Migraines are more than just a headache. They are complex neurological events that can significantly impact your quality of life.
Board-certified neurologist Dr. Andrew Lerman and our team at Gables Neurology in Miami, Florida, offer top-level treatments for migraine headaches, from oral medications to healthy nutrition to innovative therapies like Botox® injections.
One crucial aspect of migraine control is understanding what can trigger these debilitating headaches. Read how sleeping patterns can trigger migraines and what you can do to change that.
During sleep, your body repairs itself, regulates hormones, sorts memories, and undertakes many other processes that support your overall health and well-being.
Research is ongoing as to exactly why sleep plays a role in migraine headaches. Still, studies show that individuals with poor sleep quality or irregular sleep patterns are more prone to experiencing migraines.
Here’s how different aspects of sleep can influence migraine frequency and intensity:
Lack of sleep is a common migraine trigger. When you don’t sleep enough, your body has insufficient time to repair and restore itself.
This can lead to an increase in stress hormones like cortisol, which can contribute to the onset of migraines. Studies have found that even one night of poor sleep can increase the likelihood of a migraine attack the next day.
Interestingly, too much sleep can also trigger migraines. Sometimes tagged as "weekend migraines," these often occur when you sleep late on weekends, disrupting your regular sleep schedule.
Conditions such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome are linked to an increased risk of migraines.
Sleep apnea, in particular, has a strong association with migraines. It causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep and decreased oxygen levels, both of which can trigger migraines.
Maintaining good sleep hygiene is essential for preventing migraines. Here are some tips to improve your sleep habits and potentially reduce migraine frequency:
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and can improve the quality of your sleep.
Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep. Keep it cool, dark, and quiet. Consider using earplugs or a white noise machine if noise is an issue.
Move the treadmill to another room and finish work tasks at the kitchen table rather than in bed. This helps prevent your brain from entering work mode when it’s time for sleep.
The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with your ability to fall asleep. Try to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or heavy meals close to bedtime. These can disrupt your sleep and increase the likelihood of a migraine.
Pamper yourself with a warm bath, soothing music, or meditation before bed to help calm your mind and prepare your body for sleep.
If you’re struggling with chronic migraines and sleep issues, Dr. Lerman may consider referring you for a sleep study. It’s possible that an underlying disorder, such as sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome, is preventing quality sleep.
Dr. Lerman also works closely with you to develop a comprehensive migraine treatment strategy that addresses migraine pain, frequency, and prevention.
Schedule a visit today by calling Gables Neurology or requesting an appointment online.
