Our Services
Medical Information
Helpful Resources
Published on: 7/21/2026
Can lack of sleep trigger or worsen migraines?
Sleep deprivation is a well-known migraine trigger. Not getting enough sleep can both cause migraines and make existing ones more severe or frequent.
How Sleep Loss Triggers Migraines:
- Disrupts brain chemicals that regulate pain
- Increases stress hormones like cortisol
- Lowers the brain's threshold for pain
- Interferes with the body's natural recovery processes
Key Facts:
- Both too little and too much sleep can trigger migraines
- Irregular sleep schedules are especially problematic
- Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly
- Maintaining a consistent sleep routine may reduce migraine frequency
If you're experiencing migraines and suspect sleep or another factor may be involved, pinpointing the cause is the critical first step toward relief. Guessing can prolong your discomfort and delay effective treatment. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights about your symptoms and clear guidance on what to do next—it takes just a few minutes and could save you weeks of uncertainty.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026
Important Next Steps
Not seeing your question? No worries.
Submit your own QuestionExplanation
Research shows that sleep and migraines are closely linked. When you don't get enough sleep, it can cause changes in your brain that might lead to migraines.
How Sleep Affects Migraines:
- Brain Changes: Lack of sleep can change how your brain works, making it easier for a migraine to start.
- Migraine Triggers: Not sleeping well can be a trigger for migraines, just like certain foods or stress.
- Sleep Disorders: People with sleep problems often have more migraines.
What You Can Do:
- Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Make your bedroom a quiet and dark place.
- Avoid screens like phones or TVs before bed.
If you're experiencing symptoms that concern you, take our free symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine if you should speak with a healthcare provider. They can help you find ways to improve your sleep and manage migraines.
(References)
Lillo Vizin RC, Kopruszinski CM, Redman PM, Ito H, Rau J, Dodick DW, et al. (2024). Unraveling the directional relationship of sleep and migraine .... Brain communications, 38444905.
Wang S, Ma L, Wang S, Duan C, Wang X, Bian X, et al. (2025). Effects of acute sleep deprivation on the brain function .... The journal of headache and pain, 40155843.
Tiseo C, Vacca A, Felbush A, Filimonova T, Gai A, Glazyrina T, et al. (2020). Migraine and sleep disorders: a systematic review. The journal of headache and pain, 33109076.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.