Do you often wake up with headaches? If so, you could be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnoea. Recent studies indicate that more than 50% of individuals who awaken with headaches or migraines may already be dealing with this serious sleep disorder.
What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a significant health issue that occurs when the muscles in your throat relax excessively during sleep. This relaxation narrows your airway, causing air to be rapidly pulled through it as you attempt to breathe. The resulting airflow can dehydrate the soft tissues in your throat, leading to the vibrations we recognize as snoring.
In more severe cases, the walls of your airway may even collapse, causing your breathing to stop completely for 10 to 30 seconds at a time—this pause in breathing is known as an apnoea. Common symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, gasping or choking sounds during sleep, insomnia, and excessive daytime fatigue.
Why Does Sleep Apnoea Lead to Headaches?
Individuals with sleep apnoea frequently report experiencing morning headaches. This is largely due to the repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night, which result in decreased oxygen supply to the brain. These lower oxygen levels can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to vascular headaches. In addition to feeling drowsy during the day, many sufferers find that headaches and migraines are among the most prevalent symptoms they experience, often unaware of their snoring or breathing interruptions while asleep.
How Can You Determine if Your Headache Is Related to Sleep?
Headaches associated with sleep apnoea typically manifest as a throbbing pain, sometimes accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Interestingly, nearly half of all migraines occur between 4 AM and 9 AM, so if you consistently wake up with a headache, it may be a strong indication of a sleep-related issue.
How Can You Alleviate Your Headaches?
Oral devices can offer significant relief for those suffering from sleep-related migraines and headaches. These devices, resembling mouthguards, gently position your jaw correctly during sleep, which helps to keep your airway open and improves breathing. Most individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnoea find these mouthpieces effective in reducing their morning headaches. For more information, check out the Snorple Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece, renowned for its effectiveness from the very first night.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing sleep apnoea, it’s essential to consult your doctor promptly. By addressing sleep apnoea, you can not only alleviate your headaches but also enhance your overall mood, alertness, and ensure you receive the restful sleep you deserve. For further insights into sleep disorders, you might find this resource from Merck Manuals informative. Additionally, visit our blog on hearing aids and their relation to snoring for more engaging content.
To Summarize: If you’re waking up with headaches, it might be time to explore the possibility of sleep apnoea. Understanding the symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment can lead to improved health and quality of life. Consider using effective solutions like a nighttime mouthguard that stops snoring and learn how to utilize a stop snoring mouthpiece properly for best results. Don’t forget to check our shipping and returns page for additional resources.