You may have already read our page about TMJ headaches and migraines. Still, we want to share more information about what many patients experience regularly: morning headaches. If you suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), you may experience morning headaches, and no one wants to start their day with a headache.

Please know there can be an end to your morning headaches. Dr. Wanda Mejia, a Westchester, NY, sleep apnea dentist, can evaluate your sleep study and design a treatment plan that addresses your morning headaches and any other symptoms you’re experiencing. Symptoms can vary widely among patients. Dr. Mejia’s many years of education, training, and experience make her the perfect choice to treat those morning headaches that have plagued you for months, years, or even decades.

Sleep Apnea Morning Headaches

We want to stress immediately that not all morning headache sufferers have sleep apnea. Still, Dr. Mejia can evaluate you and figure out if OSA is the cause of your morning headaches. Morning headaches are one of the most common symptoms of OSA; other symptoms include:

  • Choking/gasping for air during sleep
  • Snoring
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Lack of concentration
  • Memory problems
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings

Waking up with a headache and dealing with any of the above symptoms may be a sure sign you have OSA, but the good news is that it’s treatable. You can enjoy a regular night’s sleep with proper sleep apnea treatment in Westchester, NY.

Morning Headaches/OSA/TMJ Connection

Dr. Mejia will also explain that morning headaches may occur if you have TMJ/TMD. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder is a complex but common condition resulting from improper jaw alignment. The ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding the TMJs are overworked and overstressed and unable to keep your jaw in its proper position. TMJ is an issue that people with sleep apnea often experience.

Thankfully, Dr. Mejia is trained, educated, and experienced to treat TMJ and sleep apnea. By putting your jaw in its optimal position with non-invasive treatments, you will no longer grind and clench at night—a condition known as bruxism that causes morning headaches.

Other Causes of Morning Headaches

If you don’t have sleep apnea or TMJ, Dr. Mejia may encourage you to explore other causes of your morning headaches:

  • Hypertension
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Medication side effects

If Dr. Mejia discovers your headaches are not sleep apnea or TMJ-related, she will help you find the necessary care.

Sleep Apnea Treatment for Morning Headaches

Dr. Mejia can immediately begin treatment if you have received an official sleep apnea diagnosis. There are many non-invasive ways to treat sleep apnea, requiring no medications. Surgery is always a last resort and only a small percentage of people with sleep apnea will ever require surgery. Sleep apnea treatment may involve:

  • Simple lifestyle changes
  • Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)
  • CPAP (Continue Positive Airway Pressure)
  • Oral surgery to correct malformed teeth and jaw bones (only in rare cases)

Treatment Options: OAT vs. CPAP

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) involves wearing a custom-fitted dental device that keeps your airway open during sleep. On the other hand, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that provides a constant stream of air to keep your airway open. While CPAP has been the gold standard for years, many patients find OAT more comfortable.

After a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Mejia will only know what’s best for you. She will review her findings with you, explain various treatment options, and sit with you to devise the perfect plan to relieve you of your morning headaches and other symptoms associated with sleep apnea or TMJ.

Change Your Life by Eliminating Morning Headaches

We want you to know that Dr. Mejia fully understands the odd array of symptoms you’re suffering, and if you’ve been to a medical doctor and are still suffering, please give Dr. Mejia a chance to show you how sleep apnea dentists are changing lives with highly effective treatment.

Sleep should not be a luxury. Sleep should be a natural, easy, comfortable part of your life. Let Dr. Mejia treat your condition so you can regain your life and thrive. Take the time and schedule a new patient appointment. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your symptoms will subside. The fantastic Westchester TMJ & Sleep team looks forward to meeting you and showing you that good sleep with no morning headaches is possible.

Dr. Mejia Wants You to Ask Yourself These Questions

  • Have you suffered from morning headaches long enough?
  • Have you forgotten what it feels like to wake up feeling great?
  • Are you tired of explaining why you’re not feeling well to family and colleagues?
  • Has sound, restful sleep eluded you for years or decades?
  • Has your partner kicked you to the couch for snoring?
  • Are you tired every morning upon waking?
  • Are you irritable during the day and have trouble focusing on your work?

If you answered yes to these questions, you’re not alone; help is available.

Take the Next Step: Schedule Your Appointment for Morning Headache and Sleep Apnea Treatment Today

If you’re experiencing morning headaches and other symptoms associated with OSA or TMJ, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Dr. Wanda Mejia is a board-certified sleep apnea dentist with years of experience treating these conditions. Call Westchester TMJ & Sleep at (914) 594-6854 or complete our online contact form to take the first step towards better sleep and a healthier life.