What triggers morning migraines?
Latest research and medications
Morning migraines can be triggered by various factors, with early morning being the most common time for migraine headaches to occur.
Some of the triggers include:
Sleep Problems: Issues such as lack of sleep, too much sleep, poor quality sleep (due to sleep apnea, teeth grinding, or snoring), irregular sleep patterns (like shift work), and jet lag can contribute to morning migraines
Dehydration: Waking up dehydrated can also trigger migraines in some individuals, with up to one-third of people citing dehydration as a trigger
Medication, Alcohol, and Caffeine Use: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, alcohol consumption before bed (especially wine), and caffeine withdrawal after several hours without caffeine can lead to morning migraines
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as the body producing more epinephrine in the early morning, can contribute to migraine attacks. Changes in estrogen levels before or during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can also trigger migraines
Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Mental health issues like stress and anxiety can affect sleep patterns and increase stress levels, which are known migraine triggers
Other Triggers: Various other factors like certain foods (e.g., aged cheeses), weather changes, bright lights, strong smells, loud noises, intense physical activity, and some medications can also lead to migraines at any time of day
Research indicates a strong relationship between sleep disturbances and migraines. Sleep problems like insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, restless-leg syndrome, and circadian rhythm-related disorders are associated with migraine type and severity
Additionally, disturbances or changes in sleep rhythms are frequently cited as migraine triggers that can lead to full migraine attacks
Understanding these triggers is crucial for managing morning migraines effectively. Individuals experiencing regular or severe migraines should consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment options tailored to their specific needs
Implementing preventive strategies like maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, staying hydrated, managing stress levels, and avoiding known triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of morning migraines
The latest treatments for morning migraines
The treatment of morning migraines involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and preventive strategies. Recent advancements in migraine treatment have introduced new drugs and delivery systems that offer improved efficacy and fewer side effects compared to older medications
Medications:
Over-the-counter (OTC) Medications: Pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin can help manage mild migraines
Prescription Medications: Triptans (e.g., sumatriptan), dihydroergotamines, anti-seizure medications, tricyclic antidepressants, and Botox injections are prescribed for more severe migraines
New Acute Drugs: Drugs like lasmiditan (Reyvow) and small molecule CGRP antagonists such as rimegepant (Nurtec) and ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) are newer options for acute migraine treatment
Devices:
Neuromodulation Devices: Devices that use electrical stimulation to affect the nervous system show promise in treating migraines
SPG Stimulation: This device stimulates nerve cells in the cheek bone and has shown promise in treating migraine head pain
New Drug Approvals:
Rimegepant: Rimegepant, an oral treatment that blocks CGRP, has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) for preventing and treating migraines in England
Self-care Tips
Identifying and avoiding triggers.
Practicing good sleep hygiene.
Staying hydrated.
Regular exercise.
Stress management techniques like yoga or meditation
Complementary Therapies:
Some complementary therapies and supplements may help prevent migraine symptoms. Discuss these options with a healthcare provider
It is essential for individuals experiencing morning migraines to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs. Implementing a combination of these treatments along with lifestyle modifications can help reduce the frequency and severity of morning migraines effectively.
Sources:
Waking up with a migraine: Causes, treatments, and prevention (medicalnewstoday.com)
