Insomnia
Insomnia is the most common sleep problem for people with headaches. It is also the most common sleep problem in the general population. Insomnia can involve:
- trouble falling asleep
- trouble staying asleep
- waking up early and having trouble returning to sleep
During the day, some people with insomnia can feel tired or irritable, struggle with concentration or memory, or perform poorly at work or school.
Simple strategies called sleep hygiene (or sleep hygiene education) can help people sleep well and stay alert during the day. Research has shown that sleep hygiene also helps lessen headaches. Learn more about
sleep hygiene and headaches later in the module. Sleep experts recommend cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) for insomnia that lasts more than 3 months.
Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is the second most common sleep problem for people who have headaches. A person with obstructive sleep apnea stops breathing for short periods while they sleep. This happens because their airway doesn’t stay open like it’s supposed to. Learn more about
obstructive sleep apnea.
You may have obstructive sleep apnea if:
- you snore
- you feel very tired during the day
- someone has noticed that you seem to stop breathing during the night
- you often wake up in the morning with a headache
Some things that increase your risk for obstructive sleep apnea are:
- obesity
- family history of sleep apnea
- a narrowed airway
- a large neck circumference
- being older
- being male
- long-term use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers
- smoking
- nasal congestion
The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is to use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at night. The CPAP machine helps keep your airway open. Other treatments can include weight loss, dental appliances, and surgery. If you think you may have obstructive sleep apnea, talk to your doctor.
When obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated, both the obstructive sleep apnea and headaches can get better.
Snoring and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS)
Other nighttime breathing problems like
snoring and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) have also been linked to headaches.
With UARS, your upper airway can narrow and pressure can form. This can make it harder for your body to breathe in, breathe out, or both. Because of this, people with UARS can wake up often and they feel very tired the next day.
If UARS isn’t treated, it may turn into sleep apnea. Treatments for UARS include mouth splints, surgery, weight loss, and sleeping on the side instead of the back.
