Have you ever experienced waking up from your sleep with a horrible headache? You’d be surprised to know that these headaches can be caused by difficulty breathing while you sleep, also known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious condition, one that you should get treatment for as soon as possible. But how exactly does sleep apnea cause headaches? And how exactly do you know if your morning headache was caused by sleep apnea?

People can experience many different types of headaches. Each comes with a distinct kind of pain, and each has a different cause that you may or may not be familiar with. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are prompted by muscle tension in the neck. Another frequent type of headache, the sinus headache, is caused by nasal congestion or allergies. Migraines, an especially painful type of headache, are generally associated with vision changes.

There are many more headaches in the book, and many of them can be somewhat relieved by sleeping. So why do headaches happen when you wake up? With that, it’s best to read through everything you need to know about sleep apnea below, and speak to a sleep apnea doctor in Jacksonville, FL.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

If you experience interrupted breathing while you sleep, you may have a condition called obstructive sleep apnea. This condition is characterized by pauses in breathing for at least ten seconds, often associated with fragmented sleep, drops in oxygen levels in the blood, and awakenings.

Here are some notable symptoms of sleep apnea:

  • Feeling sleepy during the daytime
  • Snoring
  • Choking or gasping in your sleep
  • Witnessed pauses in breathing
  • Constant urination at night
  • Insomnia or waking up frequently at night
  • Dry mouth at night
  • Teeth grinding or bruxism
  • Nocturnal heartburn
  • Sweats and palpitations
  • Concentration and memory problems
  • Mood swings and issues

How Does Sleep Apnea Cause Headaches?

If you’re currently looking for sleep apnea treatment, it helps to know the causes of this disorder, so you have a better understanding of your current condition.

Sleep apnea happens when the upper airway collapses, typically due to shifts in your tongue and soft palate, which block the airflow from your nose and mouth to your lungs. Because of this, oxygen can’t be brought in, and carbon dioxide cannot be released.

When you don’t properly release carbon dioxide, the blood vessels in your brain get affected, reducing its access to oxygen and its functions. This causes your brain’s arteries to dilate, increase the blood flow in your brain, and increase your skull’s pressure, giving you a headache when you wake up.

Usually, sleep apnea-induced headaches will fade after the first few hours of the day when normal breathing resumes.

What Is the Treatment for Sleep Apnea?

Many people who suffer from this condition look for credible and effective sleep apnea treatment. If you’re one of those who experiences headaches due to sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP can be extremely helpful. This device decreases the frequency, intensity, and occurrence of headaches. As soon as people start CPAP therapy, many find that their morning headaches disappear altogether.

The Bottom Line: Sleep Apnea Might Be the Cause of Your Morning Headache

Many people suffer from different types of headaches, but waking up with one can be quite confusing. These morning headaches could cause an irregular body disorder that happens at night, which is sleep apnea. Fortunately, there are sleep apnea treatments in Jacksonville, FL, that could help eliminate sleepless nights and horrible morning headaches.

Looking for Sleep Apnea Treatment in Jacksonville, FL?

If you’re dealing with sleep-related issues, Jacksonville Sleep Center is here to help. We are the only sleep facility in North Florida with a board-certified sleep physician dedicated to helping patients improve their quality of life by getting better sleep.

Thankfully, we support virtual appointments, so you can schedule a consultation whenever it’s most convenient for you. Book a call with us today at 904-854-6899!