Morning headaches, which are defined by occurrence upon or shortly after waking up in the morning, range from mild discomfort to severe pain and significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Although morning headaches are a prevalent and potentially debilitating condition, the criteria for defining these headaches vary. The lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria complicates understanding their etiology, associated factors, and potential interventions. The causes of morning headaches are multifaceted, including primary headache disorders like migraines and cluster headaches, and secondary causes such as sleep disorders, hypertension, abnormal intracranial pressure, and brain parenchymal diseases. Psychological factors, including anxiety and depression, as well as substance use, further complicate the clinical presentation, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach for effective diagnosis and treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of morning headaches, examining their various aspects and possible treatment options, with the goal of enhancing clinicians’ understanding and management of this common yet often overlooked condition.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Looking into the Night: The Clinical Significance of Morning Headache Soo-Kyoung Kim Headache and Pain Research.2026; 27(2): 73. CrossRef
Comments on “Morning Headaches: An In-Depth Review of Causes, Associated Disorders, and Management Strategies” Seong Taek Kim Headache and Pain Research.2026; 27(2): 165. CrossRef
Sleep Bruxism as a Contributing Factor to Morning Headache: A Response to Recent Commentary Yooha Hong, Hee-Jin Im Headache and Pain Research.2026; 27(2): 167. CrossRef