Sleep Apnoea and Headaches: Expert Insights from Dr. Aditi Desai

Sleep apnoea, a condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, is often associated with various symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. However, many people may not realize that one of the lesser-known effects of sleep apnoea is its connection to headaches. In this article, Dr. Aditi Desai, an expert in dental sleep medicine and President of the British Society of Dental Sleep Medicine (BSDSM), shares her expert insights on the relationship between sleep apnoea and headaches, including how sleep disturbances can lead to chronic headaches, and what can be done to manage this issue effectively.

What is Sleep Apnoea?

Before delving into the specifics of how sleep apnoea relates to headaches, it’s important to understand what sleep apnoea is. Sleep apnoea occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing partial or complete blockage of the airway. This leads to pauses in breathing, often lasting for several seconds, which can disrupt sleep and result in low oxygen levels in the body.

There are two primary types of sleep apnoea:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): The most common form, caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the throat.
• Central Sleep Apnoea: A less common form, occurring when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Sleep apnoea affects millions of people worldwide, yet it often goes undiagnosed because many individuals may not be aware of their breathing interruptions during sleep. As a result, the condition can go untreated for years, contributing to numerous health problems, including headaches.

Can Sleep Apnoea Cause Headaches?

The link between sleep apnoea and headaches is a topic that has garnered growing attention in recent years. Many individuals with this condition often complain of frequent morning headaches, particularly those with moderate to severe cases. These headaches are typically dull and persistent and can be a result of the oxygen deprivation that occurs during the sleep cycle.

Dr. Aditi Desai explains that sleep apnoea and headaches can occur due to the following reasons:

• Reduced Oxygen Levels

  During apnoeic events, when breathing stops for several seconds or even minutes, the oxygen levels in the body drop. This can lead to hypoxia (low oxygen levels), which triggers the brain to release inflammatory substances that can cause pain and discomfort, leading to headaches.

• Increased Blood Pressure

  Sleep apnoea is often linked to high blood pressure. Frequent drops in oxygen levels can strain the cardiovascular system, causing blood pressure to rise, which may contribute to headaches.

• Sleep Fragmentation

  Individuals with sleep apnoea frequently experience fragmented sleep due to breathing interruptions. This disrupted sleep cycle can prevent the brain from reaching restorative stages of sleep, leading to morning headaches.

• Tension and Muscle Strain

  The muscle strain caused by the body’s effort to resume breathing can also contribute to tension headaches. Additionally, teeth grinding and clenching during sleep — often linked to sleep apnoea — can worsen headaches, especially in those with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) or Sleep Bruxism (SB).

In many cases, these headaches become chronic, impacting daily functioning and overall quality of life.

Can Lack of Sleep Cause Headaches and Dizziness?

Lack of sleep is a well-known trigger for various health problems, including headaches. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to both headaches and dizziness. Dr. Desai emphasizes that sleep apnoea itself is a major contributor to lack of sleep and headaches.

She explains that lack of sleep disrupts the body’s natural balance, triggering physiological changes that lead to headaches. For example:

• Increased Sensitivity to Pain: Sleep deprivation increases pain sensitivity, making headaches more intense.
• Impaired Pain Regulation: Lack of sleep impairs the body’s ability to regulate pain, worsening headache symptoms.
• Reduced Cognitive Function: Sleep deprivation causes cognitive dysfunction, increasing the likelihood of tension headaches.

When sleep apnoea causes frequent awakenings, the resulting lack of restorative sleep can lead to both headaches and dizziness upon waking.

What Helps Headaches from Lack of Sleep?

Managing lack of sleep and headaches requires a multifaceted approach, particularly when sleep apnoea is involved. Dr. Aditi Desai suggests several strategies:

Proper Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnoea

The first step is to seek proper diagnosis and treatment. Treating the root cause — sleep apnoea — can significantly reduce headache frequency and severity. Common treatments include:

• Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): Oral appliances designed to reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open.
• Surgical Interventions: Considered when other treatments are not effective.

Improving Sleep Hygiene

In addition to treating sleep apnoea, practicing good sleep hygiene is vital:

• Maintaining a Regular Sleep Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time helps regulate the body’s clock.
• Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Keep the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
• Limiting Stimulants: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals before bedtime.

Managing Stress and Tension

Stress is another common trigger for headaches. Dr. Desai suggests incorporating stress-reduction techniques:

• Relaxation Exercises: Deep breathing, yoga, and meditation help reduce muscle tension.
• Regular Exercise: Physical activity promotes better sleep and prevents tension buildup.

Hydration and Diet

Dehydration can worsen headaches. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet rich in magnesium can help prevent tension headaches and migraines.

Seeking Professional Headache Treatment

For persistent headaches, consult a healthcare professional specializing in headache management. Treatments may include medication, pain relief, or physical therapy.

When it comes to lack of sleep and headaches, addressing both symptoms and causes is key. Dr. Desai emphasizes that a comprehensive approach — treating sleep apnoea, practicing good sleep hygiene, reducing stress, staying hydrated, and seeking professional help — can reduce headache frequency and improve overall health.

If you suffer from sleep apnoea and frequent headaches, seek professional diagnosis and treatment. With the right interventions, it’s possible to reduce headaches, improve sleep, and restore overall wellbeing.