What causes a headache after waking up from a nap?
Apr 20, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Headaches upon waking from a nap are usually caused by improper sleeping posture, getting cold, cervical spondylosis, or similar factors. They commonly occur when the pillow is too high or too low, leading to an abnormal physiological curvature of the cervical spine, which may result in cerebral hypoxia or insufficient blood supply to the brain. This causes headaches after napping, but such cases generally do not require excessive concern.
Generally, headaches upon waking from a nap are usually caused by improper sleeping posture, getting chilled, or cervical spondylosis. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Improper sleeping posture
This commonly occurs when the pillow is too high or too low, leading to abnormal physiological curvature of the cervical spine. This may result in cerebral hypoxia or insufficient blood supply to the brain, causing headaches after napping. This condition typically does not require excessive concern.
2. Getting chilled
If adequate warmth is not maintained during a nap—for instance, forgetting to close a window—exposure to wind on the head and body may cause the body to get cold or catch a cold, resulting in symptoms such as headache and dizziness. Drinking warm water and keeping warm can help alleviate these symptoms.
3. Cervical spondylosis
During napping, compression of neck arteries due to poor neck positioning may impair blood circulation, leading to symptoms like dizziness and mental fogginess upon waking. Patients can relieve discomfort by local massage to improve blood flow.
Besides the above factors, conditions such as tension headaches may also be involved. If the cause remains unclear, patients should visit a hospital for examination to identify the underlying reason and receive appropriate further treatment.
