We describe the polysomnographic data of a 79-year-old woman with an 11-yea
r history of nocturnal headaches that were clinically consistent with hypni
c headache. A polysomnographic study showed arousal at stage 3 slow wave sl
eep because of a headache episode. Although this finding could be nonspecif
ic, it suggests the possible relationship between stage 3 slow wave sleep a
nd hypnic headache.