Sleep and Migraine Headaches

The Migraine Relief Chiropractic Center is the only clinic in the Kansas City area that focuses solely on the treatment and prevention of migraine headaches. Many of our patients in Overland Park, Leawood, Olathe and the surrounding areas are not only getting relief from their migraine headaches but are noticing improvements to their sleep. This topic discusses how sleep can be impacted by migraines and vice versa.

While the exact cause of migraines is still unknown the most recent theory for their biogenesis is “A spreading wave of neuronal activity (interference) in the central nervous system.” So what does this mean? Basically an over active firing of neurotransmitters within the brain is causing a variety of changes and can be manifested as pain and other symptoms.

A common finding in the migraine progression is a drop in serotonin levels. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter involved with SLEEP, vasoconstriction, mood, inhibition, and many other vital functions. Many migraine drugs attempt to block the re-absorption of serotonin by nerve endings in the brain and thus creating an unnatural method to increase serotonin levels. A drop in serotonin may be responsible to trigger a migraine just as a migraine in progress may decrease the levels of serotonin and disrupt normal sleep.

Serotonin is involved early in your sleep cycle. Around the time you are getting ready to fall asleep serotonin is released. Shortly after you have fallen asleep melatonin is produced then a cascade of interaction between different hormones and neurotransmitters takes place. Thus all of these hormones and interactions are influenced by the first step in the sleep cycle which is regulated by serotonin. This is why it is so important to stick to a strict routine of going to bed at the same time every night, yes even on weekends!

Drugs are toxic and have side effects, which often can create another problem you’ll have to deal with. There are natural methods to treat migraines and help increase serotonin levels in the brain which can help reduce dependence on drug medication and get the results you need.

If you or someone you know suffers from migraine headaches please make an appointment and find out how our safe and effective treatments can help. Visit www.MigraineReliefChiropractic.com to learn more.