Headaches and Sleep Apnea
Headaches are one of the most common pain conditions in the world. The Cleveland Clinic estimates that over 75% of the population experiences a headache at least once a year. Headaches are caused by a wide variety of factors, ranging from stress and anxiety to caffeine withdrawal and alcohol (particularly red wine). Headaches that occur in the morning and are accompanied by dry mouth and daytime fatigue may be related to Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a sleep disorder affecting over 22 million Americans, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association.
The Sleep Foundation reports that while 5% of the general population wakes up with a headache, up to 20% of people who suffer from OSA have morning headaches. Sleep apnea headaches are defined by a pressing pain across both sides of the head. Unlike a migraine headache, a sleep apnea headache is not associated with a sensitivity to light or sound and is not accompanied by nausea. The occurrence and severity of the headache increase with the severity of the OSA. Researchers have proposed several theories as to what causes a sleep apnea headache. During a sleep apnea event, oxygen in the blood drops below normal levels. This condition, known as hypoxemia, results in less oxygen reaching the brain and a build-up of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. As a result, the blood vessels in and around the brain dilate, causing pressure and potentially a morning headache. Researchers also believe that repetitive lapses in breathing that occur with sleep apnea and the resulting fragmented sleep may also cause sleep apnea headaches.
To treat sleep apnea headaches, you must treat the underlying cause. In addition to morning headaches, other symptoms of OSA include snoring, daytime drowsiness, and lack of mental focus.
If you are suffering from morning headaches and any other OSA symptoms, the first step is to discuss this with your doctor, who may send you to a sleep specialist for a sleep study. While headaches can be disruptive and debilitating, OSA also has serious comorbidities, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which make a trip to the doctor even more important. If the data collected determines that you have sleep apnea, treatment may include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP, which is considered the gold standard in sleep apnea treatment. CPAP works by pressurizing and filtering the air and delivering it through a hose and mask worn during sleep. Because CPAP improves breathing quality, blood oxygen levels return to normal, improving overall sleep quality and reducing the frequency and severity of sleep apnea morning headaches.
Morning headaches may be one of the first warning signs of sleep apnea. The good news is that there are treatments available that will help the symptoms of this serious sleep disorder and mitigate the chronic comorbidities associated with the disease, resulting in a better night’s sleep and better overall health.
To learn more about how BetterNight can help you provide more effective and efficient care to your at-risk sleep apnea patients, contact us.