If I don't sleep with the window open I get a terrible headache. Why?

[addler]

It's normally not an issue and we just have the bedroom windows open all year around, barring heavy rain.

But DD was born last week and we can't really have the windows open anymore, her bassinet is next to me which is where the draught from the windows is.

But now I'm waking up every morning with a horrendous headache that is really only fixed by a couple of hours of sleep with the windows wide open and DD warm and snug with DP in the living room.

Has anyone else had a similar thing and known what causes it? And is there a way I can replicate the effects of having a window open without affecting DD?

I drink a lot of water already, and our room isn't warm.

Have you got a carbon monoxide monitor? Checked behind furniture against the wall for black mould?

After ruling out those things can you rearrange the furniture to have the windows open, and add a layer on your new baby (congratulations btw!)?

Buildup of carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide would be my guess. And I'd get a CO alarm in there sharpish to check because CO isn't something you want a newborn breathing.

Second id be rushing out to get a carbon monoxide alarm today just in case

Bloody hell you've worried me now. Will get DP to go and get one today.

It's been this way for years in many different houses, so hopefully not but will rule it out as that's not something to mess around with. I just assumed it was sinus related or something. The only place I didn't have the issue was when I lived in the Middle East and had AC blasting all night

If you've always had it it's unlikely that it's CO, so that's good.

It could just be CO2, which is the waste product from you breathing in there and makes the room stuffy. Since you can't open a window in your sleep once you start finding it stuffy, that could conceivably give you the headache. Or maybe you just really like to breathe cold air in your sleep. If so, one you've checked it's not CO or mould and therefore nothing toxic, I'd just alter room and bedclothes as PP suggested to have a window open again. It's a healthy way to sleep.

Obviously first rule out the CO possibility, assuming its not that, I find a humidifier helps, especially if you have the heating on. Do you find yourself really thirsty in the morning as well?

Mine makes a noise & my DH reckons he can’t sleep through it 🙄 so I tend to run mine until bedtime with the door shut to raise the humidity to a better level.

Air conditioning tends to make the air very dry though, and OP said that both air con and cool damp air from outside prevent the headache, so my guess is it's more likely to be the temperature.

Have you tried an air purifier?

Check for carbon monoxide, can you move the bassinet to the otherside of the bed and, failing that, just wrap the baby up warmer. My baby was born in August and we went camping through the winter. Thin layers and they're absolutely fine.

Yep you could be right @astronewt - would be interested to see if OP is thirsty in the mornings - I have to have a pint of water & a cup of tea to feel alive! Can’t drink anymore before bed without waking up to pee!

Others have given good ideas of things to double check here.

but I also wanted to suggest that it could be a coincidence - you have a newborn, you are probably getting broken sleep at best and your stress levels and hormones will be all over the place. It could be this that’s causing you to wake up with headaches so not surprising that a bit of extra deep nap time while you know someone else has responsibility for the baby helps.

tske care of yourself and listen to your body x

What about lots of plants to up the oxygen level?
If it’s dust/fluff related what about wood floor and cleaning the the radiator.

I am the same, definitely nothing to do with CO2. Google morning headaches and see if any of those fit. I often wake at about4am with one, mine are migraine based and like you I have to take some tablets and go back to bed for an hour.

I’m the same OP and still haven’t figured it out what causes it. I need the window open all year round

its not as bad if i’m asleep by my self but if I sleep with anyone else with closed windows i feel horrendous in the mornings.

could be breathing in the C02 as someone mentioned. Very interesting

I'm the same. Mine become migraine. I need cool air to breathe when I sleep. Hot stuffy rooms create migraines very swiftly for me. All air monitors have been negative.

Maybe try an air purifier next to the bed and any outlet pointed at you? A fan might be too much, but I do use them in the summer.

Like you I wake up 'fuzzy and headaches/sinusey' if the windows are closed, even more so in the winter when the heating comes on.
Try a deioniser or a salt lamp. It just freshens the air.

Congratulations on your new arrival!