Waking up with a headache is no way to start the day. If you’re constantly battling morning headaches, your sleep position and jaw tension could be key culprits. At Bend Headache Center, Dr. Kelley Mingus specializes in non-invasive, lasting solutions for jaw-related headaches, helping patients in Bend and beyond find relief.
The Link Between Sleep Position, TMJ, and Headaches
Your sleep posture affects more than just your back—it also plays a huge role in jaw alignment, muscle tension, and breathing patterns. Poor sleep posture can put stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to clenching, grinding, and tension headaches.
1. Sleeping on Your Stomach? You Might Be Making TMJ Worse
The Problem:
- Stomach sleeping forces your head to twist to one side, straining your jaw muscles.
- It places pressure on your neck, shoulders, and jaw, increasing clenching during sleep.
- Restricted airflow in this position can contribute to oxygen deprivation—a known headache trigger.
The Fix:
- Train yourself to sleep on your back or side with a supportive pillow.
- Use a contoured pillow to align your neck and jaw properly.
2. Side Sleeping: Is It Helping or Hurting?
The Good:
- Side sleeping reduces airway obstruction, making it ideal for those with sleep apnea.
- It helps distribute weight evenly, reducing jaw pressure (especially if done correctly).
The Risk:
- Resting on one side too much can create imbalanced muscle tension in the jaw.
- If your pillow is too high or too low, it can misalign your spine, leading to morning headaches.
The Fix:
- Switch sides throughout the night to avoid long-term jaw strain.
- Use a pillow that keeps your head level with your spine.
3. Clenching & Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): The Silent Cause of Morning Headaches
Many people unknowingly clench or grind their teeth while sleeping—especially if they have TMJ dysfunction (TMD). This can lead to:
- Tight jaw muscles
- Increased pressure on the TMJ
- Morning headaches & facial pain
Solution: If you experience jaw tightness, soreness, or frequent headaches in the morning, it’s time to get evaluated for TMJ dysfunction. A custom oral appliance from Dr. Mingus can help reposition your jaw, reducing tension and stopping the cycle of morning headaches.
How Dr. Kelley Mingus Can Help
At Bend Headache Center, we take a non-surgical, drug-free approach to treating TMJ-related headaches. Dr. Mingus specializes in customized treatments that address the root cause of jaw tension, sleep disturbances, and morning headaches.
If you’re waking up with headaches, jaw pain, or muscle tightness, it’s time to take action!
Schedule a consultation today and wake up refreshed, pain-free, and ready to take on the day!
