Headaches are popular human problem. Severe, chronic headaches impact 45 million Americans. Headaches lead to more than 8 million doctor gos to annually. A few of these headaches happen at night, even every night, and have very specific qualities and causes.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches generally strike two to three hours after sleep begins. Pain from a cluster headache is sharp, burning or consistent, and happens on one side of the head, behind one eye or might involve the face, extending from the temple to the neck. Symptoms accompanying the headache can include teary eyes, a flushed face, swelling around one or both eyes and a stuffy nose. The headache reaches its peak within 15 minutes and lasts from 30 minutes to two hours, says Medline Plus. Normally, cluster headaches occur regularly for months, rotating with headache-free periods. They can likewise be chronic and you may experience the headaches every night.
Although the precise cause of cluster headaches is unknown, researchers believe a quick release of serotonin or histamine might be factors. Heat, drug, alcohol, cigarettes, bright light, high altitudes and some medications can trigger cluster headaches.
Hypnic Headaches
Hypnic headaches, or “alarm clock” headaches, just take place during sleep. They normally awaken the victim at the exact same time each night, keeps in mind the Mayo Clinic. The pain is moderate to moderate, and frequently lasts from 15 minutes to two hours or longer. The cause is unknowned. The headache occurring at the same time each night recommends a connect to the body clocks and sleeping/wake cycle, according to an article by E. Kerr and coworkers in the May 2006 “Ulster Medical Journal.” Hypnic headaches frequently take place during REM, or dream, sleep. A reduction in melatonin, a hormone that affects sleep, which accompanies age, might contribute.
Brain Tumor
Increased pressure from a tumor within the skull causes headaches, and is a common first symptom of a brain tumor. Usually, the headache ends up being more regular up until it is continuous, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. It is generally even worse when resting, and might awaken the victim from sleep. Other symptoms of a brain tumor depend on the type and location, and might include personality and habits changes, vertigo, seizures, loss of coordination, loss of balance, nausea and vomiting, changes in vision and drowsiness.
Exploding Head Syndrome
Exploding head syndrome is a rare disorder that leads people to suffer a headache that awakens them during the night (it may occur almost every night), according to iytmed.com. Sufferers experience being awakened by a loud, explosive noise in the head that is extremely frightening however not painful. This syndrome is actually a sleep disorder, and is treated with a medication called clomipramine.
