Why Sleepwalking May Be Linked To Migraines And Brain Disruptions
Sleepwalking is one of those strange nighttime phenomena that makes you wonder what your brain is really up to while you’re out cold. I’ve had a couple of sleepwalking incidents in my twenties—one where I found myself trying to make toast without any bread—and it left me questioning what triggered it. Strangely, I also noticed my migraines were worse around the same time. Coincidence? Maybe not. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a link between sleepwalking and migraines, you’re not alone.
How Sleepwalking Works (and Doesn’t Work)
Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, typically happens during the deep stages of non-REM sleep. Unlike dreams (which usually occur during REM), sleepwalking occurs when the body is active but the brain is in a kind of foggy, disconnected state. You might walk, talk, even cook—or try to—without any memory of it in the morning. It sounds like something out of a horror film, but it’s surprisingly common, especially in kids and stressed-out adults.
According to sleepfoundation.org, factors like sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol, fever, and certain medications can trigger sleepwalking episodes. But here’s the kicker—those same things are also common migraine triggers.
Could Sleepwalking Be a Migraine Clue?
Now let’s get into the science of it. Migraines are neurological—not just bad headaches. They involve changes in brain activity, blood vessels, and neurochemicals like serotonin. What’s fascinating is that people who suffer from migraines often report sleep disturbances before, during, or after an attack. That includes insomnia, night terrors, restless legs… and yes, sleepwalking.
Research into the migraine-sleep connection suggests a shared dysfunction in the hypothalamus—a part of the brain that regulates sleep, pain, and hormones. This could explain why people like me experience odd sleep behaviors around the time of migraine episodes. If the hypothalamus is out of sync, it could throw both systems into disarray.
Hormones and Brain Chemistry
Hormonal fluctuation plays a role in both migraines and sleepwalking. Ever notice migraines ramp up around your period or after a sleepless night? That’s not random. Hormonal migraines are a real thing, and they often correlate with low melatonin or disrupted serotonin levels—both of which affect sleep patterns and circadian rhythms.
Family Patterns
There’s also a genetic factor at play. Both migraines and parasomnias (like sleepwalking) tend to run in families. If your mom battled migraines and you sleepwalked as a kid—or still do—there might be a hereditary connection that’s been overlooked. This makes tracking symptoms and family history even more important. If this sounds familiar, using a migraine diary could be a game-changer.
My Sleepwalking-Migraine Connection: A Personal Look
There were a few nights where I’d wake up in weird places—once sitting in the hallway clutching a hoodie—and the next day, without fail, I’d get hit with a full-blown migraine. Not the dull kind either—the pulsating, head-in-a-vise variety that makes light unbearable and nausea your best friend. That’s when I started logging it. Sure enough, a pattern emerged. Every time I sleepwalked, a migraine wasn’t far behind. Was it just stress? Was my brain trying to tell me something before the pain kicked in?
I’m no neurologist, but I’ve talked to one (more than once), and it turns out this isn’t all in my head—pun not intended. Studies are still exploring the link, but there’s growing evidence that neurological causes for migraines could influence parasomnia behaviors like sleepwalking. It’s like your brain hits a glitch overnight that sets off a ripple effect.
When to Worry: Red Flags Worth Noting
If you or someone in your house has been both sleepwalking and getting migraines regularly, it’s worth paying attention. Here are a few signs that suggest it’s time to talk to a sleep specialist or neurologist:
- Frequent episodes of sleepwalking (more than once a month)
- Migraines that occur the morning after sleepwalking
- Other parasomnias like night terrors, sleep talking, or teeth grinding
- Excessive daytime fatigue despite a full night’s sleep
- Confusion or injuries upon waking
Combining sleep data with migraine tracking apps can be incredibly helpful. If you’re not already using one, here’s a handy list of migraine tracking apps that might be worth exploring. Some even integrate with wearables that track sleep stages and help you spot correlations between your REM cycles and headaches.
What You Can Actually Do About It
The good news? You’re not powerless. While the link between sleepwalking and migraines isn’t fully understood, there are proactive steps you can take to manage both:
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule—even on weekends
- Reduce exposure to blue light before bed
- Try magnesium supplements (under medical advice)—they’re known to help both sleep and migraines
- Minimize triggers like alcohol, stress, and sleep deprivation
- Limit screen time 1-2 hours before bedtime
While treatment paths vary, understanding how your brain reacts to sleep and stress can give you a powerful advantage. It’s not just about managing pain—it’s about preventing it altogether.
For a deeper dive into how migraines affect sleep (and vice versa), the Migraine Prevention Guide offers great insights. And for the bigger picture, check out the main migraines overview that ties everything together.
