The Link Between Sleep and Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common health problems. If you look at just tension-type headaches, more than half of women and one-third of men deal with this head pain. 

Sleep issues are just as rampant. About a third of all American adults deal with insomnia.

Since both problems are so widespread, many people struggling with both assume they have two isolated issues on their hands. Actually, though, a lack of quality sleep could be the reason behind your recurring head pain. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to live with headaches. Here at Integrated Pain Solutions in Stamford, Connecticut, Dr. Halina Snowball can help you find out what’s causing your headaches, whether it’s sleep problems or something else. Then, she can deploy a range of headache treatments to help you find relief. 

Don’t wait to come see Dr. Snowball if you have regular head pain. And to help you understand how your sleep and your headaches might be connected, let’s take a closer look. 

Sleep problems and headaches

Multiple studies have revealed that not getting enough sleep puts you at a higher risk for headaches. Researchers have found that those who don’t get sufficient sleep are more likely to get tension headaches. 

What’s more, people who aren’t getting enough rapid eye movement (REM) sleep — which usually occurs about 90 minutes after you’ve fallen asleep — get more painful headaches. 

As your sleep problems worsen, your headaches may too. If you reach sleep deprivation, which is characterized by an ongoing inability to get enough sleep, you’re more likely to have more frequent and more severe migraines. The problem? Migraines can make you more likely to struggle to get sufficient sleep.

Clearly, sleep problems and headaches are closely linked. 

Treating sleep-related headaches

Not all headaches are caused by sleep problems, nor are all sleep problems caused by head pain. But since the two can affect each other, Dr. Snowball works with you to identify if a lack of sleep could be playing a role in your head pain.

If so, she can help deploy treatment to both alleviate your headache and to help you get better rest at night. Many patients find that regular yoga helps them physically and mentally relax and get higher quality sleep, for example. Additionally, Dr. Snowball offers massage therapy, which can also support better sleep. 

With a holistic approach, Dr. Snowball helps you find headache relief while also addressing the underlying causes of your head pain. For dedicated headache care, call our office at 203-293-0549 or request an appointment online today.