Why do I often have a headache when I wake up and how can I prevent it?

Various factors can cause someone to often wake up with headaches. Here are some examples and what can be done to help:

1. Migraines: Migraine headaches often feel like throbbing and pulsating on one side of the head. Stress and other factors can trigger migraine headaches, so avoiding these triggers can help prevent these headaches. More information about migraines (including migraine triggers) is available at https://familydoctor.org/condition/migraine/.
2. Cluster Headaches: Cluster headaches tend to happen at night. Alcohol and smoking tobacco are some triggers of cluster headaches. More information about cluster headaches and other headaches is available at: https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders/headache.
3. Heavy alcohol use: Heavy alcohol use in the evening can result in a headache the following morning. Decreasing alcohol intake can prevent these type of headaches.
4. Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea or insomnia can cause people to have headaches when they wake up. More information about obstructive sleep apnea (a cause of breathing starting and stopping during sleep) is available at https://familydoctor.org/condition/sleep-apnea/, while more information about insomnia (when it's hard to fall asleep or stay asleep) can be found at https://familydoctor.org/condition/insomnia/. Both these websites have information on how these health conditions can be treated to reduce symptoms.

A healthcare provider can provide a personalized medical assessment and treatment plan for your symptoms.