Good sleep is not just a luxury for those living with migraines—it’s a fundamental pillar of managing the condition. Studies show that poor sleep can exacerbate the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraines. For migraine sufferers, disrupted sleep cycles can trigger a cascade of neurological events that lead to debilitating symptoms the next day.
Sleep is when your body repairs itself, regulates hormones, and calms an overactive nervous system—all of which are vital for migraine management. However, achieving restorative sleep can be particularly challenging for those with migraines due to heightened sensitivities, including light, noise, and even minor physical discomforts.
Our founder, Catherine Hearns, understands this firsthand. As someone who has battled sporadic hemiplegic migraines, she knows the critical role a peaceful sleep environment plays in preventing and alleviating migraine episodes. Her journey inspired her to explore innovative ways to create a sleep sanctuary that caters to the unique needs of migraine sufferers.
The Connection Between Sleep and Migraines
- Sleep Deprivation as a Trigger: Lack of sleep can increase the production of stress hormones like cortisol, which can worsen migraines.
- Poor Sleep Quality: Even if you spend enough hours in bed, fragmented or light sleep can fail to provide the deep rest your body needs for neurological recovery.
- Circadian Rhythm Impact: Irregular sleep patterns disrupt your internal clock, leading to imbalances that often manifest as migraines.
By creating a migraine-friendly sleep space, you can address these challenges and take proactive steps toward better sleep hygiene and overall well-being.
Guidance & Advice for Designing Your Sleep Sanctuary
- Invest in Darkness: Light sensitivity is a common migraine trigger. Use blackout curtains to block out external light, and consider wearing an eye mask like our Sleep Well Eye Mask, designed to eliminate visual stimuli.
- Temperature Control: Keep your bedroom cool and comfortable, ideally between 16-18°C. Overheating can disrupt sleep and exacerbate migraines. A fan or breathable bedding can help maintain an optimal sleep temperature.
- Eliminate Noise: Use a white noise machine or earplugs to block out disruptive sounds. Noise-cancelling features in ear pods, paired with mindfulness apps, can also help.
- Pre-Sleep Rituals: Establish a calming bedtime routine that signals to your brain it’s time to wind down. Incorporate aromatherapy with lavender, known for its relaxation properties. Our Lavender Aromatherapy Insert is a perfect addition to your nighttime routine.
- Hydration Without Overdoing It: Stay hydrated throughout the day, but reduce fluid intake a couple of hours before bed to avoid waking up frequently during the night.
- Mindfulness Practices: Meditation or deep breathing exercises can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Practise these techniques for 5-10 minutes before sleep.
Our Products to Enhance Your Sleep Space
At MyComfort, we’ve designed products with your comfort and neurological well-being in mind:
- The Sleep Well Eye Mask: Crafted from sustainable, certified fabric, this mask blocks light effectively while providing gentle, soothing compression to alleviate tension.
- The Cool & Calming Insert: Keep this insert in the freezer for cold compression therapy that helps reduce inflammation and soothe headache symptoms while you sleep.
- The Lavender Aromatherapy Insert: The calming scent of lavender can help reduce stress and promote a deeper, more restorative sleep.
Creating a calming sleep space tailored to your needs is one of the most impactful ways to take control of your migraines. At MyComfort, we’re here to support you every step of the way.