San Francisco and Marin CA
Migraines are among the most disabling and frustrating conditions people face—impacting daily life, work productivity, and mental health. Despite the widespread suffering they cause, migraines often go misunderstood or under-treated. If you’ve tried countless migraine treatments without lasting relief, it may be time to consider another possible cause: sleep apnea.
At Glen Park Dental in San Francisco, we’re dedicated to uncovering the root causes of sleep-related disorders—including how untreated sleep apnea may be contributing to frequent headaches and migraines. Our goal is to help you sleep better and feel better, starting with a deeper understanding of your symptoms.
Why Sleep Apnea May Be the Missing Link
Sleep apnea is commonly associated with loud snoring and daytime fatigue—but research increasingly shows it may also be linked to chronic migraine attacks. Yet, many medical professionals still overlook this connection when evaluating headache patients.
In a large-scale study involving nearly 13,000 people with migraines but no sleep apnea diagnosis, researchers used the Berlin Questionnaire to assess their risk of sleep apnea. ‘
The results were striking:
- 37% of migraine sufferers were at high risk for sleep apnea—much higher than the general population average.
- Among those with chronic migraines (15+ days per month), 52% were flagged as high risk.
- High-risk individuals reported disturbed sleep, loud snoring, shortness of breath, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
These findings suggest a strong association between migraine frequency and undiagnosed sleep apnea—especially in men and in those with more severe, chronic symptoms.
Can Treating Sleep Apnea Reduce Migraine Attacks?
Evidence shows that treating sleep apnea can lead to dramatic improvements in migraine symptoms.
One study found that patients who received sleep apnea treatment saw:
- Average migraine duration drop from 22 hours to just 3 hours
- Frequency of migraine attacks fall from 1.2 per week to 0.1 per week
These outcomes surpass the results of many medications—and with far fewer side effects. At Glen Park Dental, we specialize in non-invasive oral appliance therapy as a comfortable alternative to CPAP machines. These custom-fitted devices help keep your airway open during sleep, promoting uninterrupted breathing and better rest.
Why Sleep Apnea Is Often Overlooked by Migraine Doctors
Unfortunately, many migraine sufferers never get screened for sleep apnea. Why? Because many specialists—especially in neurology or pain management—don’t routinely ask about sleep quality. They may be focused on brain chemistry, muscle tension, or injury history, rather than breathing patterns during sleep.
Other reasons this link is missed:
- Symptoms overlap with other conditions (fatigue, brain fog, anxiety)
- Sleep apnea occurs at night, so its signs are often invisible to doctors
- Outdated assumptions that sleep apnea and migraines aren’t connected
At Glen Park Dental, we believe in looking at the bigger picture—not just treating symptoms, but identifying the root causes of your discomfort.
What You Can Do: Take the First Step Toward Relief
If your current migraine treatment isn’t working, and no one has evaluated your sleep health, it’s time to advocate for yourself.
At Glen Park Dental, we help patients in San Francisco:
- Recognize potential sleep apnea symptoms
- Access convenient at-home sleep testing
- Explore oral appliance therapy as an alternative to CPAP
- Get a second opinion if current treatments aren’t working
Whether you’ve already been diagnosed or are just starting to explore your options, we’re here to guide you toward better sleep and fewer headaches.
Let’s Talk About Your Symptoms
If you suffer from migraines—especially if they’re chronic—and haven’t been screened for sleep apnea, don’t wait. Relief may be closer than you think.
📍 Located in San Francisco, CA
📞 Call us at (415) 799-3900 to schedule a consultation and learn whether sleep apnea treatment could help reduce your migraine burden.
Let’s take a step toward better sleep and fewer headaches—together.
