you experience any of the following alongside headaches:\n<\/p>\n

                    \n
                    • Vision problems<\/li>\n
                    • Severe pain or redness in one eye<\/li>\n
                    • Problems with limb coordination<\/li>\n
                    • Loss of balance, vertigo<\/li>\n
                    • Fever and neck stiffness<\/li>\n
                    • Trouble chewing and\/or swallowing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      <\/p>\n

                      Summary <\/span> <\/h2>\n

                      \nNighttime headaches can arise due to a range of disorders and health issues. In particular, this issue can be a feature of tension, migraine, and cluster headaches and is the primary symptom of hypnic headache. While the exact causes aren\u2019t known, they\u2019re linked to the activity of the hypothalamus.\n<\/p>\n

                      \nNighttime headache symptoms vary depending on the headache type. Tension headaches cause duller pain and pressure on both sides of the head. More severe migraine headaches focus on one side, with attacks also causing symptoms like nausea and vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, and visual disturbances. Cluster headaches arise as groupings of severe headaches within a short period of time (clusters). Lastly, hypnic are headaches that arise exclusively while you\u2019re sleeping.\n<\/p>\n

                      \nTreatments for nighttime headaches focus on managing symptoms, preventing attacks, and making positive lifestyle changes. OTC and prescription medications are available to ease pain after onset. Additionally, ensuring proper and healthy sleep, not skipping meals, and managing stress can also help.\n<\/p>\n

                      <\/p>\n

                      A Word From Verywell <\/span> <\/h2>\n

                      \nThere\u2019s no denying that nighttime headaches can be debilitating, causing not only physical pain but also a significant emotional and personal toll. Taking on this burden means being proactive about seeking out care, learning about your condition, and making meaningful lifestyle changes. If you\u2019re struggling, it\u2019s important not to give up hope; today\u2019s treatments can effectively ease this weight, paving the way to better outcomes.\u00a0\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                      <\/p>\n

                      \nFrequently Asked Questions<\/h3>\n

                      \n
                      • \n

                        \nWhy do I wake up with a headache?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

                        While there\u2019s more research needed, it\u2019s believed headaches when you wake up are related to changes in the activity of the hypothalamus. This brain region regulates pain perception as well as your natural sleep-wake cycle (known as your \u201ccircadian rhythm\u201d).<\/p>\n

                        As a result, there\u2019s a distinct connection between sleep and headaches, with disruptions of the former leading to the latter. This can arise due to sleep apnea, sleep disruptions or disorders, migraines, teeth and grinding, among other causes.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                      • \n

                        \nWhen should I worry about a headache?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

                        Most headaches aren\u2019t signs of severe or dangerous diseases or conditions; however, it\u2019s important to know when your issue may be something more serious. Get help if you experience any of the following:<\/p>\n

                        \n
                        • Very sudden onset of severe headache<\/li>\n
                        • Headache that\u2019s worse when sitting up but eases when you\u2019re horizontal<\/li>\n
                        • Your headache is worse than ever, or there\u2019s a change in your headache pattern<\/li>\n
                        • Neurological symptoms, such as memory and speaking problems<\/li>\n
                        • Personality or mood changes<\/li>\n
                        • Your headache was caused by head trauma that caused you to lose consciousness.<\/li>\n
                        • Headache accompanied by pain and\/or redness in the eye<\/li>\n
                        • Abrupt onset of headaches that wake you from sleep.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
                        • \n

                          \nWhat causes headaches everyday?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

                          Daily headaches are a rarer issue, but one that\u2019s very debilitating. It can be the sign of underlying conditions, such as inflammation of blood vessels, stroke, infections (like meningitis and encephalitis), high or low intracranial pressure (pressure on the brain), tumors, or traumatic brain injury (TBI).<\/p>\n

                          Additionally, primary headaches, such as tension headaches, migraines, and new daily persistent headaches (NDPH), can become chronic or even strike daily.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                          Headaches are among the most common health issues faced worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 50% to 75% of adults have at least one episode a year. Given how widespread this issue is, it\u2019s little wonder that many complain of headaches at night. What causes nighttime head pain and other symptoms? Many […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":780,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[13,14],"class_list":{"0":"post-779","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-migranas","8":"tag-dolores-de-cabeza","9":"tag-migranas"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/americanchiropractors.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/779","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/americanchiropractors.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/americanchiropractors.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/americanchiropractors.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/americanchiropractors.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=779"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/americanchiropractors.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/779\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":781,"href":"https:\/\/americanchiropractors.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/779\/revisions\/781"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/americanchiropractors.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/780"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/americanchiropractors.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=779"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/americanchiropractors.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=779"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/americanchiropractors.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=779"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}