Sleep disorders cause all sorts of problems, and they are more common than most people realize. Dr. Jennifer J. Cornell, DDS, at Dental Sleep and TMJ Solutions of Clarksville, has answers to some of the questions that come up about the conditions preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Question: Can my chronic headaches be a sign of sleep apnea?
Answer: Waking up with a pounding headache might seem like just a rough morning, but for many people, it’s actually a red flag for something more serious – sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This disruption not only affects your oxygen levels, but it can also wreak havoc on your overall health – including your head.
Headache-sleep apnea connection
Morning headaches are one of the lesser-known symptoms of sleep apnea. When your airway collapses during sleep, your brain receives less oxygen. This drop in oxygen levels, combined with disturbed sleep patterns, can trigger vascular changes in the brain that lead to headaches.
These headaches often:
- Occur shortly after waking up
- Feel dull or pressing rather than throbbing
- Affect both sides of the head
- Go away within a few hours
If this sounds familiar, and you’re also experiencing loud snoring, daytime fatigue, irritability, or trouble concentrating, sleep apnea could be the underlying issue.
Why it matters
Untreated sleep apnea doesn’t just cause headaches – it can raise your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and cognitive issues. But the good news? Once identified, it’s treatable.
What to do next
If you’re regularly waking up with headaches and suspect poor sleep might be the cause, a sleep evaluation is a smart next step. At our practice, we specialize in non-CPAP treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea and can help you get to the root of your symptoms.
You deserve to wake up refreshed – not in pain.
For more information, visit the Dental Sleep and TMJ Solutions of Clarksville website or call 931-645-8000.