Of late, you are noticing that you have a headache every morning as you get out of bed. Sometimes the pain is so severe that you feel reluctant even to lift your head. When you go to bed you don't seem to have any signs that you may be a victim of headache, but in the morning, you notice that you have a pounding headache. So what may be the reason for experiencing this distressing condition. There can be several reasons for experiencing episodes of morning headaches, which may range from being mild to intense. There are a number of contributing factors for waking up with a headache each morning. Some of them may be temporary or caused due to some habitual practices, while some of them may be of a serious nature, which may require treatment. There are also a few others who may suffer from self-inflicted headaches, caused due to late night binge drinking, or staying awake for most part of the night. Here are some of the causes which may give rise to headaches in the morning. ❖ Disturbances in the sleep pattern is one of the most common causative factors for waking up with a headache every morning. Owing to stress and a fast lifestyle, many people go to bed quite late and wake up early, which deprives the body of its eight hour sleep. Restless and inadequate sleep can cause the muscles to become tense and cause a headache. The body may also suffer from fatigue. ❖ Another common cause for suffering from headache after waking up is dehydration. The muscles need ample water to perform their function without any hassles. Dehydrating the body can take its toll, and apart from headache, it may also suffer from other problems. ❖ Some individuals unconsciously have the habit of grinding their teeth in sleep. The constant grinding of teeth may lead to tension in the jaw muscles, which may also radiate towards the head, neck, and shoulders. This pulling or stretching of muscles due to continuous activity in the mouth can extend and be one of the causes of morning headaches. ❖ Sinusitis is also one of the contributing factors for morning headaches. Caused due to bacterial infestation in the sinus cavities, this disorder can become intense if there is a lapse in treatment. Migraine headaches are one of effects of suffering from sinus infection, and this headache may begin from one side of the head and radiate to another part. At times, migraine can be unbearable such that the person is unable to even lift his head or focus clearly. ❖ There are also a few individuals who may suffer from restless legs syndrome, which is a kind of sleep disorder. In this condition, the person may always feel that something is crawling up his legs, or have a feeling of strange sensation. This feeling tends to make such individuals move their legs throughout the night, to ward off the sensation, resulting in disturbed sleep. ❖ Sleep apnea is a condition where the breathing is disrupted during slumber and the brain alerts the person about the insufficiency of air in the lungs. This causes the person to wake up at any point of time in the night to start breathing again and the person normally ends up waking in the morning with a headache. ❖ Blood pressure and diabetes can cause headache after waking up in the morning. The blood vessels become dilated in this condition and increase the pressure of blood flow. This increased pressure can cause the muscles to pull and become tense, resulting in headache in the morning, or any point of time during the day and night. ❖ Jolted out of sleep due to nightmares, suffering from depression, anxiety, and stress are also some of the reasons why some individuals complain of headaches the first thing they wake up in the morning. These factors contribute to lack of sufficient sleep and much-required rest. Distracting noises like a snoring partner can also prevent the person from getting proper sleep which may lead to this condition. Certain drugs and medications also disturb the sleep pattern and cause headache as one of the side effects. ✛ Suffering from a headache, especially in the mornings is the last thing one would expect. Whatever be the reason, it is essential to get rid of this issue to have a healthy disease-free life. Here are some helpful suggestions that may help you fight this problem, and ensure that you have a much-deserved full night's rest. ✛ Make it a point to hit the sack at the correct time (according to research, your body needs approximately 8 hours of sleep) so that the body gets much-needed rest, and you wake up feeling fresh and energetic sans a headache. ✛ If you are suffering from sleep apnea, grinding teeth, or any other sleep disorders, consult a healthcare provider who may diagnose the exact condition and administer appropriate treatment. For teeth grinding, the dentist may provide you with a night guard to prevent the tensing of jaw muscles. ✛ Practicing yoga and meditation to calm the nerves is another effective remedy suggested by doctors worldwide. This will help you focus and relax so that you get proper sleep at night. ✛ There are also a few medications that help induce sleep. But these must be taken only under the guidance of a medical practitioner. Since morning headaches can be due to a number of factors, it is essential to analyze the cause and seek medical attention if needed.