When I wake up in the morning, my jaw feels tight with tension and sometimes a headache, what does that mean?

Waking up with a tight jaw and tension, along with a headache, often means that you might be clenching or grinding your teeth during sleep, a condition called bruxism. Many people clench their jaw or grind their teeth unconsciously while they sleep, especially if they’re stressed or anxious. This constant pressure on the jaw muscles overnight can lead to muscle soreness, tightness, and headaches when you wake up.

Other factors, like sleep position, misalignment of the teeth, or jaw problems such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, can also cause these symptoms. If this happens regularly, it’s important to consult with a doctor.