Not Another Headache! Why You Could Be Starting Each Day With A Headache

If you're one of those people who wakes up with a headache on most mornings, you're not alone. In fact, many people throughout the US begin their day with a headache. If you're tired of reaching for the pain medication as soon as you wake up, it's time to pinpoint the culprit. There are actually quite a few reasons why you might be greeted by a headache each morning. Here are four culprits you might be dealing with.

Clenching Your Teeth

If you clench your teeth at night, the pressure you put on your jaw could be causing your headache. Unfortunately, many people find that they clench or grind their teeth while they sleep. While it's not really possible to train yourself to stop clenching your teeth—since you're asleep when you do it—it is possible to prevent the practice. Talk to your doctor about a custom-fitted mouth guard. By wearing the mouth guard while you sleep, you'll prevent yourself from grinding or clenching your teeth together at night.

Pillow Problems

If your bed pillows are a few years old, they could be the cause of your morning headaches. This is particularly true if your head is kept in an uncomfortable position throughout the night. When you sleep, your head should stay in a position similar to the way it is when you're standing up, or sitting with your back straight and your feet planted firmly on the ground. If you're constantly adjusting your pillow while you sleep, you need to invest in a new pillow. You might be able to eliminate your morning headaches.

Sleep Apnea

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you could be at risk for morning headaches. Sleep apnea can cause snoring, which in turn can lead to morning headaches. Not only that, but the lack of oxygen you suffer from during periods of sleep apnea can cause severe morning headaches. If you snore, or if you wake during the night with a need to catch your breath, you should talk to your doctor about sleep apnea. Your morning headaches may be trying to warn you about a serious medical condition.

Low Blood Sugar

You might not realize this, but low blood sugar can also cause morning headaches. If you try to limit your caloric intake in the evening, but you wake up with a headache in the morning, try eating a light snack before you head to bed. Cutting off your caloric intake earlier in the evening, could cause your blood sugar to dip dangerously low while you're sleeping. If you suspect that low blood sugar is the cause of your morning headaches, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible—consider heading to an urgent care center like West Ocean City Injury & Illness Center for medical assistance.


Share