Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
Migraines are among the most debilitating health issues worldwide, causing billions in lost productivity, missed workdays, and diminished quality of life. Despite their widespread impact, migraines are still poorly understood, and many individuals struggle to find lasting relief—even after trying countless medications and therapies.
At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we believe in looking at the full picture when it comes to chronic headaches and migraines. One often-overlooked contributor? Sleep apnea. Research increasingly supports a strong link between sleep-disordered breathing and migraines—and we’re here to help you explore how treating sleep apnea could bring much-needed relief.
The Overlap: Migraines and Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea
Recent studies have found a notable connection between sleep apnea and migraine sufferers. In one large survey of nearly 13,000 individuals with migraines, 37% were identified as high risk for sleep apnea using the Berlin Questionnaire, a widely used screening tool. That’s significantly higher than the general population estimates—where sleep apnea affects about 25% of men and 10% of women.
Even more striking, among individuals with chronic migraine (defined as 15 or more migraine days per month), 52% scored as high risk for sleep apnea.
These individuals frequently reported:
- Snoring
- Shortness of breath during sleep
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Difficulty staying asleep
Interestingly, men with migraines were at higher risk for sleep apnea than women (44% vs. 35%). Other research supports these findings: people experiencing frequent headaches are nearly three times as likely to suffer from daytime sleepiness—a common red flag for sleep apnea.
Can Treating Sleep Apnea Help with Migraines?
When sleep apnea goes untreated, the body is deprived of oxygen night after night, leading to systemic inflammation, disrupted sleep cycles, and elevated stress—all of which can contribute to migraines. Fortunately, when sleep apnea is identified and treated properly, migraine symptoms often improve.
In one study, treating sleep apnea with appropriate interventions significantly reduced both the duration and frequency of migraine attacks. Participants went from enduring 22-hour migraine episodes to just three hours, and attack frequency dropped from 1.2 episodes per week to 0.1. That’s a dramatic improvement—better than many conventional migraine medications.
At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we specialize in oral appliance therapy—a custom, non-invasive treatment that helps keep the airway open during sleep. These devices are often more comfortable and easier to use than traditional CPAP machines, making them an excellent solution for patients struggling with sleep apnea-related symptoms, including migraines.
Why Aren’t Migraine Patients Screened for Sleep Apnea?
Unfortunately, many patients with chronic headaches and migraines are never evaluated for sleep apnea. Neurologists, chiropractors, and pain specialists often focus narrowly on treating symptoms without exploring potential root causes like disrupted sleep.
Some doctors may still be unaware of the migraine–sleep apnea link or assume that sleep apnea is unlikely if classic symptoms like loud snoring aren’t present. However, especially in women or individuals with less obvious sleep issues, the signs of sleep apnea can be subtle or even misdiagnosed as anxiety, depression, or chronic fatigue.
Taking Control of Your Health
If you suffer from migraines and haven’t been evaluated for sleep apnea, advocate for yourself. Start by discussing your sleep habits with your doctor—or reach out to us directly.
At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we offer a comprehensive diagnostic process, including referrals for sleep testing and expert evaluation of your symptoms. Many patients qualify for a home sleep test, making diagnosis easier and more convenient than ever.
Even if you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea but are unhappy with your current treatment—whether it’s a CPAP that’s uncomfortable or simply not working—our team can provide a second opinion and explore alternative treatment options tailored to your lifestyle.
Relief Is Possible—And It Starts with Better Sleep
If you’ve been struggling with frequent migraines, it’s time to consider whether your sleep could be the missing link. Treating sleep apnea won’t help every migraine sufferer, but for those at high risk, it can be life-changing.
Let us help you take the next step toward relief.
📍 Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry
5 Erba Ln Ste A, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
📞 Call us today at (831) 438-4411 to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward better sleep and fewer migraines.
