Does obstructive sleep apnoea cause headache?

A headache related to poor sleep may be present on waking and improve as the day goes on, although patterns vary. Repeated airway obstruction can disturb sleep and change normal breathing during the night, which may contribute to a morning headache for some people.

Headaches are common and have many explanations, such as tension, migraine, dehydration, illness, vision problems, or medication effects. Headache alone does not show that obstructive sleep apnoea is the cause.

Note when headaches occur, where they are felt, how long they last, associated nausea or light sensitivity, and what relieves them. Also record snoring, gasping, witnessed pauses in breathing, unrefreshing sleep, and daytime drowsiness. This information helps a clinician consider both sleep-related and other causes.

Maintain regular meals and fluids, and review pain medicines with a clinician if you need them often or if headaches are changing.

Seek urgent medical care for a sudden severe headache, headache after a head injury, or headache with fever and a stiff neck, fainting, seizure, new weakness, vision loss, trouble speaking, or confusion. Arrange a review for recurring morning headaches or headaches that are becoming more frequent.

Ask whether your headache pattern and sleep symptoms suggest a sleep assessment, what alternative headache causes should be checked, and which warning signs apply to you. Bring a list of medicines and any home blood-pressure readings if you have them.