Causes of Nighttime Headaches

Do you often wake up suddenly due to severe headaches during your sleep? Continue reading this article to learn about the causes of Nighttime Headaches in detail.

Causes of Nighttime Headaches

The primary cause of headaches during sleep is a condition known as hypnic headaches. This rare type of headache occurs during sleep and wakes the person at the same time (usually between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM) several nights a week. Therefore, it’s also known as the "alarm clock headache."

This headache usually causes mild to severe pain that can wake the person and keep them awake for at least 15 minutes or longer, up to 4 hours. Below are the causes and risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing it: 

• Risk Factors for Hypnic Headaches

Hypnic headaches can affect people of all ages, including children. However, certain groups are more likely to suffer from them:

1. Older adults: More than 90% of people experience their first hypnic headache after the age of 50, with the average onset age being 62.
2. Women: are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to experience hypnic headaches compared to men. 

• Causes of Hypnic Headaches

Hypnic headaches are considered primary headaches, meaning they are not caused by any known underlying condition. While scientists have not identified the exact cause of these headaches, here are some theories:

1. Sleep Stages

Some researchers believe that the hypothalamus could be responsible for hypnic headaches. This brain region regulates various bodily functions, including sleep cycles. Hypnic headaches often occur during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, leading to the theory that the part of the brain responsible for processing pain may mistakenly activate during this stage, causing the headache.

2. Melatonin Levels

Another possible cause is melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep and wakefulness. Melatonin levels rise and fall throughout the day, aligning with the body's sleep-wake cycle. Since hypnic headaches occur at the same time every night, scientists believe a disruption in the body's circadian rhythms, which regulate melatonin production, may cause a drop in melatonin levels, triggering the headache.

This theory is supported by the effectiveness of lithium in treating hypnic headaches, as lithium has been shown to help increase melatonin levels. 

Other Causes of Nighttime Headaches

In addition to hypnic headaches, other health conditions and types of headaches can also cause nighttime headaches, including: 

1. Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are one of the most painful types of headaches, occurring in episodes that last between 15 minutes to 3 hours and can repeat 1 to 8 times. These headaches often occur at night, waking the person about an hour or two after falling asleep.

While the exact cause is unknown, the following factors may play a role:

• Genetics.
• Smoking.
• Strong odors like paint.
• High temperatures.
• Intense exercise.

2. Migraine Headaches

Migraines can also cause severe pain during sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 50% of migraine attacks occur between 4:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

Although migraines and cluster headaches can occur during sleep, scientists do not classify them as hypnic headaches because they can also occur while awake.

3. Other Causes

Other conditions that may cause nighttime headaches include:

• High blood pressure.
• Depression.
• Brain tumors.
• Sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.
• Certain medications or stopping medications. 

How to Determine the Cause of Nighttime Headaches?

If you experience headaches during sleep, it's essential to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment depends on the type of headache and its underlying cause. Your doctor may request several tests to determine the cause, including:

1. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
2. Computed tomography (CT) scans.
3. Sleep studies.
4. Blood tests. 

Blazma provides all the tests that your doctor may request to determine the cause of Nighttime Headaches, including a complete blood count test.