4 Causes of Morning Headaches

4 Causes of Morning Headaches

Last update: 27 May, 2022

There are multiple reasons why you get morning headaches. If you’re experiencing them, then the following reasons can explain why this is happening to you. However, its always better to talk with a doctor.

Waking up with a headache is a terrible way to start the day. You have low energy, you want to stay in bed, and the last thing you would want to do is start taking care of your responsibilities. A headache can really have a negative effect on your well-being and happiness.

Reasons why you get headaches

There are four main reasons why you get headaches in the morning. However, there is a solution for everyone, but if you first don’t  know how to identify the problem, then you won’t be able to know what to do next.

1-Bruxism

Bruxism is a problem that affects more people than expected. This is when you clench or grind your teeth, while you’re awake or asleep. In the most extreme cases a mouth guard is required. Without it, you could end up really damaging your teeth.

Bruxism
The tension when you clench your jaw will cause your head to hurt in the morning. This is usually the result of stress, worrying, anxiety, or depression. Sometimes even using a mouth guard won’t prevent you from feeling a headache.

The best thing in these cases is to talk not only with a dentist — who can provide you a mouth guard — but with a psychologist as well. It’s important to locate the tension that you feel during the night when you grind your teeth.

Read this article too: What should you eat if you have a headache?

2-Migraines

A second reason why you get morning headaches could be migraines. If it hasn’t been previously diagnosed, you might assume that it’s just a normal headache. In addition to taking Tylenol or Advil, you may think that just by going back to sleep will take the pain away. However, with migraines, this won’t work.

A migraine is a very intense pain that can last up to three days, even while taking medication. The pain is usually on one side of your head and also can make your eyes hurt. The pain is throbbing and sharp. Although medication may reduce the symptoms of a migraine, your head might continue to hurt once you wake up.

3-Insomnia

Insomnia
Many people suffer from insomnia. This is when you experience trouble sleeping for many nights in a row – not just one time. People with insomnia tend to look chronically tired and can often seem sad.

The mind and body require plenty of rest to fully recuperate. If you don’t do this, fatigue and a lack of sleep will cause a headache once you wake up. That’s why it’s important to treat any sleep disorders you may have.

Check out this article too: Remedies to Fight Insomnia and Sleep Better

4-High blood pressure

The final common cause for a morning headache is high blood pressure. Do you have it? If not, you should check with your doctor to find out why you experiencing morning headaches.

Having high blood pressure can cause you to wake up suddenly with intense pain. It can also cause blurred vision or reduced visibility.

Have you ever woken up with a headache? How did you feel? If you have migraines or bruxism and already know it, be aware that waking up with a headache, sometimes along with nausea or dizziness, can be caused by these conditions.

If you still don’t know why you get headaches, it’s best to go to a doctor. This will help relieve you from stress as well.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Sarrais Oteo, F., & De Castro Manglano, P. (2007). El insomnio. Anales Del Sistema Sanitario de Navarra. https://doi.org/10.4321/S1137-66272007000200011
  • Firmani, M., Reyes, M., Becerra, N., Flores, G., Weitzman, M., & Espinosa, P. (2015). Bruxismo de sueño en niños y adolescentes. Revista Chilena de Pediatria. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rchipe.2015.05.001
  • Sánchez del Río-González, M., & Río-González, M. Del. (2012). Migraña crónica:: fisiopatología. Revista de Neurología.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.