Hypnic Headaches
Do you wake up at night with headaches that strike at the same time, almost like an alarm clock? Does the pain disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling drained the next day?
You may be experiencing Hypnic Headache, a rare sleep-related headache disorder that affects mostly adults over the age of 50. Unlike other headaches, hypnic headaches occur only during sleep and can significantly impact rest, mood, and daily functioning if not properly managed.
At Advanced TMJ Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center, we help patients identify unusual headache patterns like hypnic headache and provide guidance on effective treatments to restore restful sleep and improve quality of life.
What is a hypnic headache?
A hypnic headache is a rare type of headache that only occurs during sleep and wakes you up, often at the same time each night. It is sometimes called the “alarm clock headache.”
Who usually gets hypnic headaches?
They are most common in people over the age of 50 and are slightly more frequent in women. Children and younger adults are rarely affected.
What do hypnic headaches feel like?
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The pain is usually a dull or throbbing ache that affects both sides of the head. Attacks last from 15 minutes to several hours and can happen several nights per week.
Are there other symptoms besides head pain?
Some people may notice mild nausea, light sensitivity, or sound sensitivity, but these are usually less severe than with migraines.
Why do hypnic headaches happen?
he exact cause isn’t known. They may be linked to changes in brain regions that control sleep and circadian rhythms.
How are hypnic headaches diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made after a detailed history and exam, and by ruling out other causes of nighttime headaches such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or brain conditions.
What treatments are available?
Several options may help:
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Caffeine (such as a small cup of coffee or caffeine tablet before bed)
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Medications like lithium or indomethacin in select cases
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Evaluation of sleep to rule out other disorders
What should I do if I think I have hypnic headaches?
If you frequently wake up at night with headaches, you should see a headache specialist, neurologist or orofacial pain specialist. As orofacial pain specialist, we coordinate care with other providers as necessary. Hypnic headache is rare but treatable, and proper diagnosis can restore better sleep and quality of life.
Takeaway:
Hypnic headache is a rare but disruptive sleep-related headache that wakes people from sleep, often at the same time each night. While not life-threatening, it can severely affect quality of life. Recognizing this unique pattern and seeking care from a headache specialist is essential, as effective treatments are available to restore restful sleep.
