Headache if I don't shower in the morning

[hans030390]

This has been something I've noticed for a few years now. If I don't shower in the morning, or don't shower within a couple hours of waking up, I usually get a mild to bad headache (not migraine) that lasts all day (either in the sinus area, behind the eyes, or at the top of my head). However, I rarely miss a morning shower. Still, I'm wondering why this happens and if it's a sign of something potentially more serious in any way and/or things I might try to prevent it.

 

[Gardener]

How is your blood pressure?

 

[MotF Bane]

Cold shower, warm, scalding...?

 

[darkxshade]

Cold shower, warm, scalding...?

This... I too rather shower in the morning because I need the hot water to warm my body which gets cold overnight while I'm sleeping, even in the summer. I don't get headaches if I don't shower but I do tend to stay tired and sleepy all morning to afternoon if I don't.

 

[hans030390]

How is your blood pressure?

Fine, I think. I was at the doctor over the summer, no mention of it (and it's been going on much longer than that). Also, the Wal-Mart "machine" said I was good as well.

 

[hans030390]

Cold shower, warm, scalding...?

Sorry, I meant to say a hot shower. Just enough so that my skin doesn't start turning red from it being TOO hot.

 

[Atty]

Probably some sort of sinus relief caused by the shower.

 

[Bateluer]

Do you blow your nose in the shower? The water will cleanse the build up out easier than tissues.

 

[Gardener]

Headaches are an indicator for high blood pressure, a hot shower can make them go away (increasing the body temperature reduces blood pressure). A hot shower will also relieve muscle tension which could cause a headache. In either case, perhaps that morning shower tweaks your system for the day.

However, iAtticus and Bateluer have hit upon the best hypothesis, and you should start there. I would be curious to know if manually irrigating your nasal passages with warm saline solution using a nasal sprayer or a neti pot has a similar effect for you as taking a hot shower.

 

[hans030390]

Headaches are an indicator for high blood pressure, a hot shower can make them go away (increasing the body temperature reduces blood pressure). A hot shower will also relieve muscle tension which could cause a headache. In either case, perhaps that morning shower tweaks your system for the day.

However, iAtticus and Bateluer have hit upon the best hypothesis, and you should start there. I would be curious to know if manually irrigating your nasal passages with warm saline solution using a nasal sprayer or a neti pot has a similar effect for you as taking a hot shower.

I've used a nasal sprayer before for a while. It helps a little in some situations, but I generally feel the same with or without. I also don't usually blow my nose in the shower.