What might cause headaches and shivering at night and how can this be addressed?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Nighttime headaches and shivering are often linked to issues with the body's temperature regulation or underlying infections such as ehrlichiosis, the flu, or other viral illnesses. Other possible causes include fever, hormonal changes, low blood sugar, anxiety, or medication side effects. Because these symptoms can point to several different conditions, identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment.

If you're experiencing headaches and shivering at night, don't guess or wait for symptoms to worsen. A quick, guided assessment can help you understand what may be behind your symptoms and what to do next. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights and clear guidance on your next steps—no signup required.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Headaches and shivering at night can be uncomfortable and may be caused by different health issues. One possible cause is a problem with how the body controls its temperature, known as thermoregulatory disorders. These can make it hard for the body to stay at the right temperature, leading to symptoms like shivering.

Another possible cause is an infection such as systemic ehrlichiosis. This is a type of infection that can cause symptoms like fever and chills. To better understand what might be causing your symptoms, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights before seeing a doctor.

Sometimes, fever related to liver problems, like cirrhosis, can also cause shivering and headaches. Each of these conditions needs different treatments, so it's crucial to get medical advice to address the specific cause of your symptoms.

(References)

Cheshire WP Jr. (2016). Thermoregulatory disorders and illness related to heat and .... Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical, 26794588.
Friedman AD, Daniel GK, & Qureshi WA. (1997). Systemic ehrlichiosis presenting as progressive .... Southern medical journal, 9191748.
Bretholz A. (1979). [Fever and liver cirrhosis]. Schweizerische medizinische Wochenschrift, 223238.

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