Does sleep apnea cause headaches?

by Jeri
(Ripon,CA)

I frequently wake up with my neck feeling tight and a headache, could that be caused be Sleep Apnea?

I am not over weight.

Answer

One morning headache isn't a problem. Continuing morning headaches can indicate apnea and that your pressure is no longer correct for you.

Anyway, I have too little information from you. Cannot really tell if you have headaches because of sleep apnea. What comes to mind is:

• Blood Pressure - Many people have high blood pressure in the morning. I have tracked headaches to high blood pressure so I suppose you might have the same experience.


• Undertreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) - This would raise blood pressure for that matter. As much as swelling affects OSA allergies or illness is likely to make any treatments you are using less effective.
  
  If OSA is undertreated then the increased OSA could bring it's usual symptoms which include higher reaction times, emotional liability, reduced problem solving capability, and a tendency to fall asleep at the wheel. Definitely safety related.

If I were you I think I would be working with my doctor to determine if I am having blood pressure issues and that my OSA treatment is effective. You might ask him what you could use in case of a cold to keep your airway passage treatable by whatever method you are using.

You can find more information about this topic on sleep apnea headache page.

I hope it helps. Don't be afraid to comment back.

Remy Thierry
Founder of Sleep Apnea Guide

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