Does anybody feel a pressure build up or burning sensation throughout their head from lack of sleep? Please help.

[haydencole1234]

After a prolonged period of sleep deprivation, I'm talking 1.5+ years of horrible sleep I started feeling this sensation in my head that feels like a pressure build up, or a burning sensation all throughout my head. It's extremely unpleasant and chronic for me. Advil, Tylenol, Aleve and other over the counter migraine medications don't seem to do anything for me. The only thing I know of to date to get rid of this is to make sure I get an adequate amount of sleep which is extremely hard for me even if I give myself a proper space cushion. Has anyone felt something similar and/or have any methods of lessening the pain? Please help.

[cat3]

Hi Hayden . I'm a poor sleeper, often going for days with only an hour here & there and watching daybreak arrive. I feel shaky and exhausted after lack of sleep but have never experienced the symptoms you describe, so can't really empathise or compare notes.

You don't mention the nature of your brain injury so it might be difficult for others to comment. Have you been diagnosed with a sleep disorder ? (I'm guessing your GP is aware of your symptoms ?)

Cat x

[Woo777 in reply to cat3]

Zopiclone is the only thing that cures this for me

[sospan]

Lack of sleep is very common. Last night I was asleep around 2:30 am interrupted sleep in the night and out of bed at 8 AM

What helps me is the "old man nap" early evening between 4-6 pm. Oddly once I wake up from even a 15 min nap, it feels like I just got out of a cold shower - refreshed.

A sleep doctor once said the key to a good nights sleep was to walk for 90 minutes in the middle of the afternoon. Nice idea but when you need two new knees and two hips .....

[Pairofboots]

Hi, from the drug name's you use I guess you are not in the UK? I might be wrong.

I am not sure it is migraine you are experiencing, and possibly why the medication doesn't help. I don't know what the pain relates to, it might be lack of sleep, or that might be the cause of lack of sleep.

I have experienced prolonged lack of sleep, to me it was painful, but I needed medical intervention to help. Be careful of 'sleeping tables', they work for a time, but you can develop a dependence, and their effects taper off if over used. This is creates an unhealthy relationship with medication. Some of the medication you mentioned above can create a similar relationship.

You do need to seek some help from a neurologist, and possibly a sleep specialist. I know a shopping list of medicine that can help sleep and pain, but am reluctant to make any suggestion.

Seek professional assistance to solve your symptoms.

Good luck, and keep safe.

[LondonGee]

Hi Hayden Following a head injury I had huge pressure in my head and a burning sensation on the top of my scull. Head massage increased it but after being gentle and persistent it has reduced it. I keep my hand in one place on my forehead and move my forehead side to side and up and down. Then I move my hand up to my hairline and repeat, moving my hand further back each time until I reach the top of my skull.

It is still sensitive (particularly to cold and heat) but no longer pressured.

No drugs and very cheap! Worth a try but be gentle to start.