2. Morning Headaches: The Unsung Culprit
If you’re waking up with headaches more often than not, you’re likely not alone. Morning headaches are a common but often overlooked symptom of sleep apnea. It’s as if you’re already fighting a losing battle, and the day hasn’t even begun.
While men with sleep apnea might report other symptoms more frequently, like loud snoring or gasping for air, women often describe their mornings differently. They report a dull, lingering headache, generally localized around the forehead. This isn’t your average stress or tension headache; it’s more insidious than that.
What causes these morning headaches? It’s actually quite scientific. When your breathing is irregular, it impacts the amount of oxygen that reaches your brain. Low oxygen levels lead to the dilation of blood vessels in the brain, which, you guessed it, results in headaches. It’s like a nagging reminder that your body didn’t get the restful sleep it deserves.
It’s worth mentioning how these morning headaches often go hand in hand with mood changes—another symptom on our list. Fluctuations in mood can often be attributed to poor sleep quality and low oxygen levels. But they also have a direct correlation with starting your day under such stress. It’s like your body’s personal alarm system, sounding the bells that something isn’t right.
Here’s something fascinating: the pattern of morning headaches can often point to the severity of sleep apnea. If you notice your headaches becoming more frequent or intensifying, it could signify that your sleep apnea is progressing. That’s right; this symptom is like a built-in gauge for monitoring the condition’s advancement. (2)
