Waking Headaches/migraines

[Savas]

I've been to a doctor a few times about this but got fed up with all the silliness of what seemed like "shooting in the dark" with medications.

I sleep about 2-4 hours a night average which doesn't seem to be a big issue, I rarely feel tired (although it does drive my wife insane).
I do suffer bouts of insomnia which by the second/third day do leave me feeling somewhat dragged and tired. I usually manage to fall asleep for 4-8 hours at that point and wake up more or less functional.

The headaches, however... I will on occasion wake up with what is either a splitting migraine or cluster headache. This has happened on and off for years.

Before, I was given a prescription for "midrin" which was preventative as well as immediate treatment/relief that worked (no longer available = thanks, FDA/DEA).

I haven't had this issue come up seriously for almost 6-7 years. In the past year it started again, especially now that summer is here. It seems to be seasonal, but i don't suffer allergies.

I've been given a few of the newer migraine preventative med's which were a resounding failure. The last medication given was fexofenadine hcl, which I'm told is a strong caffeine based medication (tried it once, made me ill), plus taking a caffeine type pill at 3Am seems like a VERY bad idea).

The doctor seems to be stumped as to what the problem is.

Savas- Cat Comm. Leader (Hello out there!!! :)  )

[Savas]

One of those places where they hook you up to monitors while you sleep? good God, that sounds horrifying! :)

My wife had the same thought...do you know how that works? I suppose I have to contact one of the area colleges that do sleep studies and see if they have slots?

[KatEyes]

Waking with a headache, trouble sleeping - has it been suggested to you before to have a sleep study? Sleep apnea with significant oxygen desats is one cause for waking up with headaches. Insufficient sleep is a big deal, even if your body has learned to compensate. If your headaches are frequent and severe, I'd suggest getting a sleep study on the first possible date.