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Published on: 11/14/2025

Can sleep apnea cause morning headaches?

Yes, sleep apnea can cause morning headaches. This happens because breathing problems during sleep can reduce oxygen levels and increase carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

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Explanation

Morning headaches are a common symptom for people with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep, which can lead to lower oxygen levels and higher carbon dioxide levels in the blood. These changes can cause the blood vessels in the head to widen, leading to headaches when you wake up.

Here are some key points:

  • Sleep Apnea Effects: Sleep apnea disrupts normal breathing patterns, which can affect how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood.
  • Headache Cause: The imbalance in oxygen and carbon dioxide can cause blood vessels in the head to change, leading to morning headaches.
  • Common Symptom: Morning headaches are often reported by people with sleep apnea, and improving sleep apnea symptoms can help reduce these headaches.

If you think you have sleep apnea, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider who can help diagnose and manage the condition. Proper treatment can improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms like morning headaches.

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