Table of contents:
- Causes of headaches when you wake up from a nap
- 1. Respiratory problems
- 2. Wrong position or type of pillow
- 3. Bruxism
- 4. You are still sleep deprived
- How to deal with headaches due to naps
Usually someone will take a nap when they feel tired and need a short break. However, some people do not feel refreshed, but feel dizzy and have headaches when they wake up from a nap. There are several causes for headaches after a nap. According to the National Sleep Foundation, people who have sleep disorders are 8 times more likely to experience headaches after waking up in the afternoon. Are you one of them?
Causes of headaches when you wake up from a nap
1. Respiratory problems
Respiratory problems characterized by snoring can disrupt sleep and also cause headaches when you wake up from a nap. Snoring can also be a sign obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the back of the throat muscles relax, the respiratory tract narrows and closes during breathing. This can reduce oxygen levels in the body.
This condition is realized by the brain so that it can wake people from sleep to reopen the respiratory tract. Usually you only wake up briefly, then go straight to sleep again without realizing it.
Apart from snoring, other respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis, emphysema, and other lung diseases can interfere with the quality of your naps and cause headaches.
2. Wrong position or type of pillow
Improper use of pillows can be one of the causes of headaches after napping. Pillows that are too hard, for example or put a pillow that doesn't fit properly can make the neck muscles tighten so that they feel achy and sore, which can lead to headaches.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends using pillows that can hold your head and neck in a comfortable position. If you have to take a nap en route, bring a special travel pillow such as a neck pillow.
3. Bruxism
Bruxism or grinding your teeth during sleep usually goes unnoticed. This condition is often the cause of headaches after napping. People who grind their teeth while sleeping usually have other sleep disorders, such as snoring and sleep apnea. People who have bruxism are severe and can often cause the cheek, chin, and temple muscles to pull more than usual, causing headaches when you wake up.
4. You are still sleep deprived
In addition to the three causes above, not getting enough sleep can also cause headaches when you wake up from a nap. This is because a lack of sleep at night cannot be replaced with a nap, while your body really needs to get enough rest.
How to deal with headaches due to naps
Overcoming headaches after a nap depends on the cause. Bruxism, for example, can be overcome by wearing a mouth guard and meditation and yoga if the cause of grinding your teeth during sleep is stress. In addition, breathing problems such as sleep apnea and other lung diseases can be overcome by adopting a healthy lifestyle and taking proper medication from a doctor.
Using comfortable pillows and mattresses can also help you sleep better, reducing the risk of headaches. Don't forget, the right sleeping position also helps keep you sound and fresh when you wake up.
In addition, try not to sleep too long. Just sleep for 10-30 minutes you can feel the benefits of taking a nap. The longer you nap, the more likely you are to have headaches and difficulty sleeping at night.
It's good to sleep around 2 in the afternoon. At this time you will usually experience drowsiness after a full stomach at lunchtime. In addition, sleeping at these times is less likely to interfere with sleeping time at night.
