Think insomnia is causing your chronic tension headaches? Think again. According to researchers working with the Center for Sleep Evaluation in Manchester, NH, frequent migraines, chronic daily headaches, and possibly chronic tension headaches may be to blame for sleeplessness or insomnia.

Studies suggest that headaches are a risk factor for insomnia, not the other way around it seems, at least not in all cases. A series of research papers entitled “Chronification of Headaches” suggests that headaches are independent risk factors for insomnia and related sleep disorders. Other independent risk factors for insomnia may include: psychiatric disorders, excessive stress, obesity and medication overuse or addiction.

By better understanding the risk factors for insomnia, you can work to prevent insomnia from becoming a chronic condition. Just remember that not all studies agree that headaches are to blame for sleeplessness. Often patients with migraine headaches for example, report their migraine started while sleeping, suggesting some underlying disorder may be to blame for chronic migraine or severe cluster headaches.

There is evidence suggesting people that sleep less than 6 hours each night may develop more frequent headaches. In this case, the patient suffers a catch-22. You can’t sleep because you have a headache, and your headache may contribute to the development of common sleep disorders including insomnia. What’s an average person to do?

Make sure you visit your doctor or a neurologist to diagnose the type of headache you have. A neurologist is a specialist that focuses on disorders of the brain among other things. A neurologist may discover a relationship between your chronic headache and insomnia. Your doctor will work with you to create goals for treatment that include headache and insomnia prevention. Studies are now taking place to identify potential triggers including mood disorders like clinical depression or primary sleep disorders like Restless Legs Syndrome to help normalize sleep times and assess the affect of short sleep on a patient’s headache threshold.

Now that you know a bit more about headaches and insomnia, what's your opinion? Do you think headaches trigger insomnia, or is it the other way around? Join Our Forum for a frank discussion on headaches and other possible triggers for insomnia. Don't see a post there? Be the first to start a lively conversation... I value your input and look forward to hearing your opinions!

_{Rains, JC. “Chronic headache and potentially modifiable risk factors: screening and behavioral management of sleep disorders” Headache Jan 2008, 48(1):32-9.}