If you suffer from chronic migraines, you might be suffering from a sleep disorder. Dr. Richard Bogan and Dr. Laura Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants of Columbia, SC explain the connection in this guide.

Sleep Disorders and Migraines

Though they might seem unrelated, the truth is that migraines and your quality of sleep go hand-in-hand. People with chronic migraines report having more sleep difficulties than those who don’t suffer from them. And people with sleep disorders tend to deal with migraines more often than those who achieve quality sleep. What exactly is the connection? Dr. Bogan and Dr. Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC share the answer below.

Migraines and Sleep Disorders

Even when you are asleep, your brain is still hard at work. It releases chemicals, such as melatonin, that are intended to fluctuate according you your circadian rhythm. The nerves are also hard at work carrying signals between the brain and body to ensure everything is doing what it’s supposed to do.

Both these chemicals and these signals are operating as if you are asleep – as you are supposed to be. What happens, though, if a sleep disorder causes you to wake up or never allows you to reach deep sleep? In short, it can throw off the proper production of the chemicals and mix up the messages sent by the nerves.

Additionally, reaching REM sleep is critical for our health and recovery. It can even increase our tolerance to pain. Studies have shown that never achieving REM sleep or not staying there long enough does the opposite – it increases our pain sensitivity. In short, not achieving restorative, restful sleep can increase the likelihood of experiencing headache pain.

How To Prevent Migraine Pain

If sleep issues are the cause of your migraine pain, addressing those issues is key. This should include a visit to a sleep specialist for a proper diagnosis, as well as implementing the following strategies:

  • Avoid caffeine for at least eight hours before bed.
  • Stay off your phone for at least one hour before bed.
  • Keep a consistent sleep routine.
  • Keep your room cool and dark while sleeping.
  • Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillow.
  • Try yoga or other relaxation techniques before bed.

Learn more about improving your sleep to prevent migraines by visiting Dr. Bogan and Dr. Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC. Call (803) 251-3093 to schedule an appointment today.