#194 - Nocturnal Headaches and Sleep: No More Pain While You Sleep Artwork

Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter

No holds barred, unscripted discussion on a wide range of sleep topics - from sleep disorders to current research and controversies in the field. No topic is off limits! Dr. Chris Winter is a clinician, a board certified neurologist and double boarded sleep specialist with 30 years of clinical experience. He is the author of The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child, and is a popular consultant and speaker, working for many professional sports teams. He is well known for his unique perspective and ability to demystify sleep, all of which he brings to Sleep Unplugged.

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Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter

#194 - Nocturnal Headaches and Sleep: No More Pain While You Sleep

March 09, 2026 • Chris Winter, MD

0:00 | 37:55

Waking up with a headache can feel ominous. Is it stress? Sinus pressure? Something neurological? In this episode of Sleep Unplugged, we break down nocturnal headaches in a practical, clinically grounded way. In this episode we will:

Review the most common causes of headaches that wake you from sleep, including migraine, cluster headache, hypnic headache, and sleep apnea
Learn how nocturnal headaches differ in children versus adults and what red flags parents should watch for
Determine when imaging is necessary and when it is not
Explore the connection between sleep stages, circadian rhythms, and specific headache syndromes
Find out why untreated sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea are a frequently missed cause
Discuss practical treatment strategies and prevention tips you can start using right away

Produced by: Maeve Winter

Twitter: @drchriswinter
IG: @drchriwinter
Threads: @drchriswinter
Bluesky: @drchriswinter
The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child

Thanks for listening and sleep well!

Chris Winter, MD

Host