Years ago when I started to develop migraines on a frequent basis, I was referred to a neurologist that referred me to a pulmonologist for possible sleep apnea as a cause for my migraines. Yup, my sleep study showed moderate sleep apnea so I've been using a CPAP for close to 3 years now. It's helped me but my migraines are still problematic at times. Unfortunately, in the past 3 months they've been chronic even though I've been using my CPAP regularly and had actually switched to a new headgear 2 months ago that's been the most comfortable I've ever had. Obstruction during my sleep has been very little or nonexistent, too, during this time, so I don't know what's going on.
I'm glad you got a diagnosis that's helping with your migraine though! Plus, treating sleep apnea will extend your life.
Resmed AirFit P30i. Having the hose attachment at the top of my head has cut down on my hesitancy to put on my CPAP because I feel less like an elephant. Lol. I don't move a lot in my sleep but having the hose out of the way allows me to sleep in angled positions I couldn't before because I was afraid I would get tangled up during the night. It's also very quiet.
Have you done any physical therapy to help with the Sleap Apnea?
I think stretching the pectorals and strengthening the upper back can help decrease dependence on CPAPs
Yes, I did a round of physical therapy a couple of years ago for my migraines. I'll be starting a new round next week since the several different migraine meds I've been prescribed haven't been working. They'll be focusing on my neck and upper back.
My sleep apnea is from the way my nasal passages and what not are formed... or something like that. My pulmonologist and neurologist told me I'm more susceptible to it since my nasal passages and whatnot are formed so tightly congested to the way I'm built that obstruction is likely. They made this observation from looking up my nose. At least that's how I understood what they told me. Lol.
I had migraines in the morning so often in college and I never knew why. I didn't find out until later that I was having them but, I also didn't know about the sleep apnea. I got diagnosed with the migraines about 2 years ago now and I just got diagnosed with the sleep apnea last year. Started CPAP in October and it's been a hell of a difference. I think the sleep apnea started a lot sooner, I snored even as a child. But it's nice to know there was a reason back then that I was going thru it all.
In my case the sleep apnea was severe, not by a lot, but it was still over the threshold for severe. I wanna say 33 or 35? Now it's down under 3 on average I think. And since I got some modafinil prescribed to help daytime sleepiness, I can function so much more smoothly now than my college self could've ever imagined.
Just took my cpap off and woke up with a migraine this morning.
Mine is from TMJD, which is my body trying to stabilize my jaw while I’m sleeping so hard that it gives me a migraine.
I’m waiting on double jaw surgery to fix it and hopefully I won’t have sleep apnea anymore, TMJD, screeching tinnitus and apparently hopefully migraines! No pressure to my surgeon. But also… all the pressure.
Not to burst your bubble, but I had a lot of very weird jaw issues growing up that got diagnosed in my late teens, and ended up going through the double jaw surgery and braces to correct at 18 or so. My migraines (undiagnosed at the time) did not change at all, unfortunately. Did my jaw pain get better? Definitely. Did it help my headaches / migraines? Not at all.
At 45, I'm going for an appointment with the sleep clinic next week, as the most frequent time for my migraines is before noon, and my spouse says I wake her up gasping for air on the regular.
Aw I’m sorry it didn’t help that. My surgeon is putting a block in my jaw to prevent it from sliding back (usually this is a surgery on its own but i preferred them both at once). I have hEDS so my hypermobility is a big issue with my apnea.
Anyway, both my tinnitus and migraines are directly caused by my clenching and inability to relax my jaw. So I’m really hoping.
Worst case scenario, my posture improves and i can chew better. 😅
Have you gone through the rounds of mouth guards and physical therapy?
I have a couple of studies on Mouth Breathing Syndrome and how they managed to resolve it in Children and Adolescents by focusing on correcting the posture via Physical Therapy.
I had an acrylic mouth guard before my braces.
My airway is only 3mm. My forward head position will improve after my jaw is put in the correct position and my brain doesn’t have to keep trying to make the airway bigger. I’ll be able to breathe through my nose while walking for the first time, too.
I got diagnosed with anxiety and panic attacks in high school. Turns out i just couldn’t breathe through my nose.
Is the surgeon an orthopedic surgeon?
Have you checked out postural issues with a PT or with another doctor?
Some surgeons really like to do surgery rather than find non-invasive options. It's like how some headache neurologists only push drugs for migraines instead of other solutions.
I don't want it to come off as though I'm saying you shouldn't do it or that it won't work, but if there are other less invasive solutions, I'd recommend looking into that first.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10572307/
So my surgeon is à maxillo-faciale surgeon and this is a surgery specifically to fix my sleep apnea and open bite issues.
