Ever experienced a headache after completing a nap?
Headache after a nap is generally nothing to worry about.
Although, taking naps have been found to increase productivity, creativity, accuracy, etc. Yet, sometimes that doesn’t happen. It’s quite possible that you wake up from a nap with a headache that spoils the rest of the day.
Experts say a headache after a nap is nothing to worry about. There could be various reasons that could lead to that annoying headache. Let’s discover some of the underlying causes of headaches after a nap.
Dehydration
Our body requires a sufficient amount of water in order to work properly. Electrolytes such as potassium & sodium present in water help to regulate different body functions.
Our body loses water everyday in the form of urine and sweat. With that it also loses essential electrolytes, making our body dehydrated.
Dehydration can lead to many health problems and it’s highly connected with triggering headaches. So if you wake up and feel lightheaded or have a headache, chances are, the water level of your body needs to be replenished.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Bruxism is the grinding of teeth, often during sleep. Excess of sugar in diet and sleep apnea are said to be the major causes of tooth grinding.
Grinding or clenching teeth can put extreme pressure on your gums which may result in severe toothache or headache when you wake up.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure generally isn’t accompanied by headaches. However, high blood pressure around 180/120 or above can lead to severe headaches.
Headache due to high blood pressure is always a critical condition, especially for pregnant women. If a blood pressure of 180/120 or above remains, you must see a doctor as soon as possible.
Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene has nothing to do with how clean you are. Instead, it stands for the habits around healthy sleeping. Poor sleep hygiene is the lead cause of headaches after a nap.
Be aware of the pillow you are using to sleep. As it could place your head and neck in uncomfortable positions, leading to tension & strain in muscles, resulting in a headache.
Breathing problems & snoring
Snoring could be a potential symptom of any breathing problem. This can lead to interference with sleep and cause headaches.
Snoring could be a symptom of sleep apnea. Which additionally have the following symptoms:
- Insomnia
- Sleepiness at daytime
- Pause in breathing while asleep
- Night sweats
How to treat headaches after a nap
Treating a post-nap headache depends on the underlying cause of the pain. Understanding the root cause is necessary to treat it appropriately and successfully.
Though issues like Bruxism can be treated using a mouth guard, problems like sleep apnea require a lifestyle change, medications & therapies.
Few ways to reduce headaches after a nap:
- Reduce Caffeine intake
- Limit daytime naps
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Drink an adequate amount of water
- Exercise daily
- Develop relaxing routine
Conclusion
If the simple tips mentioned above do not help & you are facing issues like sleep apnea & bruxism, you must see a doctor. A doctor can examine you to identify the underlying cause & determine whether you should be referred to a specialist or not.