What Are Hypnic Headaches?

Also known as 'alarm clock headaches,' hypnic headaches were first identified in 1988, and they are most prevalent in adults over fifty years old. Unlike other types of headaches, hypnic headaches occur only during the night. These headaches are relatively rare among the general population, and they are not due to underlying medical conditions. Since hypnic headaches can be diagnosed only through ruling out other illnesses, it may take years to obtain a proper diagnosis. Current research suggests women have a higher risk of experiencing hypnic headaches as compared to men. Given the rarity of this type of headache disorder, patients who suspect they have the condition should be assessed and treated by a neurologist.

The outline below provides key details on hypnic headaches patients may wish to discuss with their physicians.

Key Symptoms of Hypnic Headaches

Each patient's experience of a hypnic headache is unique. Some of the key symptoms of hypnic headaches that may occur include nausea, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, and bilateral pain. Patients with these headaches will generally experience pain on both sides of the head, and it may range from mild to severe. While the pain usually occurs only at the front part of the head, some individuals might develop pain in the sides of the head, and the pain may also be present across the whole head. A throbbing sensation could develop, and the pain generally begins suddenly. The pain and other symptoms are typically severe enough to wake patients up at night. Symptoms may last for as little as fifteen minutes, but some patients could have symptoms that persist for up to four hours.

Read about what makes hypnic headaches different from others now.