Ever wake up feeling like your head is pounding before your day even begins? Waking up with a migraine isn’t just painful—it’s like starting your day already two steps behind. Instead of hitting the ground running, you’re stuck in bed, squinting at the clock, trying to figure out how to get rid of that splitting headache. You’re not alone. Waking up with a migraine is way more common than you think, and it can seriously mess with your quality of life.
But here’s the good news: once you know what’s triggering these morning migraines, you can tackle them head-on and finally wake up feeling refreshed. Let’s dive into the root causes and find out how to put an end to these brutal wake-up calls.
Why Do You Wake Up with a Migraine?
Waking up with a migraine is the worst way to start your day—so let’s figure out why it’s happening.
Sleep Disruptions
Sleep is important for a number of brain functions. It’s no wonder then that poor sleep is a huge trigger for migraines. If you’re tossing and turning all night thanks to insomnia, sleep apnea, or snoring, your brain isn’t able to do the work it needs to while you rest. For instance, the interrupted breathing associated with sleep apnea literally interferes with oxygen supply to your brain while you sleep—no wonder your head’s screaming at you when you wake up.
Dehydration
If you’re going to bed without hydrating, then you’re setting yourself up for a morning migraine. Your brain needs water like your car needs gas—skip the fill-up, and you’re not going anywhere. Waking up dehydrated is like your brain waking up in survival mode.
Stress and Anxiety
You know that feeling when you’re really stressed and can’t seem to turn off your brain at night? Not only are you lying awake, but all that tension can trigger a migraine that hits you right when you wake up.
Hormonal Changes
Women are more likely to suffer from migraines due to hormones. Hormonal changes—whether due to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause—are a major player in why many women wake up with migraines. Your hormones don’t just mess with your mood; they mess with your sleep and migraines, too.
Medications or Withdrawal
Certain medications might be the silent culprit behind your morning migraines. Also, if you’re a caffeine lover and you miss your daily dose, your body can go into withdrawal mode.
How to Stop Waking Up with Migraines
Waking up with a migraine is a rough start to the day. But before you resign yourself to morning headaches, here’s how you can set yourself up for a pain-free morning.
- Establish a sleep routine. Create a bedtime routine that helps you wind down, like reading a book or listening to calming music. Avoid screens before bed—those blue lights can mess with your sleep cycle.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps keep your body functioning smoothly. Aim for at least eight glasses a day, and don’t forget to hydrate before bed. Keep a water bottle by your bed so you can sip throughout the night if you wake up.
- Manage stress. Incorporate relaxation techniques into your evening routine. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle yoga can help lower your stress levels and prepare your body for restful sleep. Find what works for you and make it part of your nightly routine.
- Consider professional help. Sometimes, preventing migraines requires a little extra help. If you’ve tried everything and still find yourself waking up with a migraine, it might be time to find a health care provider near you to help. For instance, a neurologist can offer specialized advice and treatments, while a dentist can check for issues like bruxism (teeth grinding), which can contribute to morning headaches.
A health care provider can also help you develop the right treatment plan and provide guidance on innovative migraine solutions to consider. For instance, did you know you can target migraine pain using a non-invasive device at home? Available with a prescription, gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS) is a portable, handheld device that’s clinically proven to treat and prevent migraine pain without pills, injections, or drug-like side effects. gammaCore nVNS works by activating the vagus nerve (which plays an important role in pain regulation) with gentle electrical stimulation through the skin via the neck. Use it twice daily, morning and night, for preventive treatment or as needed for quick and effective migraine pain relief throughout the day.
To see if gammaCore is right for you, visit our clinic finder to locate a health care provider near you, or contact our dedicated Customer Experience team at 888-903-2673 or customerservice@electrocore.com.
