Causes of Severe Nighttime Headaches

Causes of Severe Nighttime Headaches
Causes of Severe Nighttime Headaches
According to Daria Lebedeva, a sleep and endocrinology specialist, experiencing headaches at night could signal one of three potential medical conditions: sleep apnea, intracranial pressure disorders, or bruxism (teeth grinding).اضافة اعلان

She explains:

“In the case of obstructive sleep apnea, breathing stops periodically during sleep, causing oxygen deprivation in the brain. This often results in a heavy or pulsating headache upon waking—especially in the early morning hours. Even shallow or weak breathing can produce a similar effect.”

As for bruxism, she notes that involuntary clenching of the jaw and grinding of the teeth during sleep can lead to tension-type headaches, usually felt in the temples or at the back of the head.

Lebedeva adds that elevated intracranial pressure can cause intense headaches, particularly when lying down, making such pain worse at night or early in the morning. These symptoms often subside after waking up and returning to an upright position.

However, she also cautions that nighttime headaches are not always symptoms of underlying health issues. In some cases, they may be primary headache disorders such as hypnic headaches, cluster headaches, or migraines.

She concludes:

“If someone frequently experiences nighttime headaches, it is crucial to consult a specialist—whether a neurologist, psychiatrist, or sleep expert—as proper diagnosis may require a sleep study, oxygen level monitoring during sleep, or intracranial pressure assessment.”
(Source: gazeta.ru)