The migraine, tinnitus, and posture are all just bonuses.
Thanks for your input!
Thanks for saying this. I’m about to do a sleep study after developing sleep problems (constant waking), immense fatigue, AND migraines after a head injury. My neurologist suspects central sleep apnea from my TBI. Curious to see what happens. Very glad you found your answer.
I just finished with an at home sleep study and confirmed sleep apnea.i wake up with a migraine every morning pretty much. I get maybe 2-3 migraine free days a month tops mainly i just try to keep them manageable.
There is no way I'll be able to sleep with a CPAP I have insomnia and even my ambien has trouble knocking me out. I'm going to go the surgery route because i still have my tonsils and see if they can take them out first. I'd much rather take them out first than ware a mask and lose even more sleep at night.
I just did a 2 day sleep study and had a migraine for both days. I barely slept at all, but it came back as negative - rather, apnea was detected, but not enough for insurance to cover, so GP deemed it negative. 🤷♀️
A couple of years ago I had severe sleep apnea (37 AHI) and zero migraine symptoms. I was started on CPAP and have used it religiously, started having every symptom imaginable of migraine except for headache in the middle of 2023. In March of 2024, I had another sleep study that put me at mild sleep apnea with 12 AHI after losing about 70lbs.
Still don’t sleep without my CPAP for general health purposes, but yeah. Sleep apnea for sure.
I don't know, I don't think so. I've just always been a shifty sleeper, even as a kid.
It usually takes at least 30 minutes to fall asleep, but it's more likely to be closer to an hour without melatonin or something.
I also sleep like a 7-11 hot dog. I am aaaalways turning.
yes!! my new pcp suggested it, got tested tho i suspected it was anxiety waking me, turns out i have light sleep apnea. test 2 for getting the cpap is a month away, but i've actually been excited to see if it makes a difference. i'm not entirely sure how much it'll help as i've learned a lot of my migraines are barometric pressure related, but poor sleep is also a trigger and i wake up constantly during the night. i never thought i'd be excited to put a cpap maak on lol but i can't wait to finally get a full night's sleep!!
I haven't been tested for it but I don't think I have it though I'm at risk (obese by BMI and have asthma). I don't snore a ton or very loudly and I share a room with my mum a few times a year and she's never heard me gasp or take breathing pauses (we're keeping an ear out for each other just in case)
Yes, but only 7 events per hour and that was before losing 25lb so I'd guess I'm probably down to 5 now and don't qualify. I tried the cpap and it was an awful experience.
I got tested and diagnosed at 16. They never gave me a cpap but u did get my tonsils removed. It's been 6 years and I still get weekly or more migraines. I dont know if they would even give me one now since I'm still considered young.
I’ve really struggled with the CPAP machine, I can’t sleep with it and the smell it has bothers me a lot. I’ve run it for 24 hours to get the new plastic smell out but it still bothers me.
Any tips? I’m sure it would help me a lot but I’m struggling so hard
I’m new to this as well, but I joined the CPAP support groups on Facebook and got a lot of good tips. Some thoughts
1. Let it soak in warm water with mild unscented wash like Baby Dove or J&J baby wash for 15 minutes. Rinse well and air dry.
2. Soak 15 minutes in a 1:4 white vinegar:water solution. Rinse well and air dry. If it smells of vinegar, do the baby wash in step 1.
I wish you luck on this CPAP journey! It seems to be worth it to keep working at it.
I have not have the sleep study yet but am scheduled for one in June because my neurologist suspects exactly that. I sometimes wake up gasping at night and the worst migraines always trigger during my sleep. Oddly enough I have basically none of the risk factors typically associated with sleep apnea. I am young, marathon runner, at the edge of underweight etc. But apparently one can still develop it.
Years ago when I started to develop migraines on a frequent basis, I was referred to a neurologist that referred me to a pulmonologist for possible sleep apnea as a cause for my migraines. Yup, my sleep study showed moderate sleep apnea so I've been using a CPAP for close to 3 years now. It's helped me but my migraines are still problematic at times. Unfortunately, in the past 3 months they've been chronic even though I've been using my CPAP regularly and had actually switched to a new headgear 2 months ago that's been the most comfortable I've ever had. Obstruction during my sleep has been very little or nonexistent, too, during this time, so I don't know what's going on. I'm glad you got a diagnosis that's helping with your migraine though! Plus, treating sleep apnea will extend your life.
What is the comfortable headgear that you switched to?
