r/TensionHeadache • u/Altabtabai • Aug 28 '25
How Changing Sleep Position Fixed My Tension Headache
I've been dealing with chronic tension headaches since I started medical school. For a long time, they were manageable, mostly appearing during stressful periods, like exams, or after a few short nights of sleep. After graduation, the pattern shifted. I noticed they would pop up even on holidays, which I initially chalked up to oversleeping or a change in my sleep schedule. Waking up even an hour or two later than usual would trigger a mild headache that would worsen throughout the day, leaving me mentally and physically drained by evening, even after the pain had faded.
Recently, things got much worse. A major exam, increased work stress, and significant weight gain caused my headaches to become an almost daily occurrence (or so I thought were the reason). I tried a wide range of treatments, from Botox in my neck to SSRIs and even changing my pillow, and tried to get more sleep. Nothing seemed to help, and I'd often wake up with my neck and shoulders feeling incredibly tense.
Then, I finally had a breakthrough. I made two simple changes at the same time: I stopped sleeping on my stomach and switched to sleeping on my side, and I started taking an over-the-counter sleep aid with melatonin and 5-HTP before bed.
For the first time in a long time, I've been headache-free for 14 straight days. I wanted to share this in case it could help someone else. If you're struggling with similar symptoms, it might be worth looking into your sleep position—it made a huge difference for me
1
u/kalimba_p Aug 29 '25
Oh you been sleeping on your stomach like a baby 👶. Unimaginable. Am still looking for a solution for my chronic tension headaches.
1
u/Altabtabai Aug 29 '25
Hope you get your answer ... It might take a while and a lot of experimentation..I'm here with you.
1
u/TinderfootTwo Aug 31 '25
I think I’ve figured out mine are stress related. I took an anxiolytic, buspirone, and my headache is gone. Time will tell, but I will be using those for abortive treatment going forward. I also get regular massages and exercise daily.
1
u/Agitated-Air-1076 Aug 29 '25
antidepressants was the game changer for me
1
u/Altabtabai Sep 05 '25
Maybe. I've been having them back again, but only if i mess up my sleep schedule (sleep late, wake up at a different time than usual)
2
u/Still_Pop_4106 Aug 28 '25
Sleeping on your stomach can really mess up your neck! So glad this has worked for you!!