Whether you suffer from a headache or a migraine, waking up with a headache can cast a shadow over the start of your day. Morning headaches can arise from various causes, and we will be walking through various ways to get rid of your morning headaches. Beyond conventional solutions, we’ll also introduce the Watson Headache Approach—a specialized method that adds a unique perspective to understanding and alleviating morning headaches.
Enhance Sleep Hygiene: Establish a consistent sleep routine, optimize your sleep environment, and minimize screen time before bed to improve sleep quality and reduce the likelihood of waking up with a headache.
Prioritise Hydration: Combat dehydration-related morning headaches by staying adequately hydrated throughout the day. Start your morning with a glass of water to replenish fluids and potentially prevent headaches.
Address Bruxism: Consult with a dentist to address teeth grinding and clenching during sleep. A custom-made mouthguard can protect your teeth, alleviate headaches, and improve overall sleep quality. If it does not alleviate your symptoms, also consult with a physiotherapist specialising in jaws – temporomandibular joint (TMJ), to further ease your headaches related to your jaw.
Optimize Sleep Posture: Experiment with different sleep positions and invest in a supportive pillow for better postural alignment, significantly reducing the risk of tension headaches associated with poor sleep posture.
The Watson Headache® Approach: This technique is a manual therapy treatment protocol used for examining and managing the upper cervical spine in headache and migraine conditions. Read more about Our Proven Process.
Low Blood Sugar: Low blood sugar levels in the morning, often referred to as hypoglycemia, can lead to headaches upon waking. This is particularly common for people with diabetes or those who skip meals. Eating a balanced meal or a small snack before bedtime can help stabilize your blood sugar levels.
Alcohol or Caffeine Consumption: Consuming alcohol or caffeine close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep and lead to morning headaches. Both substances can interfere with your sleep cycles and lead to dehydration. Limiting your intake of these substances in the hours leading up to bedtime can reduce your chances of experiencing a morning headache.
Stress and Tension: Stress and tension can lead to headaches at any time, and this includes the morning. When you are stressed, you may clench your jaw or experience muscle tension in your neck and shoulders during the night whilst sleeping. Engaging in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help alleviate stress and reduce the likelihood of morning headaches.
Medication Side Effects: If you’re taking medications, it’s possible that some of them may list headaches as a potential side effect. Be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider, and they can explore alternative medications or adjust your current prescription if necessary. Read all about medications
Morning headaches, though frustrating, can be addressed through a comprehensive understanding of their causes and targeted solutions. Consulting with a healthcare professional with understanding of headaches and migraines can help to provide you with professional insight and guidance to your tailored program for your well-being.
Book A Migraine/Headache Assessment
Book online or give us a call on 1300MyHeadache (1300 694 323) to organise an assessment with Sydney Headache & Migraine Centre and learn more about what causes your migraines and how we can help treat them.