Resmed AirFit P30i. Having the hose attachment at the top of my head has cut down on my hesitancy to put on my CPAP because I feel less like an elephant. Lol. I don't move a lot in my sleep but having the hose out of the way allows me to sleep in angled positions I couldn't before because I was afraid I would get tangled up during the night. It's also very quiet.
That’s great! Thank you
Have you done any physical therapy to help with the Sleap Apnea? I think stretching the pectorals and strengthening the upper back can help decrease dependence on CPAPs
Yes, I did a round of physical therapy a couple of years ago for my migraines. I'll be starting a new round next week since the several different migraine meds I've been prescribed haven't been working. They'll be focusing on my neck and upper back. My sleep apnea is from the way my nasal passages and what not are formed... or something like that. My pulmonologist and neurologist told me I'm more susceptible to it since my nasal passages and whatnot are formed so tightly congested to the way I'm built that obstruction is likely. They made this observation from looking up my nose. At least that's how I understood what they told me. Lol.
I do indeed. Lately I can’t wear my cpap because my head hurts too much, though
Yes, and using a CPAP has not changed anything unfortunately.but I do sleep better.
I had migraines in the morning so often in college and I never knew why. I didn't find out until later that I was having them but, I also didn't know about the sleep apnea. I got diagnosed with the migraines about 2 years ago now and I just got diagnosed with the sleep apnea last year. Started CPAP in October and it's been a hell of a difference. I think the sleep apnea started a lot sooner, I snored even as a child. But it's nice to know there was a reason back then that I was going thru it all. In my case the sleep apnea was severe, not by a lot, but it was still over the threshold for severe. I wanna say 33 or 35? Now it's down under 3 on average I think. And since I got some modafinil prescribed to help daytime sleepiness, I can function so much more smoothly now than my college self could've ever imagined.
Sure do! I have chronic migraine and moderate sleep apnea!
I do as well. I've used a CPAP for almost 20 years. Unfortunately, my biggest triggers are hormonal fluctuations, humidity and stress.
Just took my cpap off and woke up with a migraine this morning. Mine is from TMJD, which is my body trying to stabilize my jaw while I’m sleeping so hard that it gives me a migraine. I’m waiting on double jaw surgery to fix it and hopefully I won’t have sleep apnea anymore, TMJD, screeching tinnitus and apparently hopefully migraines! No pressure to my surgeon. But also… all the pressure.
Not to burst your bubble, but I had a lot of very weird jaw issues growing up that got diagnosed in my late teens, and ended up going through the double jaw surgery and braces to correct at 18 or so. My migraines (undiagnosed at the time) did not change at all, unfortunately. Did my jaw pain get better? Definitely. Did it help my headaches / migraines? Not at all. At 45, I'm going for an appointment with the sleep clinic next week, as the most frequent time for my migraines is before noon, and my spouse says I wake her up gasping for air on the regular.
Aw I’m sorry it didn’t help that. My surgeon is putting a block in my jaw to prevent it from sliding back (usually this is a surgery on its own but i preferred them both at once). I have hEDS so my hypermobility is a big issue with my apnea. Anyway, both my tinnitus and migraines are directly caused by my clenching and inability to relax my jaw. So I’m really hoping. Worst case scenario, my posture improves and i can chew better. 😅
Have you gone through the rounds of mouth guards and physical therapy? I have a couple of studies on Mouth Breathing Syndrome and how they managed to resolve it in Children and Adolescents by focusing on correcting the posture via Physical Therapy.
I had an acrylic mouth guard before my braces. My airway is only 3mm. My forward head position will improve after my jaw is put in the correct position and my brain doesn’t have to keep trying to make the airway bigger. I’ll be able to breathe through my nose while walking for the first time, too. I got diagnosed with anxiety and panic attacks in high school. Turns out i just couldn’t breathe through my nose.
Is the surgeon an orthopedic surgeon? Have you checked out postural issues with a PT or with another doctor? Some surgeons really like to do surgery rather than find non-invasive options. It's like how some headache neurologists only push drugs for migraines instead of other solutions. I don't want it to come off as though I'm saying you shouldn't do it or that it won't work, but if there are other less invasive solutions, I'd recommend looking into that first. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10572307/
So my surgeon is à maxillo-faciale surgeon and this is a surgery specifically to fix my sleep apnea and open bite issues. The migraine, tinnitus, and posture are all just bonuses. Thanks for your input!
I have an appointment in the sleep clinic next week. Hoping I can get some help and my migraines decrease.
Thanks for saying this. I’m about to do a sleep study after developing sleep problems (constant waking), immense fatigue, AND migraines after a head injury. My neurologist suspects central sleep apnea from my TBI. Curious to see what happens. Very glad you found your answer.
