Oregon Careers in Healthcare

Headaches can be caused by several reasons. Can lack of sleep cause headaches? The answer is a solid yes! Sleep deprivation could trigger headaches and migraines. The relationship between lack of sleep and headaches has been known for many centuries. However, according to experts, too much sleep can also cause headaches.

 

Importance Of Sleep

A good night’s sleep is a great way to energize and revitalize. It is our body’s own way of repairing itself so that our brain and body could function properly. Sleeping is an important habit to prevent headaches and ensure that our health is not compromised. Here are the top 10 reasons why you need to get enough sleep every day:

It maintains a healthy weight

Sleep deprivation could cause you to gain weight that might even lead to obesity. If you are trying to shed some pounds, sleeping should be a crucial part of your program.

You eat fewer calories

It’s been proven that people with complete and enough sleep tend to eat fewer calories. Thus, preventing them to become overweight.

Better concentration and productivity

A night of good sleep allows us to have the energy we need to stay focused and productive. It helps us to perfectly accomplish our daily tasks and responsibilities.

Improved athletic performance

Athletes don’t only need to train and practice, they also need to stay healthy in all aspects. Their performance is greatly affected if they do not have enough sleep.

Risk of heart disease and stroke

Sleep deprivation can pose many health risks, including heart disease and stroke. That is why it is imperative for us to get complete sleep every single day.

Reduces the risk of diabetes

Studies reveal that being deprived for at least six consecutive days puts an individual at risk of type 2 diabetes.

Prevents depression

Depression could be due to several reasons, but sleep deprivation could put you at greater risk of it as well.

Improved immunity

Sleeping soundly at night lets our bodies repair themselves and heal. Another good thing about it is that it improves our brain functions and immune system as well.

Risk of inflammation

Incomplete sleep damages the cells in our body, which in the end, leads to inflammation.

Effects on social and emotional skills

People who have incomplete sleep are having a hard time recognizing the emotions of other people. Thus, resulting in miscommunication which affects their social skills.

Lack of sleep could cause two types of headaches, migraine, and tension-type headache.

 

Tension-type Headache Vs. Migraine

If we are going to compare, migraines are the worst kind of headaches. These typically occur chronically and causes unbearable pain in the head, some of its symptoms include:

• pain on the one side of the head
• headache that lasts for days
• sounds sensitivity
• nausea
• vomiting

Dr Anton van Heerden says that migraines can also trigger light sensitivity that has nothing to do with vision problems.

On the other hand, a tension-type headache is a mild pain over the head and is not affected by lights and sounds at all.

 

Required Hours Of Sleep

Each of us is required to sleep for a specific period of time. Experts have made a list of how many hours of sleep we need according to age:

• 1 to 2 months – 14 to 17 hrs.
• 4 to 11 months – 12 to 15 hrs.
• 1 to 2 years of age – 11 to 14 hrs.
• 3 to 5 years of age – 10 to 13 hrs.
• 6 to 13 years of age – 9 to 11 hrs.
• 14 to 17 years of age – 8 to 10 hrs.
• adults 18 to 64 years old – 7 to 9 hrs.
• 65 and above – 7 to 8 hrs.

 

Other Effects Of Lack Of Sleep

Apart from headaches, sleep deprivation could also cause the following negative effects:

• Shortage of alertness. Losing at least an hour or two of sleep has a huge impact on how alert you could be for the day.
• Daytime sleepiness. One of the worst effects of lack of sleep is feeling sleepy while you’re at work with multiple tasks to finish.
• Weakened memory. Sleep deprivation affects your thinking and comprehension skills, as well as your ability to remember.
• Moodiness. Most people without sleep are irritable and moody at the same time.
• Relationship conflicts. Due to their irritability, their relationship with friends and family is affected as well.
• Low quality of living. Because you are sleep deprived, you will most likely feel tired all the time, causing you to not engage in socialization events.
• Risk of accidents. Did you know that most car accidents are due to sleepiness? Not sleeping well does not only cause headaches but affects your ability to function properly as well.

 

Sleep Well And Avoid Headaches

If you are having trouble sleeping, there are some ways for you to make things better. For a healthier lifestyle and better sleep experience, check out the tips below:

• Make your bedroom cozy and comfortable to sleep in.
• Exercise regularly but avoid doing it before bedtime. It’s better to exercise in the morning or at least 4 hours before sleeping.
• Do not eat too much at night. Overeating before bedtime could cause indigestion that might affect your quality of sleep.
• Follow your sleep schedule. This is so your body c get used to the routine. It will be easier for you to sleep and wake up if you do it on a regular basis.
• Get enough light during the daytime. Doing this will practice your body to know when its day time and when its night time.
• Avoid caffeine or energy drinks 4 hours before going to bed. These beverages can disrupt your sleep and might even keep you up at night.
• Create a nightly routine. Do your skincare routine 1 hr before going to bed, drink a cup of warm milk, meditate, or read a book.
• Put gadgets like phones and tablets far from your bed.