How common is headache in obstructive sleep apnoea?

In obstructive sleep apnoea, the upper airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. Brief awakenings and changes in breathing can fragment sleep and leave a person unrefreshed. Headache on waking may occur with loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping, dry mouth, poor concentration or sleepiness during the day.

A morning headache alone does not confirm obstructive sleep apnoea. Other sleep, breathing, medication and headache problems can produce similar symptoms. A bed partner’s observations can be useful because breathing pauses may not be noticed by the sleeper.

Keep a record of waking headaches, sleep quality, snoring and daytime alertness. Ask a trusted bed partner whether they notice pauses, choking or gasping during sleep. Arrange a medical assessment if this pattern is recurring; a clinician may decide whether a sleep assessment is appropriate. Avoid driving or operating machinery when you are unusually sleepy.

Book a review for repeated waking headaches, loud snoring with poor sleep, witnessed breathing pauses or troublesome daytime sleepiness. Seek urgent help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness, confusion, fainting, seizure, new vision loss, repeated vomiting, fever with a stiff neck, or breathing difficulty while awake.

Could my waking headache and sleep symptoms suggest obstructive sleep apnoea? Should I have a sleep assessment? What should I do about daytime sleepiness, and are any of my medicines affecting breathing or alertness at night?