Morning headaches in lockdown?

[Corilee2806]

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this? As the weeks go by I’m waking up with a horrible headache more and more regularly and I find it really hard to shake it and start the day. I am currently working at home in a pretty full on and stressful job which is making me pretty miserable and also have a 17 month old so juggling childcare. Feeling pretty low and have had ongoing mental health issues since I was on mat leave (seemed to get worse when I stopped breastfeeding and periods came back) then returned to work in November.

I know in the grand scheme of things it’s not the worst thing in the world and I feel like it’s not something my GP would take that seriously at the moment (I’ve spoken to her before and her only suggestions are to go on the pill or antidepressants) - wondered if anyone else had experienced this or was finding it worse in lockdown?

When my periods returned after my second child, my anxiety was through the roof! It was awful. I actually wondered if I had a mental illness of some sort, went on Prozac but just wasn't working. I ended up feeling it was related to my periods. So I went on the depo injection and no more periods, and I'm fully recovered back to being normal again on no medication.
It's crazy what hormones can do to you 😊 just my experience.

I’m glad to know it’s not just me, although sorry you’ve experienced this too! It was pretty bad from about October but was starting to feel a bit better, and now it’s worse again and I’m sure it’s probably linked to all the stress. Trying for another baby soon so will just have to ride it out for a while I guess and then look at longer term solutions if it happens again. So fun being a woman sometimes!

I’ve been getting a lot of morning headaches too, most days for the last three weeks...not pregnant, breastfeeding or recently had a baby - DS is 5!

Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector

@jerryg we do, and it’s only me getting headaches not my husband who sleeps next to me, so should be ok..

I've been getting them at night mostly. But woke with one today.

I think its because I'm not getting enough fresh air and exercise probably.

Not been particularly stressed but am not going out as much so...seems the most logical reason.

Yes I’m assuming less exercise and fresh air something to do with it, really trying to get out as much as I can as I tend to feel better when I do. Don’t think the benefits of a good walk for mental health and well-being can be underestimated!

Hangover?
More seriously, could it be dehydration? Being outside your usual routine are you drinking enough water?

I get headaches in the morning sometimes if I drowse or fall back to sleep, vs getting straight up when my alarm goes off. So yes it has been happening more often during lockdown as I have no reason to get up quickly!

Are you a coffee drinker? If you are waking up later it could be withdrawal symptoms. I used to have this when I drank it at weekends, as I would sleep in compared to my 6am work-day getting up time .

A few years ago alcohol would have definitely been the cause but not now! Could be dehydration though, need to monitor my water intake more. Wonder if it could be caffeine related too although I only drink tea and not coffee.

So I have 3 cups of tea a day usually, and last one by 3/4pm. I have been drinking a bit more coke so maybe that’s making a difference.

And wake up times are pretty much as early as before (17 month old) but what I am sometimes doing is dozing early morning while she is in bed with us - me and OH sort of take it in turns to play with her and get a bit more sleep. Maybe I just need to get up early as I was doing before but I’m so exhausted!

My DC have both been having headaches too. I am getting them to drink more water but still happening. in normal times I would take them to the optician.

Do you think you might grind your teeth at night? That can cause morning headaches.

Do you sleep with the window open?

I always wake up with a headache if I don't -irrespective if the windows/doors have been open all day or not

It sounds like hormones could be the cause for you though.

You should try your GP - some of them are saying they have free appointments (mostly doing it online). Nothing to lose trying.

Good point about the window, we didn’t before as we lived on a busy road but have just moved so can try opening it. Teeth grinding is a possibility, I know my brother had problems with this.

Will try my GP again but also maybe try a few things first to see if it makes a difference. She does always just suggest the pill Thanks for the advice everyone!

Yes I've had more headaches too. I hardly ever get them usually. Not sure why. Might be stress related?

Also as other poster says check boiler/carbon monoxide levels just to be safe

Yes, getting a horrible headache on waking most days. Maybe the stress?