View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
We all have that one friend who wakes up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 5 a.m., and if you are that friend, more power to you. For some of us, the day greets you like a ball bat to the face — you're yanked from a REM cycle by your kid puking in bed, you forgot to wash school uniforms last night, and seriously, why is your head pounding? If you find yourself waking up with headaches every morning, it's a good idea to call your doctor and stay off of Google, which will just make you catastrophize (it's not a brain tumor; you're good).
That said, it's not normal to wake up with a headache, according to Dr. Timothy Collins, professor of neurology and chief of the headache and pain division at Duke Health. "If someone's waking up a handful of times a month with a headache, that's probably not concerning at all. But if they're waking up several days out of the week with a headache, and especially if they've never had headaches in the past, there's a bunch of stuff that they can talk with their doctors about, and it's probably worth seeing a neurologist or a headache specialist," Collins says.
Migraine Headaches
According to Collins, one of the primary reasons individuals frequently wake up with headaches is that they experience migraines.
"It’s not unusual for individuals who suffer from migraines to occasionally wake up with a classic migraine. In my clinic, I frequently encounter patients who experience this issue... Many of them come in feeling anxious because they’ve experienced morning headaches multiple times over the past month. After searching online, they become concerned that they might have a brain tumor or some other serious condition," he explains.
If you haven't been diagnosed with migraines before, it's a good idea to discuss your morning headaches with your doctor, as migraines are a more probable cause than a brain tumor. However, it's important to note that migraines usually start earlier in life. If you haven't experienced headaches in the past and are now facing them in your late 40s or early 50s, consider mentioning other potential causes to your healthcare provider.
Obstructive sleep apnea
Individuals suffering from sleep apnea experience irregular breathing patterns while they sleep. According to Collins, this leads to decreased oxygen levels and increased carbon dioxide levels in the body as a result of disrupted respiration. Consequently, they often awaken in the morning with a headache that typically diminishes by midday.
You may experience additional symptoms of sleep apnea, such as your partner pointing out that you snore or make choking sounds during the night. However, Collins emphasizes that those who sleep alone might also have this condition and remain unaware until they start noticing morning headaches as a warning sign.
Drinking alcohol
As people age, their bodies become more sensitive to alcohol, which explains the reduced tolerance often experienced compared to their early 20s. "For those who are particularly sensitive to alcohol, even just one drink can lead to a hangover-like headache the next morning," explains Collins. "If you find yourself drinking nightly and consistently waking up with a headache, that could be an issue you can address on your own."
Lack of sleep
If you're often awake at all hours of the night — as many parents are — it's not uncommon to wake up with headaches, Collins says. Chronic pain, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, or any other condition that affects the quality of your sleep could also lead to your head pounding in the mornings.
Sleep assistance products
According to Collins, certain medications may cause headaches as a side effect, particularly common sleep aids. Taking these medications just before bedtime might be the reason for waking up with head pain. Although only a small number of users report this issue, it's an important consideration. Medications that are known to potentially cause headaches include trazodone, amitriptyline, and Ambien, he notes.
Factors that are unlikely to be responsible for your morning headaches.
If you're not someone who gets headaches often, waking up with them multiple times in a short period of time can be scary. Collins says people usually jump to the worst-case scenario of why they get morning headaches all of a sudden, or they assume it's a super easily remedied reason. But rest assured, these reasons are highly unlikely to be the culprit:
- A brain tumor. "Brain tumors are really, really rare, and headache is the least common symptom of brain tumor," he says.
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension. This is a rare condition in which a high amount of pressure around the brain causes headaches and vision issues, and it's one people Googling about their new headaches tend to come across and fret about, Collins says. Again, it's very rare and likely not your issue.
- Dehydration. While your partner might chide you to drink more water during the day, Collins says it'd be "pretty unusual" for low water intake alone to give you morning headaches. If you had no water, just wine, at dinner, circle back to the recommendation to cut out alcohol for a bit to see if that helps.
- Your pillow. Collins says your bedding situation is "certainly not the cause of waking up in the morning with a headache. "I've probably talked to a hundred or more patients who have tried more than three pillows because of their neck pain and headaches unsuccessfully, so I'm not sure that's particularly helpful," he says.
No matter why you’ve been experiencing morning headaches, it’s important to collaborate with your doctor to identify the cause. This way, you can begin your days feeling rejuvenated. Sure, you might still have a few groggy moments in the morning, but at least you’ll be free from discomfort.
