What Are Hypnic Headaches?

Also known as 'alarm clock headaches,' hypnic headaches were first identified in 1988, and they are most prevalent in adults over fifty years old. Unlike other types of headaches, hypnic headaches occur only during the night. These headaches are relatively rare among the general population, and they are not due to underlying medical conditions. Since hypnic headaches can be diagnosed only through ruling out other illnesses, it may take years to obtain a proper diagnosis. Current research suggests women have a higher risk of experiencing hypnic headaches as compared to men.