Is it good to take a nap if I have a headache?

Dr. Michael Breus, PhD

Psychology

It’s no surprise that one of the ways to treat a headache is to lie down and take a nap (assuming, of course, you have the luxury of napping in the middle of your day). But napping can also conflict with your nighttime sleep if it’s not planned carefully. It also appears to incite a vicious cycle: 59 percent of those in a study with tension-type headaches complained of sleep problems as a trigger of those headaches.

It’s the classic catch-22. Sleep to dull headache. Sleep to trigger headache.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

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Is it good to take a nap if I have a headache?

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