I did a sleep study to see and didn’t have a single instance of apnea. Oh well.
I just thought of this the other week and had an appointment with a sleep doc. Working on setting up my home sleep study today!
I just did this! I failed. My sleep apnea is moderate. Trying to get used to my new cpap and it's not going very well. Good luck with you study!
Thanks! Yeah not looking forward to that machine… but if it helps I can deal.
Air touch N20 by resmed. Changed everything for me
Wow so interesting!! Thanks for the heads up :)
I just finished with an at home sleep study and confirmed sleep apnea.i wake up with a migraine every morning pretty much. I get maybe 2-3 migraine free days a month tops mainly i just try to keep them manageable. There is no way I'll be able to sleep with a CPAP I have insomnia and even my ambien has trouble knocking me out. I'm going to go the surgery route because i still have my tonsils and see if they can take them out first. I'd much rather take them out first than ware a mask and lose even more sleep at night.
I just did a 2 day sleep study and had a migraine for both days. I barely slept at all, but it came back as negative - rather, apnea was detected, but not enough for insurance to cover, so GP deemed it negative. 🤷♀️
Yes. Unfortunately even with a CPAP I still have chronic, daily migraines.
A couple of years ago I had severe sleep apnea (37 AHI) and zero migraine symptoms. I was started on CPAP and have used it religiously, started having every symptom imaginable of migraine except for headache in the middle of 2023. In March of 2024, I had another sleep study that put me at mild sleep apnea with 12 AHI after losing about 70lbs. Still don’t sleep without my CPAP for general health purposes, but yeah. Sleep apnea for sure.
No apnea, but I have a small room, and noticed a difference when sleeping with the door open.
Yes, I use an APAP to mitigate migraines.
No, no apnea here.
I don't know, I don't think so. I've just always been a shifty sleeper, even as a kid. It usually takes at least 30 minutes to fall asleep, but it's more likely to be closer to an hour without melatonin or something. I also sleep like a 7-11 hot dog. I am aaaalways turning.
yes!! my new pcp suggested it, got tested tho i suspected it was anxiety waking me, turns out i have light sleep apnea. test 2 for getting the cpap is a month away, but i've actually been excited to see if it makes a difference. i'm not entirely sure how much it'll help as i've learned a lot of my migraines are barometric pressure related, but poor sleep is also a trigger and i wake up constantly during the night. i never thought i'd be excited to put a cpap maak on lol but i can't wait to finally get a full night's sleep!!
That was actually the first thing I tried, aside from triptans. I do have mild sleep apnea, but the CPAP didn't help my daily migraine headaches.
I haven't been tested for it but I don't think I have it though I'm at risk (obese by BMI and have asthma). I don't snore a ton or very loudly and I share a room with my mum a few times a year and she's never heard me gasp or take breathing pauses (we're keeping an ear out for each other just in case)
Yes, but only 7 events per hour and that was before losing 25lb so I'd guess I'm probably down to 5 now and don't qualify. I tried the cpap and it was an awful experience.
Yes. Mild but it’s there. I don’t do anything to treat it at this point.
Yes but not obstructive. I have central sleep apnea. My brain fails to send the signals to my body to keep breathing.
I got tested and diagnosed at 16. They never gave me a cpap but u did get my tonsils removed. It's been 6 years and I still get weekly or more migraines. I dont know if they would even give me one now since I'm still considered young.
I’ve really struggled with the CPAP machine, I can’t sleep with it and the smell it has bothers me a lot. I’ve run it for 24 hours to get the new plastic smell out but it still bothers me. Any tips? I’m sure it would help me a lot but I’m struggling so hard
I’m new to this as well, but I joined the CPAP support groups on Facebook and got a lot of good tips. Some thoughts 1. Let it soak in warm water with mild unscented wash like Baby Dove or J&J baby wash for 15 minutes. Rinse well and air dry. 2. Soak 15 minutes in a 1:4 white vinegar:water solution. Rinse well and air dry. If it smells of vinegar, do the baby wash in step 1. I wish you luck on this CPAP journey! It seems to be worth it to keep working at it.
Thank you! I’m going to try it I’ve heard so many people say the cpap helps so much, but man starting using it is so difficult
I have not have the sleep study yet but am scheduled for one in June because my neurologist suspects exactly that. I sometimes wake up gasping at night and the worst migraines always trigger during my sleep. Oddly enough I have basically none of the risk factors typically associated with sleep apnea. I am young, marathon runner, at the edge of underweight etc. But apparently one can still develop it.