ASSESSMENT OF HEADACHE PATTERNS IN PATIENTS WITH SLEEP DISTURBANCES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Background: Headache and sleep disturbances are common neurological problems that frequently coexist and may share overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms involving neurotransmitter dysregulation and hypothalamic dysfunction. Identifying this relationship is vital for improving diagnosis and management strategies.

Objective: To assess the types, frequency, and intensity of headaches among patients with sleep disturbances and to evaluate their association with sleep quality parameters.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at tertiary care centers across Punjab, Pakistan, from January 2024 to December 2024. A total of 100 adult patients aged 18–60 years with sleep disturbances for at least three months were enrolled. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and headache characteristics were classified according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: Of the 100 participants, 62% were female and 38% male, with a mean age of 37.2 ± 10.6 years. Poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) was observed in 79% of patients. Tension-type headache (46%) was most common, followed by migraine (37%) and mixed headache (14%). Migraine was significantly more frequent among females (p = 0.02). Headache frequency and intensity correlated positively with poor sleep quality (r = 0.54, p < 0.001) and short sleep duration (< 6 hours, r = −0.58, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Sleep disturbances strongly influence headache type, frequency, and severity, particularly in migraine patients. Addressing sleep quality may substantially reduce headache burden and improve overall patient outcomes.