How To Harness the Power of Sleep When You Live With Migraine

Day 4 (2026)

Interview 30 minutes

Key Questions

How does a poor night’s sleep trigger a migraine attack?
How do circadian rhythms relate to migraine?
What is melatonin, and how does it impact migraine?
What could be causing middle-of-the-night or early morning migraine attacks?
How is migraine related to sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome?
What is sleep hygiene?
What are the most impactful sleep hygiene rules?
What is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), and how might it improve both migraine and insomnia?
What does “painsomnia” indicate?
Can naps be helpful during or after a migraine attack?
How does one bring up sleep concerns with a healthcare provider?

Interview Notes

Treatments Mentioned

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
Computer (FL-41) glasses
Diet
Headache diary
Lifestyle modifications
Melatonin
Neuromodulation devices
Sleep hygiene
Sleep restriction therapy
Tylenol PM

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Disclaimer: The Migraine World Summit aims to bring you a variety of perspectives and expertise, free from bias or judgment. Alternative theories presented in this video have not been medically reviewed. Views expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the Migraine World Summit. Please always consult your health care professional and do your own research before making changes to your treatment plan. Captions are auto-generated and may contain errors.

Expert

Fred Cohen, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine and Neurology | Medical Director
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai | Headache Intervention

Dr. Fred Cohen is an assistant professor of medicine and neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai-New York City. Dr. Cohen received his medical degree from Stony Brook University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in internal medicine at the Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, followed by a fellowship in headache medicine at the Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Dr. Cohen is one of the few headache specialists in the country trained in both internal medicine and headache medicine. His research has been published in several medical journals, including Headache, Cephalalgia, Pain Medicine, and Neurotherapeutics, and he serves on the editorial board for Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain.