In this forum I have read several times that sleeping too little or too much is bad for migraine sufferers. I can understand why not sleeping enough is bad for migraines, the brain is wired and stressed and this can trigger an attack.
However, I donât understand why sleeping too much is supposed to be bad for migraines. For me, sleeping calms my nervous system and I would think that this is beneficial. I usually sleep between 8 and 9 hours per night and sometimes I have a nap in the afternoon (maybe once or twice a week since I had my VM attack). I usually have a nap when I start to feel dizzy or nauseous. The nap last for about two hours and I feel fantastic after I wake up. I feel calm, energised and happy. If I have a nap twice a week, that would certainly be considered as sleeping too much. I feel it is beneficial for me, so why is sleeping too much considered as being bad for us. Am I missing something?
Because the issue is not just âmigrainesâ? (âaetiologyâ and âdiagnosisâ are two different things)
Head position lying in bed can be a problem. Being reclined for too long can make things worse.
You should not recline during the day if at all possible, imho, for exactly this reason.
I too have seen all the literature saying the same. Conclusion I reached is that it is believed that these sensitive brains prefer a structured regulated lifestyle. Regular meals, consistent sleep, regular exercise and so on. Though in practice I canât really imagine anybody actually manages to live like that not on a regular basis. Thought is according to the literature our brains dislike the changes. Responds better to consistency.
Iâve known lots of people, my own mother who was definitely not a migraineur for one, who would never have a lie in. She always got up as soon as she woke up whatever the hour otherwise sheâd develop a headache. Personally I love to lie in.
If you are happy with your current sleep pattern I wouldnât bother about changing it. Daytime naps are another thing that isnât recommended. Personally they make me nauseous but then again I cannot cat nap for ten minutes sitting upright in a chair. Never could. I rarely shut my eyes other than in bed but thatâs just me. Other people rely on afternoon naps. @LucyLabrador for one last time I heard.
I just read through @LucyLabradorâs story and this is what she said: âmassively: resting for two hours every day no matter what, after lunch, in a dark room, with no stimulation whatsoeverâ. This is definitely me once or twice a week. Thank you @Onandon03 for mentioning her posts!