CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Hornets coach Steve Clifford returned to practice following a 21-game absence due to headaches caused by sleep deprivation.

Clifford said Tuesday that when he began experiencing intense headaches back in early December, it scared him so much that he decided to take a medical leave of absence. Medical tests revealed nothing wrong internally, but Clifford said doctors told him he needed to dramatically change his lifestyle and work habits -- and get more sleep.

Charlotte head coach Steve Clifford has missed the past 21 games due to headaches and is expected to coach the Hornets when they host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night. AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Clifford, who last coached Charlotte on Dec. 1, says he feels rested and plans to delegate more to his assistant coaches moving forward.

The 56-year-old Clifford returns to the sideline Wednesday when Charlotte hosts the Washington Wizards, the start of a five-game homestand for the struggling Hornets (17-25).

Charlotte was 9-12 under associate head coach Stephen Silas during Clifford's absence.