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Waking up with headache

(82 Posts)
Tilly8 Thu 10-Nov-22 11:41:54

Anyone suffer from these? They started about 6 months ago - probably twice a week I wake with a quite painful headache. Strangely they often disappear by the time I have had a shower and eaten breakfast. Sometimes I need to take paracetamol. I’ve tried various pillows as I do have a couple of bulging discs in my neck which I thought could be the cause. However this morning the headache was on a different level. I took paracetamol and actually sat with my phone ready to dial 999 if I experienced any further symptoms it was that bad!! I know the time has come to contact my GP but just wondered if anyone suffers the same?

Camelotclub Sun 13-Nov-22 10:40:38

I have these too, in fact have one now! I put it down to tensing up my neck and shoulder muscles. Already on medication for high BP. They take ages to go despite taking painkillers. Paracetamol doesn't touch it either, have to have codeine added.

Quizzer Sun 13-Nov-22 10:36:16

I get this due to a sinus problem. As soon as I get upright and have a hot drink it goes away.

grannygranby Sun 13-Nov-22 10:25:23

Usually if I wake with headache, before medicating, I have breakfast that often clears it. Mixture of low blood sugar and dehydration (fresh strong coffee with hot milk a la Francais, whole meal toast + apricot jam) it’s a cure. It if doesn’t go I know I’m in migraine land.. take beta blocker and sumatriptan. Both prescribed for my migraines. I don’t suffer anymore. It used to be fearsome. Good luck with GP.

teabagwoman Sun 13-Nov-22 10:24:12

Sometimes woke with a headache but always felt really yuk on waking. Have started having a cup of hot milk at bedtime and am feeling better in the mornings. I also seem to get off to sleep faster especially when I’ve had to get up in the night. It may just be coincidence but time will tell.

f77ms Sun 13-Nov-22 10:22:36

Yes I do , I have bulging discs in my neck . I also have migraine which I wake up with , its worth seeing the Gp to eliminate more serious issues . I get a lot less since my divorce ! So I guess there is a stress component .

icanhandthemback Sun 13-Nov-22 10:19:12

I second LRavenscroft's post to see a GP. It is probably something minor but it is always best to get these things checked. High Blood Pressure isn't called the silent killer for nothing!

JdotJ Sun 13-Nov-22 10:10:21

Drink a glass of water before bedtime, annoying I know if you then have to pee in the night but hydration, hydration, hydration is the key.

SecondhandRose Sun 13-Nov-22 10:05:07

Dehydration.

Dickens Fri 11-Nov-22 09:26:09

Redhead56

Have your blood pressure checked it could be what's causing the headaches along with being dehydrated.

I second that recommendation.

Blood pressure naturally increases during the waking hours and if it's too high, it most certainly can cause 'waking' headache.

It happened to me, for weeks - I put it down to neck tension - but it was high blood pressure. When I took the recommended medication, the morning headache just stopped completely.

I really hope you manage to get an appointment today - even a telephone appointment would be better than nothing! Good luck, let us know how you get on.

Whitewavemark2 Fri 11-Nov-22 09:05:24

Fluids?

I keep a glass of water by the bed and gradually drink it during the night.

LRavenscroft Fri 11-Nov-22 08:51:14

Please contact your GP and go and see them. Also, keep a note of how bad the headache is in comparison to what you are eating or what the weather is doing. Hope you get to the root of your headache.

Redhead56 Fri 11-Nov-22 08:48:28

Have your blood pressure checked it could be what's causing the headaches along with being dehydrated.

SuzieHi Fri 11-Nov-22 08:20:34

A Dr told me to take 3 aspirins and a strong cup of coffee for getting rid of migraines/headaches. It works for me very quickly, and seems more effective than any other medicine as no after effects.

Madgran77 Fri 11-Nov-22 07:56:53

It could be caused by snoring/sleep apnoea

Tilly8 Thu 10-Nov-22 22:13:30

Thank you very much for all your advice 😊. My headache eased with paracetamol and eventually went completely after an afternoon nap. I plan to contact the surgery tomorrow - hopefully I’ll secure an appointment!! I will definitely look out a knee pillow Coolgran65.

Patsy70 Thu 10-Nov-22 17:52:05

Yes, definitely make an appointment with your GP Tilly8, as there could be a number of reasons, and hopefully nothing serious. In the meantime, if you wake up with a headache, lay in a totally relaxed and comfortable position and take some very deep breaths, in and out for a few minutes.

Thoro Thu 10-Nov-22 16:57:00

Obviously see your doctor
I started waking up with headaches which went when I got up.
Was diagnosed with infected sinuses and given antibiotics which cleared them up.

Fleurpepper Thu 10-Nov-22 16:07:56

You need to check your blood sugar when it happens.

Ziplok Thu 10-Nov-22 16:03:49

I, too, was going to suggest it could be due to high blood pressure. We’re not medics, though, so the best thing would be to do as you plan, and see your GP.

halfpint1 Thu 10-Nov-22 14:15:05

Snoring can lead to a lack of oxygen during sleep which in turn leads to headaches on awaking.

Hithere Thu 10-Nov-22 12:52:33

Check with your gp

Headaches that start out of the blue and become a pattern could be a bigger sign of a health issue

GagaJo Thu 10-Nov-22 12:47:57

Possibly get your blood pressure checked. I woke with headaches for years. A couple of cups of tea and sometimes they'd ease. Then I was put on pills for my blood pressure. Headaches disappeared. If I do start a headache, I take my pill and it goes.

Oopsadaisy1 Thu 10-Nov-22 12:34:09

As you have bulging discs I would try a memory foam pillow and get an appointment with a physio.

nadateturbe Thu 10-Nov-22 12:27:11

It probably is a neck issue but the GP could check. Sometimes I waken with a headache. I lie on my back and turn my head to the left and right for a few seconds, and amazingly it works.

Lathyrus Thu 10-Nov-22 11:58:43

Maybe you’re grinding your teeth in the night or clenching your jaw? Like Smileless says tension.

See your doctor but maybe your dentist too.