What the Experts Say About Sleepwalking and Migraines
There’s still a lot of mystery around how sleepwalking and migraines interact, but some studies suggest they may be part of the same neurological family tree. I asked a sleep specialist during a visit (after a particularly weird night of sleepwalking followed by a three-day migraine), and their answer stuck with me: “It’s like your brain’s alarm system misfires while you’re asleep, and the ripple affects pain centers too.”
It’s not far-fetched. The ncbi.nlm.nih.gov has published several case studies linking parasomnias with migraines, particularly in people with disrupted melatonin or circadian rhythm issues. It’s not just a coincidence—it’s possibly a shared dysfunction of brain regulation.
Disrupted Sleep Architecture
One term I kept hearing in my research: sleep architecture. Think of it as the blueprint of your night—light sleep, deep sleep, REM. Migraines can wreak havoc on that structure. And when your sleep architecture is off, so are your natural sleep cycles, including the parts that normally keep you from acting out your dreams or wandering the house.
People who deal with migraines often spend less time in restorative sleep phases. And that’s a major factor when we’re talking about parasomnias like sleepwalking. If you’re waking up groggy and foggy, chances are something’s not right beneath the surface.
Children and Teens: A Unique Overlap
If you’re a parent of a sleepwalking child who also gets migraines, you’re not imagining the overlap. Children are naturally more prone to sleepwalking—especially during growth spurts or periods of stress. But childhood migraines often show up differently, too—stomach pain, dizziness, and unexplained fatigue instead of just head pain.
Some researchers believe these early migraine indicators can trigger a neurological response that increases the likelihood of parasomnia behavior. So while your kid might grow out of sleepwalking, the underlying migraine tendency might stick around unless managed early.
Sleepwalking as a Migraine Symptom?
This is where things get even more interesting. While sleepwalking itself isn’t an official migraine symptom, the timing lines up for many people. Some report sleepwalking episodes during the prodrome phase—the subtle warning signs that come hours or even a day before the migraine hits. It could be your body’s way of flagging that something’s off neurologically.
Managing Both with an Integrated Routine
When I started paying attention to my nighttime habits, I noticed improvements not only in my sleep but also in the frequency of my migraines. Here’s what’s worked for me and others dealing with this strange combination:
- Consistent Bedtime Routine: Going to bed and waking up at the same time helped my brain feel less chaotic.
- Low-Stimulus Evenings: I swapped binge-watching shows for audiobooks or light music, and my sleepwalking incidents dropped drastically.
- Melatonin Support: I started a low-dose melatonin supplement with guidance from my doctor, and it made a noticeable difference in sleep depth.
- Essential Oils: Surprisingly effective. I’d roll a bit of peppermint oil on my temples and pillow—it calms the senses and shortens migraine duration when used early.
Other people I’ve spoken to also benefit from CBT for migraines, especially those with chronic sleep issues tied to stress or anxiety. Getting the mind-body connection right can reduce both sleepwalking frequency and migraine severity.
Medical Support: When DIY Isn’t Enough
If you’re frequently sleepwalking and battling migraines that affect your daily life, don’t just tough it out. A sleep study or EEG might be recommended to rule out neurological conditions like nocturnal epilepsy or REM sleep behavior disorder. Plus, a migraine specialist can explore preventive options like CGRP inhibitors or Botox therapy if your headaches are getting out of hand.
You might also want to explore wearable tech like the Nerivio device, which works during the early migraine phase using gentle electrical stimulation. And yes, it’s FDA-cleared. Combining tech with behavior changes offers a modern approach to a problem that’s been frustrating people for decades.
Takeaway: Treat the Brain, Not Just the Pain
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you or someone you care about has experienced the strange duo of sleepwalking and migraines. You’re not imagining things. While the science is still catching up, real-world experiences—and growing research—point to a meaningful connection.
I’ve lived it. And I can say with confidence that understanding how your brain reacts at night is just as important as how it responds to triggers during the day. Managing both requires patience, but the clarity (and better sleep) that follows is worth every step.
If you haven’t already, dive into the full symptoms guide for migraines to track the subtle cues you might be missing. It could reveal how your sleepwalking episodes are connected to what’s happening neurologically. And for everything else—from triggers to treatment options—visit the main migraines hub where it all comes together.
Bianca Nala is a compassionate Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in primary and respiratory care. As a health writer for Healthusias.com, she combines her clinical expertise with a talent for clear, relatable storytelling to help readers better understand their health. Bianca focuses on topics like asthma, COPD, chronic cough, and overall lung health, aiming to simplify complex medical topics without losing accuracy. Whether she’s treating patients or writing articles, Bianca is driven by a single goal: making quality healthcare knowledge accessible to everyone.
