Why can't I fall asleep during my lunch break and why do I get a headache in the afternoon? What should I do?

Jun 06, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Inability to sleep during the noon break and experiencing headaches in the afternoon may be caused by physiological factors, or pathological conditions such as migraines or cervical spondylosis; targeted treatment depends on the specific underlying cause. Besides these relatively common reasons, other possible causes include neurasthenia, hypertension, and cerebral hemorrhage. If any discomfort symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and timely treatment to avoid delaying the condition.

Afternoon headaches following difficulty sleeping during lunch break may be caused by physiological factors, or by pathological conditions such as migraines or cervical spondylosis. Treatment should be targeted according to the specific cause. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

If a patient has recently experienced high stress levels, they may feel no urge to sleep during午休 (lunch break). Without sufficient rest, the brain may become fatigued, leading to headaches. This is considered a normal physiological response and symptoms usually subside once the triggering factors are removed.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Migraine

Migraine is a common type of primary headache. High psychological stress or excessive mental exertion during work hours may trigger migraine attacks in the afternoon, causing the aforementioned symptoms. Additional discomforts such as nausea and vomiting may also occur.

3. Cervical Spondylosis

In individuals with pre-existing cervical spondylosis, failure to maintain proper posture during work may lead to worsening symptoms in the afternoon, accompanied by headaches and dizziness. Symptoms can be relieved through massage or traction therapy.

Besides the above relatively common causes, other potential reasons include neurasthenia, hypertension, cerebral hemorrhage, etc. If any discomfort occurs, it is important to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment to avoid delays in diagnosis and management.