Sleep disorders in migraine

Abstract

Migraine and sleep disorders are common in the general population, may be associated with each other and often significantly reduce patients’ quality of life. Clinicians and epidemiological studies have long acknowledged a link between these conditions. However, the exact nature of this relationship, its underlying mechanisms and patterns are complex and not fully understood. This publication brings together the latest data on the relationship between migraine and sleep disorders: the biochemical and functional-anatomical background, the mutual influence of these conditions on each other and the typical sleep disturbances in migraine patients (such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, parasomnia, snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness). The paper discusses the hypotheses of pathogenetic relationships based on the studies of the central nervous system’s anatomical and physiological features in people with migraine and sleep disorders. The available data should encourage physicians to evaluate sleep quality in migraineurs and use combination therapy systematically. The therapy of insomnia is reviewed: both nonpharmacological and pharmacological therapies are discussed; the advantages of an integrated approach are discussed, and a brief overview of each group of medications is offered.Lastly, a case study of a patient with chronic migraine and insomnia treated with Doxylamine in combination therapy is presented. Treatment with Doxylamine significantly reduced the incidence of insomnia, probably thereby positively influencing the course of migraine as well.

Keywords

• migraine
• headache
• sleep disorders
• insomnia
• obstructive apnea
• doxylamine