If you have sleep apnea and also wake up with headaches, you may need to consult more than one doctor:
See a Sleep Medicine Physician
The right OSA treatment can help you breathe better at night, sleep more calmly, and wake up with fewer headaches, says Gold. He often recommends nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which delivers air through your nose to keep your airway open at night, without covering your mouth. Research suggests that people often stick with nasal CPAP better than full-face CPAP masks that cover both the mouth and nose. You may start seeing improvements within about two weeks of beginning nasal CPAP treatment, he says. “Insomnia goes away, the symptoms of increased sympathetic nervous system tone come down, and headaches resolve.”
Research also suggests that another treatment option, a mandibular advancement device, could help people with mild to moderate OSA and headaches. These oral appliances, worn like retainers, pull your jaw and tongue forward to make more space in the back of your throat, allowing air to pass.
Find a Headache Specialist
If headaches persist even with OSA treatment, make an appointment with a neurologist who specializes in treating headaches. Treatments include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen
- Prescription medications, such as antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, beta-blockers, calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibitors, and triptans
- Procedures, such as Botox injections, nerve blocks, and trigger point injections
- Lifestyle management to improve your diet, exercise regimen, and stress levels
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