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Chronotype in migraine and tension-type headache: A population study

Jung DE, Cho S, Ha WS, Shin HJ, Chu MK

Headache, 2026

2,838 participants · 1 citation

Abstract

Objectives: This study was designed to examine the distribution of chronotypes among individuals with migraine and tension-type headache and to evaluate the association between chronotype and clinical headache characteristics in a population-based sample.

Background: Although previous research has demonstrated associations between chronotype and migraine, there is limited population-level evidence regarding its relationship with tension-type headache or clinical features of these headache disorders.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using baseline data from a nationwide population-based survey, conducted in the Republic of Korea in October 2020, which involved adults 20-59 years old. The chronotype was assessed using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire and categorized into morning (score >58), intermediate (score 41-58), and evening (score <41) chronotypes.

Results: Among 2838 participants, the evening chronotype was more prevalent in the migraine (58 of 160, 36.3%) and tension-type headache (225 of 890, 25.3%) groups than in the nonheadache control group (185 of 1005, 18.4%, p < 0.001). Among participants with migraine, depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) differed across chronotypes in the overall comparison (p = 0.035 and p = 0.047, respectively), with the morning type showing lower levels than those shown by the intermediate and evening types; however, no pairwise differences were statistically…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 2,838 participants or records.

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