How To Sleep With A Migraine

Migraines are extremely common in the UK and the third most common disease in the world. They’re notoriously frustrating, often stopping us from getting on with our day and keeping us awake in the middle of the night.

Not only do migraines cause severe throbbing pain, they can also cause other symptoms including light sensitivity, changes in vision and nausea.

Without a good night’s sleep, a migraine can worsen as you become fatigued whilst trying to fight off the pain.

That’s why TEMPUR® are giving you a rundown of what a migraine is, why they happen and how you can get a better night’s sleep when dealing with the discomfort…

What is a Migraine?

A migraine is commonly defined as a headache with sensory disturbance. Whilst migraines are generally on one side of the head, symptoms tend to vary from person to person.

Here are some of the most frequently reported symptoms of migraines:

• Severe / unbearable headache
• Sensitivity to light, sound and smells
• Changes in vision
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Numbness, dizziness or vertigo
• Speech and hearing disruption

Migraines are categorised into ‘with aura’ and ‘without aura’, aura referring to neurological symptoms. Migraines with aura often affect the sufferer before the headache starts with these neurological disturbances.

What Causes a Migraine?

The cause of migraines is not definitively known, but there are many associated factors that have a correlation with them. It’s thought that there are connections between genetics and migraines, suggesting a hereditary link.

It’s also likely that the causes of a migraine are personal to the individual.

Common migraine triggers can include the following:

• Hunger
• Over-exercising
• Stress
• Alcohol consumption
• The environment
• Hormonal changes in women
• A lack of sleep…

How do You Sleep with a Migraine?

With currently no cure, many of us turn to sleep for migraine relief. It’s been reported that just two to three hours of sleep can rid some people of a migraine all together.

For the majority of us, lying still is our only option as movement can worsen the symptoms of a migraine. Therefore, investing in a decent TEMPUR® mattress could make all the difference, especially with the contour mattress which moulds to your body. Most migraines can last anywhere between 4 and 72 hours, so make sure you’re comfortable!

Additional Sleeping Tips for Migraines Include:

• Maintaining a regular sleep cycle by going to bed and waking up at the same time
• Make your sleeping environment dark, at a comfortable temperature, and peaceful
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol if trying to sleep with or without a migraine
• Turn off your phone - when migraines make you sensitive to light and sound, the last thing you need is a glowing, buzzing distraction machine next to your bed!

For many of us, sleeping can be difficult at the best of times, but when a migraine strikes it’s even more important for us to hit the hay.

If you’re having continuous trouble with migraines or your sleep, it may be advisable to see a doctor to get some further advice.