99 research outputs found
Sleep disturbances in tension-type headache and migraine
Current research into the pathogenesis of tension-type headache (TTH) and
migraine is focused on altered nociceptive pain processing. Among the potential factors that
influence sensitization mechanisms, emotional stress, depression, or sleep disorders all have
an essential role: they increase the excitability of nociceptive firing and trigger hyperalgesic
responses. Sleep disturbances and headache disorders share common brain structures and
pathogenic mechanisms and TTH, migraine, and sleep disturbances often occur together;
for example, 50% of individuals who have either TTH or migraine have insomnia. Moreover,
insomnia and poor sleep quality have been associated with a higher frequency and intensity
of headache attacks, supporting the notion that severity and prevalence of sleep problems
correlate with headache burden. It should be noted that the association between headaches
and sleep problems is bidirectional: headache can promote sleep disturbances, and sleep
disturbances can also precede or trigger a headache attack. Therefore, a better understanding
of the factors that affect sleep quality in TTH and migraine can assist clinicians in determining
better and adequate therapeutic programs. In this review, the role of sleep disturbances in
headaches, and the association with depression, emotional stress, and pain sensitivity in
individuals with TTH or migraine are discussed
- …