Tormented Sunrises

Abstract

This chapter covers the relationship between sleep-related headaches and sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep apnea headache (SAH), a type of sleep-related headache that is classified in the International Classification of Headache Disorders, is a distinct subset of headache that is caused by OSA and occurs distinctly on awakening. Once recognized, treatment of OSA is associated with significant improvement in, and often resolution of, SAH. Given the high prevalence of headaches in the general population, sleep disorders must be considered in the evaluation of patients with headaches. A comprehensive sleep evaluation should be an integral part of the assessment of headache disorders. Sleep apnea headache and other types of headaches associated with sleep are reviewed in this chapter.