If you wake up with a pulsing headache, take some time to consider the many factors that can cause it. A few simple lifestyle changes could help to eliminate the pain.
Start by maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Getting too little shut-eye or going to bed and waking up at inconsistent times can lead to headaches.
Sleep Disorders
There are a number of sleep disorders that can impact your quality of rest and cause a morning headache. Some of them are related to mental health issues or can be triggered by the effects of other medical problems.
Circadian rhythm (body clock) disorders such as advanced or delayed sleep-wake phase syndrome can throw off your schedule and lead to insomnia, waking at undesirable times and poor focus and mood. Traveling across multiple time zones (jet lag) or working the night shift can also disrupt circadian rhythms.
Insomnia is a common condition that can cause a pounding, painful head when you wake up early. Insomnia can be triggered by stress, certain medications and even depression, which is also a risk factor for insomnia.
Other symptoms of insomnia include hypnagogic hallucinations that occur during the transition to sleep and may feel like a dream, such as visual, auditory or tactile sensations. If you experience these types of symptoms, it’s best to seek medical attention to determine the underlying causes.
Bruxism
Bruxism, which is clenching or grinding of the teeth, can lead to jaw pain and excessive wear on the tooth enamel. Many people are unaware that they grind their teeth. They may learn that they have a problem from a loved one who hears them doing so while sleeping. A dentist can help treat sleep bruxism by giving the patient a mouthguard to wear at night.
People who have a genetic tendency to clench their teeth and those who are under stress tend to grind their teeth more often than others. Certain medications, such as antipsychotics and some antidepressants, can cause bruxism. A 2018 study found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) such as Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft can increase the risk of developing bruxism.
Other causes of bruxism include having an irregularly shaped jaw, stress and anxiety, sleep disruption, alcohol use and caffeine.
Stress
Stress has been linked to headaches and can be a factor when you wake up with one. When you’re under constant pressure, whether it’s work or family obligations, your body may become tense and that can lead to a headache.
Stress can also be caused by a build-up of small events or situations that you don’t think about at the time but add up to feel overwhelmingly stressful over time. These events or situations can include financial problems, relationship issues and chronic pain from other health conditions.
If your headache is accompanied by unusual neurological symptoms like numbness, weakness or vision changes, it requires immediate medical attention. These rare symptoms are usually related to migraines, but can also be a sign of an infection or another medical issue. Talk to your doctor to figure out the cause of these symptoms and find a treatment plan that works best for you.
Dehydration
If you had one too many drinks the night before, you may experience a pounding headache when you wake up. Alcohol dehydrates the body, so sipping a glass of water or taking an oral rehydration solution will help your pain.
If your morning headache is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, you may be suffering from severe dehydration. This is common in people who suffer from food poisoning or who have been traveling in places where access to safe drinking water is limited.
Overuse of over-the-counter pain relievers can also cause a morning headache as the body goes through withdrawal. If you use these over-the-counter pain relievers more than a few days a week, consider talking to your doctor about gradually weaning off the medication.
Circadian Rhythm Disorder
There are a number of conditions that can lead to headaches when you wake up early. Typically, this is caused by poor quality sleep and/or a sleeping condition. These include teeth grinding (bruxism), sleep apnea, and allergies.
The circadian rhythms, or internal body clocks, regulate your 24-hour sleep-wake cycles. When they get disrupted, it can cause a host of problems from mood to behavior. It’s important to note that some headaches are also symptoms of other diseases, like cancer or heart disease, so it’s always a good idea to contact your doctor if you have any concerns.
Another possible cause of morning headaches is carbon monoxide poisoning, which is often found in homes with fuel-burning space heaters that aren’t vented properly. Inhaling carbon monoxide can cause severe headaches and may even be fatal. For this reason, it’s essential to keep up with your space heater maintenance and use only natural gas fireplaces.
Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues can also trigger headaches in the morning, particularly anxiety and depression. If you notice that your headaches occur during times of stress or when you are feeling down, talk to a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment options.
In rare cases, a headache in the morning may be a sign of a brain tumor or other serious health issue. In those cases, a quick visit to your doctor is essential.
For most people, though, chronic waking up with a headache is likely due to sleep problems or other medical conditions. Migraines are the most common cause of a headache in the morning, and they usually feel like throbbing pain in one area, sensitivity to light or sound, and nausea. Tension headaches, on the other hand, can feel like pressure all over the head. Both types of headaches are related to poor sleep quality and other health issues.
