What does a sleep apnea headache feel like?

Some patients report symptoms similar to a migraine, such as: Light sensitivity. Sound sensitivity. Nausea.

How do you get rid of sleep apnea headaches?

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device is the most effective way to treat sleep apnea, because it supplies a constant flow of air to give your body the oxygen it needs. This machine prevent oxygen deprivation so you can rest properly and get rid of sleep apnea headaches.

How long does a sleep apnea headache last?

Sleep apnea headaches usually disappear within an hour or so of waking. A migraine may linger for several hours or even several days. A migraine is typically on one side of the head, while a sleep apnea-induced headache may affect both sides.

Why do people with sleep apnea get headaches?

As oxygen levels drop, carbon dioxide goes up, which causes the blood vessels in and around the brain to dilate. This dilation of the blood vessels in the brain causes the pain we identity as a headache. Because of this connection, the sleep apnea patient is susceptible to an increased incidence of headaches.

Where does your head hurt with sleep apnea?

Tension sleep apnea headache location is usually around your forehead, the back of the head and neck. It may be caused by muscle tension during low quality sleep.

Is headache a symptom of sleep apnea?

Morning headaches are a very common symptom of sleep apnea. If you are waking up with a headache, you are likely starting your day off on the wrong foot, which can be very frustrating and prevent you from living your life to the fullest.

Are headaches a symptom of sleep apnea?

Does sleep apnea cause brain damage?

From research conducted at UCLA over the past 12 years, experts have learned that the gasping during the night that characterizes obstructive sleep apnea can damage the brain in ways that lead to high blood pressure, depression, memory loss and anxiety.

Does sleep apnea cause weight gain?

The continual sleep disruptions lead to fatigue. As a result, the fatigue leads to a lack of motivation to exercise, which can lead to weight gain,” Molin explains. Additionally, hormone imbalances associated with sleep apnea can change your appetite patterns and thereby cause changes to a healthy weight.

Why is sleep apnea bad?

Having obstructive sleep apnea increases your risk of high blood pressure (hypertension). Obstructive sleep apnea might also increase your risk of recurrent heart attack, stroke and abnormal heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation.

What are the warning signs of sleep apnea?

Symptoms

• Excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Loud snoring.
• Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep.
• Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking.
• Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat.
• Morning headache.
• Difficulty concentrating during the day.
• Mood changes, such as depression or irritability.

Why is my CPAP giving me headaches?

The pressure on your CPAP machine might not be programmed properly for optimum treatment. One of the biggest reasons why a sleep apnea patient may be experiencing headaches while wearing his or her CPAP mask is due to a less than optimal pressure setting.

Can using CPAP cause headaches?

Individuals who use CPAP machines may also experience headaches and ear pressure in the morning when they awaken. When the CPAP machine is being used, some of the sinus cavities are blocked. This creates a situation where there is a pressure differential between each of the sinus cavities.

Can headaches cause sleep apnea?

In fact, 50% of those who wake up with headaches are believed to have sleep apnea. Headaches are most commonly experienced by patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea when the oxygen level drops due to the intermittent breathing caused by obstructive sleep apnea ( OSA ).