What is hypnic headache?
Hypnic headache is a rare primary headache that occurs exclusively during sleep, waking the patient — typically at the same time each night ('alarm-clock headache'). Primarily affects people over 50.
Related: Headache → · Dr. Jitendra Knowledge Hub → · ICHD-3 Topic →
Diagnosis
Clinical criteria: headache only during sleep, waking patient, ≥10 days/month for >3 months, lasting 15 min–4 hours. Exclusion of other sleep-related headaches.
Treatment
Lithium carbonate (first-line — highly effective), indomethacin, caffeine before bed, melatonin. Response is typically rapid.