The role of sleep in migraine attacks

Abstract

Migraine attacks may be precipitated by sleep deprivation or excessive sleep and sleep is also associated with relief of migraine attacks. In view of this variable relationship we studied the records of 159 consecutive outpatients of our Headache Unit. In 121 records there was reference to sleep involvement, in 55% by a single form and in 45% by more than one form. When only one form was related, relief was most common (70%). 30% of that group of patients had the migraine attack precipitated by sleep, 24% by deprivation and 6% by sleep excess. When the effects of sleep were multiple, these effects were as expected logically in 65%: "in accordance" group (e.g attack precipitated by sleep deprivation and relieved by sleep onset. In a second group, ("conflicting") where the involvement was not logical, there were three different combinations of sleep involvement, possibly due to more than one pathophysiological mechanism.

Frequency and Pattern of Headache in Medical Residents and Non-Medical Students in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in North India

“…[21][22][23][24][25][26] Previous studies have also linked sleep deprivation to headaches. 27,28 Most of the medical residents undergo self-medication and only a few consult physicians for headache. Some previous studies also show similar facts.…”

Headaches and sleep disorders

“…16 There is a paradoxical relationship, in which sleep deprivation or excess can lead to worsening headaches, but sleep onset can relieve an ongoing migraine. 17 There are a number of shared anatomical sites in the brainstem and the hypothalamus that are active in migraine and sleep. 18,19 A number of studies have looked at the relationship between sleep and headache.…”

Did ‘the Princess on the Pea— Suffer from Fibromyalgia Syndrome?

“…[94][95][96] Yet, the treatment of the sleep disorder alleviates both morning headache and migraine. 97 Futhermore, alpha EEG sleep, as well as sleep related breathing disorders and periodic limb movement disorders, happen in some patients with FMS, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. 87 Also, patients with irritable bowel disorder commonly complain of disturbed sleep and studies have shown that they have increased REM sleep.…”