What is a hypnic headache?
A hypnic headache is a headache that occurs during sleep. The patient is awakened by a dull or shooting pain. This type of headache is also called an alarm clock headache because the discomfort wakes the person up at the same time every night.
Hypnic headaches differ from other types of headaches in that they occur only at night. Hypnic headaches occur on both sides of the head, sometimes in just one area. They can last from 15 minutes to 4 hours. Most patients have a hypnic headache for 90 minutes.
The following symptoms are expected:
- Nausea;
- Increased sensitivity to light and noise;
- Tearing, nasal discharge;
- Drooping eyelid.
The condition can occur at any age, but is especially common in people over 50. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition.
Scientists are not sure what exactly causes hypnic headaches; possible causes include hypothalamic and melatonin activity.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/hypnic-headache
