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Migraine Information
Migraines are known for intense throbbing and pounding head pain, often on only one side of the head. They are most often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, loud noise, and some odors. They can last for a few days or just a few hours. The pain can cause you to not be able to perform your daily activities until it goes away. Some people have what is called an aura that precedes the head pain by about an hour. This may be visual disturbances (flashing lights, blind spots, zigzag lines) or other neurological symptoms (weakness on one side of the body or tingling in the arms or legs).
As many as 39 million in the US are afflicted by migraines, while worldwide this number rises to 1 billion. People of all ages are vulnerable, but migraines are most often seen in the age range of 25 to 50.
Sleep Deprivation Linked to More Migraines
It seems like sleep disturbances and migraines go hand in hand, particularly if you suffer from chronic migraines (more than 15 during a month’s time). A study was performed with a few objectives in mind. The study focused on three things:
- Assessing sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and sleep hygiene
- Confirming a relationship between sleep disturbance and migraines
- Determining if this relationship continues and may lead to depression and anxiety in migraine patients
The study looked at 292 students, with 69% being female and the average age being 19. The participants completed different measures of sleep quality, sleep hygiene, and daytime sleepiness. Those that claimed to have migraines were confirmed to actually have them. They were compared to the control subjects that did not have migraines. What were the results?
As many as 26.7 percent or 78 individuals met the criteria for International Classification of Headache Disorders for episodic migraines (less than 15 per month). Compared to those without migraines, those with migraines reported poorer sleep quality associated with headache frequency and headache-related disability coming in at 85.9 percent versus 62 percent. Poor sleep quality was connected to frequency and disability of migraines. Anxiety and depression also ranked much higher among those with migraines. Daytime sleepiness and sleep hygiene were actually not seen more regularly in those suffering from migraines.
Do Bad Sleep Habits Trigger Migraines?
So, this brings us to the subject of sleep. Does it really matter when I go to bed, how often I sleep, or how well my sleep quality is? The answer is yes! It is important that if you have migraines, you pay attention to your sleep habits. For example, insomnia may actually be a trigger for migraines.
Hyperactive nerve cells send out impulses to blood vessels that causes them to constrict and then expand. This happens in conjunction with the release of brain chemicals and inflammatory substances that cause the pulsations to be painful, leading to a migraine.
The findings of a study were published in the journal Headache that pointed to further evidence of sleep disturbances and migraines being linked. Researchers observed 147 women suffering from what is called transformed migraines, where episodic migraines become chronic for at least half of the days of the month. They were asked whether they felt refreshed upon waking and not one of them said they were. In fact, more than 80 percent reported feeling tired when they woke up, and many complaints about sleep issues came up.
Another study, in this same publication, indicated that good sleep habits do indeed have a positive impact on the number and severity of migraines. During the study, 43 women with transformed migraines either got behavioral sleep instructions or placebo instructions in conjunction with their usual medical care for migraines. The women were asked to record their migraines in a diary. At the conclusion of the study, it was observed that the women who had gotten specific behavioral sleep instructions had a significant reduction in their migraines, not only in the number of them but also in the intensity.
How Sleep Problems Cause Migraines
Most of us go through approximately 6 sleep cycles and about 4 stages of sleep, plus rapid eye movement sleep (REM). In order for the body to produce enough serotonin and dopamine (neurotransmitters), stages 3 and 4 of sleep are necessary. These neurotransmitters are what make us feel happy and good. Their production is dependent on getting adequate sleep. It is seen that when people have a decrease in serotonin and dopamine, they usually have poor sleep or problems getting enough rest.
Finding a Solution for Migraines
An interesting link has been noticed between migraines and a misalignment in the bones of the upper cervical spine. If either the C1 or C2 is misaligned, then a few things can happen. For one thing, these bones are in the same area as the brainstem, and being out of place causes them to put pressure on the brainstem. As a result, it can send improper signals to the brain. This can affect sleep patterns, as well as negatively impact other systems of the body. A misalignment in this area can also act as a block to allowing the proper amount of blood and cerebrospinal fluid to reach or exit the brain — another thing that can impact chemical production and sleep patterns. By correcting these misalignments, proper function can be restored, and many patients report seeing an improvement in their migraines.
Here at Source Chiropractic and Wellness in Draper, Utah, we use a method that is gentle and specifically tailored to each patient. It does not involve popping or cracking the spine. Rather, it is a natural process that helps the bones to realign more naturally. Many patients see results in only one or two visits.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Cheney, call our Draper office at 385-331-7035. You can also click one of the buttons below.
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