Waking up with headache could be sign of worrying condition, experts warn

14 November 2023 , 13:42

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There could be a reason for the frequent morning headaches (Stock Photo) (Image: Getty Images)

There's nothing worse than waking up in the morning and feeling like there's a huge weight over your head and suffering from a headache.

Waking up with a headache can be a very unpleasant way to start your day, and according to a study of 19,000, by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), one in 13 people will experience waking up with a headache in their lives. Although the NHS states headaches are usually harmless, frequently waking up with this kind of pain could be a sign of something more sinister.

The NCBI studied the possible reasons for the morning headaches - and there's one condition that could be causing the insufferable headaches.

Sleep apnea, is a condition when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep, and those who suffer from it tend to have what's called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). According to the NCBI, it's the reason many will wake up with a headache. "Morning headache is considered to be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome," the NCBI study stated.

Other symptoms of sleep apnoea can include "excessive daytime sleepiness" as well as "loud snoring, waking up with a choking or gasping sensation, sleepiness or lack of energy during the day" the NCBI further explain. Interestingly, the study also found that these sleep apnoea headaches are "more prevalent" in women than men, and this could be the reason for waking up with a banging headache each morning.

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There can be other factors for waking up with a headache that are result of bad sleeping habits - another being oversleeping. As much as we love our sleep and the thought of a lay-in each morning, sleeping too much could result in headaches. Not just oversleeping, but the position we sleep in could also be a factor.

There is nothing worse than waking up with a sore and stiff neck in the morning, and speaking to Marie Claire, Dr Mariam Adegoke highlighted that sleep positions can bring on a headache, especially if "you tend to sleep on your front" as it causes tension on your back as it's forced to arch.

Further, the doctor stressed that while asleep, our muscles don't "work as hard" to support our bodies, and added that it can: "Mean that when you get up, your muscles tighten and struggle to support your spine and neck".

If you are worried about frequent headaches, you can find more information here, but it's always recommended to speak to your GP about any concerns.

Niamh Kirk