4 explanations for why you always get nighttime headaches

If you always get headaches at night, there are multiple possibilities as to why. Discover the main causes and what you can do to curb the problem.

High blood pressure causes the classic “hypertensive headache.” They often occur at night before bed or in the morning when you wake up. If hypertension is the cause, it’s important to discuss it with your doctor. Until you get your high blood pressure under control, your headaches will become more and more frequent.

You may be able to determine the cause if the over-the-counter pain relievers you buy (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) have little to no effect. In the meantime, avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Have you experienced any recent changes in your life? Either personal or at work? Don’t underestimate the harmful effects of stress and anxiety on the body. Daily meditation and relaxation will help.

Nothing new to report? It could be that your headaches are the cumulative effect of fatigue and exhaustion. Regular rest is needed to balance and replenish the body.

Eating fatty foods and sugar at night can wreak havoc on the body. Junk food congests the liver and causes digestive problems, which can lead to a throbbing headache. Headaches sometimes indicate indigestion, but if you have severe pain accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting, it’s probably a migraine.

When you're sick and congested, especially with sinusitis, you can expect to feel acute pressure. Pain, localized to the forehead, behind the eyes and jaw, will only disappear once you get better.

If not of these causes seem to fit, it's important to note that recurrent, bothersome headaches and headache patterns should be discussed with your doctor. Start by keeping a journal, noting:

• The time you wake up with a headache.
• The intensity of the pain on a scale of one to 10.
• The duration of the headache.
• What you ate.
• Your level of stress on a scale of one to 10.
• Any methods you used to relieve the pain (rest, shower, cold compresses, analgesics, temple or neck massages etc.).

Keeping notes will provide you with valuable information. Sharing this information with your doctor or specialist to will help them make a diagnosis.