Something you might try that helped me

So I had daily crushing migraines for a decade (I used to post here a lot) and, in that time, not one doctor (of the many, many, including multiple neurologists that I saw) said I should try a sleep study. The migraines were so crushing that they overwhelmed a bunch of other symptoms of a sleep disorder and, about a year ago, I got a sleep study for snoring; lo and behold, I have sleep apnea (one potential symptom of which is migraines)! I got on a CPAP and bunch of stuff got better, including the migraines. They're not gone, but way, way better, and I am slowly and surely recovering from the damage done to my body and mind (and it does take time). So I'm not saying this works for everyone, but I find it appalling that I didn't get sent for a sleep study a decade ago, and I humbly propose that those of you who have migraines might ask your doctor about it, even if you don't fit the profile.

Good advice; I have had a sleep study done although not because of the migraines. The neurologist sent me to get it done because I simply complained about being so sleepy. I had no sleep abnormalities other than sleeping a lot, according to the test. Unfortunately my insurance didn't cover much of it so beware of that before you go.

I've recommended CPAP in the past too, it really helped me at one point. Unfortunately I am now having more migraines, with less relief again, but for the 2-3 years it helped, it really really helped.

Agreed this is something good to try, especially if someone is having any symptoms of excessive sleepiness, needing to sleep a lot, difficulty concentrating, or has problems with their heart, etc. I had a sleep study done upon recommendation by my pain specialist, due to my pain med use (they can cause central sleep apnea, where the brain doesn't tell you to breathe in your sleep, vs. obstructive apnea where there is a physical obstruction).

Sleep studies can also diagnose many other sleep disorders. Besides knowing your insurance coverage, my best sleep study tips are to ask for a sleep aid from the doctor prescribing the study if it isn't offered, and to bring anything that makes you more comfortable. The prevalence of apnea is becoming more known. Also, the sleep study (and CPAP machine) technology has advanced a lot in the last 10 years.

Long story short I have mild obstructive apnea and severe periodic limb movement disorder. I'm on CPAP for the first and Gabapentin for the second. I have seen some difference in my daytime sleepiness with this, but still need to take Ritalin to function. As expected, it is the pain meds causing most of my symptoms. However, I plan to stay on the CPAP as its good for my health and because my hubby is sleeping better (I must be having less micro-arousals). Best wishes.

I´m going to ask my doctor about this next time I talk to him. I just found out my brother has sleep apnea. He doesn´t suffer from headaches though. He has big tonsils and always snored even when he was a little kid. I generally don´t snore, but fatigue has been a big problem for me, so maybe it´s possible I have it. Thanks for the tip.   

this is a very good and helpful post, thisismyusername.  (clever name but it would be nice to have a real one so we could feel we know you better).  

re: sleep studies.  without a long story, suffice it to say that i've been sent for 5 sleep studies by  3 various doctors.  these studies are, imho, the "test of the hour".  i'm always elated when i hear of someone who was actually diagnosed, and can actually tolerate the cpap.

every sleep specialist came up with a different diagnosis, so i was back at square one.  if you want a little funny slant on it, they mostly called it a tiny bit of apnea with sleep fragmentation.  meaning i can't get to sleep, and can't stay there, either.  which is not a diagnosis but just the reality of my sleep, or lack-of.

of course i've tried the machines and couldn't tolerate them. when trying the different masks and machines, i got less sleep than usual.  for me (maybe i'm alone in this?) less proper sleep equals more migraines and that's why i prayed for my sleep to be improved.

bummer for me, but many people find them lifesaving.  i guess if i had more pronounced apnea i would absolutely require myself to tolerate it.  

sensitive people often can't do it.  if one is sensitive to chemicals, food, body sensations, for instance, these people are not NOT TRYING, but really can't stand it.

hooooooray for you to find an answer!  dianne