What does headache feel like with obstructive sleep apnoea?

The discomfort may feel dull, pressing or diffuse rather than sharply focused. It can ease as the morning progresses, although this pattern is not specific to sleep apnoea. Loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping, dry mouth, restless sleep, morning fatigue and difficulty concentrating add useful context. Breathing pauses can fragment sleep even when the person does not remember waking.

Arrange a clinical assessment if morning headaches occur repeatedly with loud snoring, choking sounds during sleep or daytime sleepiness. Keep a record of headache timing, sleep quality, medicines and alcohol use. If advised to have a sleep study, follow the instructions carefully. Do not drive or operate machinery when severe sleepiness makes it difficult to stay alert.

Seek emergency help for a sudden severe headache, new confusion, fainting, seizure, weakness, trouble speaking or persistent breathing difficulty. A headache with fever and a stiff neck also needs urgent assessment. A familiar morning pattern still needs prompt review if it becomes much worse, changes suddenly or occurs with chest pain.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest a sleep assessment, what information a bed partner should record, and how current medicines or nasal blockage may affect sleep. Discuss daytime sleepiness, driving safety, blood pressure and any prior sleep-test results.