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StatPearls, LLC

  • Headache
  • Headache Disorders, Primary
  • Sleep
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive

Hypnic Headache

Hypnic headache is a rare primary headache disorder that typically presents in older adults and is characterized by a headache that consistently awakens the patient from sleep and lasts for a short duration, from 15 minutes to 4 hours. Because of the circadian pattern, this condition is often called the clockwise or alarm-clock headache. Hypnic headache accounts for fewer than 1% of headaches. Because many other conditions can mimic this type of headache, excluding other serious or untreated causes of headaches that disturb sleep is essential. The evaluation should exclude more common disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and structural abnormalities. This activity reviews the recognition, diagnosis, and evaluation of nocturnal headaches and the management of hypnic headaches. The material equips healthcare professionals with practical tools to accurately identify and treat this disorder. The role of the interprofessional health care team is emphasized, as further testing, such as sleep studies and neuroimaging, may be warranted. Because patients often first present to a primary care clinician or the emergency department with nocturnal headaches, recognizing the classic features of hypnic headache supports timely diagnosis and effective treatment, intending to improve patient outcomes.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1 creditAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1 creditNursingUp to 1 creditPharmacyUp to 1 credit

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1 pointABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1 pointABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1 pointABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1 pointABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1 pointABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1 pointABOHNS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1 pointABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1 point

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 6 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1 credit
  • MOC · Up to 1 point
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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