According to many studies, our moods in the morning tend to reflect how we will feel for the rest of the day. So, waking up on the wrong side of the bed is most likely going to lead to a terrible rest of the day, and there is no better way to start off the morning than with a migraine.
If you experience migraine attacks in the morning, you’re not alone; many people wake up with a throbbing and intense pain in the temple with varying frequency and severity. In this article, we delve into the possible triggers behind this rude wake-up call and its treatment options. But before that, let us first better understand what a migraine headache is.
What are Migraine Headaches?
A migraine is a complex disorder with a significant genetic component and encompasses different subtypes. It can arise from various factors, including mild inflammation, narrowing of the brain’s blood vessels, and more.
A migraine episode causes pulsing or throbbing pain that usually stems from one side of the head along with other symptoms like nausea and vomiting and heightened sensitivity to stimuli like light, smells, and sounds.
Furthermore, there are several types of migraines, the most common of which are migraines with and without aura or classic and common migraines, respectively. The term ‘aura’ in this case refers to all sorts of neurological experiences that typically develop an hour or less before the onset of the pain.
Migraines can be further defined by their frequency, with those occurring more than 15 days a month for three months being classified as chronic migraines, while those that happen far less are called episodic migraines. Lastly, a migraine episode consists of more than just a headache but rather four distinct phases that come with their own unique symptoms, namely prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome.
Why Migraine Attacks Strike in the Morning
Migraines often strike in the morning due to fluctuations in hormones, neurotransmitters, and blood sugar levels that occur overnight. During sleep, the brain undergoes significant changes, including shifts in serotonin levels, which can trigger migraines. Additionally, the natural drop in endorphins and dopamine—chemicals that help regulate pain—can leave you more sensitive to pain upon waking. Cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, also peaks early in the morning, possibly triggering an attack in people prone to migraines.
Migraines may also occur due to lifestyle-related factors, such as poor sleep hygiene, skipped meals, or disruptions to your body's circadian rhythm. For some, medications taken at night may wear off by the morning, leaving them vulnerable to an attack.
Common Causes of Morning Migraines
1. Sleep Issues
Research has shown that sleep disorders are associated with migraines. For instance, studies revealed that people with insomnia are at a higher risk of experiencing migraines than those who don’t have it. Beyond that, issues like inconsistent sleep patterns and plain old poor-quality sleep are among the most common triggers for migraines. Certain seemingly unrelated conditions like lower back pain can even affect sleep by reducing sleep quality and shortening sleep duration, hence the importance of seeing a back pain specialist in Singapore. Lastly, both too much and too little sleep can trigger migraines, making it essential to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and good sleeping positions.
2. Alcohol, Medication, and Caffeine Use
Alcohol disrupts sleep and can lead to dehydration and hangover symptoms, all of which are known migraine triggers. Similarly, overuse of painkillers or the loss of effect of certain medications during sleep can lead to withdrawal and provoke early morning headaches. Caffeine, especially if consumed late in the day, can disturb sleep, while sudden caffeine withdrawal in the morning can trigger a migraine.
3. Anxiety and Depression
People with anxiety or depression are more likely to experience migraines due to heightened stress levels and disrupted sleep. Chronic worry can lead to restless nights, setting the stage for a migraine attack upon waking. Depression is also linked to irregular sleep patterns and neurotransmitter imbalances, both of which contribute to morning migraines.
4. Dehydration
Going long periods without water, such as during sleep, can leave the body dehydrated by morning. Dehydration affects blood volume and, ultimately, brain function, leading to headaches or migraines. Even mild dehydration can disrupt essential body processes, making it a significant trigger for many individuals.
5. Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in hormones, especially oestrogen, can trigger migraines in women. Many report more frequent migraines around menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. Cortisol, the stress hormone, naturally peaks in the early morning hours, which may contribute to waking up with a migraine. Hormonal medications like birth control can also influence migraine frequency.
Beyond the ones listed above, there are many other migraine triggers that can cause an attack at any time of day, such as:
certain foods like those containing MSG and aged cheeses
changes in the weather or barometric pressure
Intense stimuli like loud noises, strong smells, and bright lights,
Strenuous physical activity
Specific medications like hormonal birth control pills
Conclusion
If your mornings have recently been plagued by migraine headaches, it’s best to narrow down your triggers to prevent them from happening in the first place or try prescription medications. Additionally, self-care habits like establishing a consistent sleep routine, monitoring your food and alcohol intake, staying hydrated, and managing your stress can go a long way in improving your condition. Should you find yourself consistently waking up with a migraine or experiencing sudden changes to your headache patterns or symptoms, consider booking a consultation with our team at Affinity Pain Clinic. As specialists in a wide variety of acute and chronic pain conditions, we provide personalised consultations and minimally invasive pain relief solutions to help manage your pains from head to toe.
Get in touch for more information.
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