Migraine headaches, every person has suffered from a headache. Unfortunately, headaches affect people of all age groups many times throughout their lives. According to Harvard Health Publishing, nearly 90% of men and 95% of women have at least one headache on average in a year.
While there are different types of headaches, the most common ones are tension and migraine headaches. Scientists can explain the triggers of such headaches, but the underlying causes are not well understood. Also, the causes of a migraine headaches vary for every person.
We all know that headaches can be debilitating and may last for days. That’s why it is crucial to understand, identify, and eliminate the common triggers of headaches, as it can help you prevent one. In this article, we will discuss the common triggers of tension and migraine headaches.
- Stress: A major infamous trigger
Stress is a significant trigger for both tension headaches and migraines. For tension headaches, stress often leads to muscle tightening in the neck, shoulders, and scalp, resulting in a dull, persistent headache. This type of headache is usually described as a tight band around the head.
Migraines, while more complex, are also often triggered by stress. According to the American Headache Society, approximately 80% of people with migraine report stress as a trigger.
Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or regular physical activity can reduce the frequency of both tension headaches and migraines.
- Poor sleep: A common culprit
Sleep plays a crucial role in overall health, and inadequate or irregular sleep is a well-known trigger for tension headaches and migraines. Lack of sleep can cause increased muscle tension, resulting in tension headaches. It also disrupts the balance of brain chemicals and increases the likelihood of migraines.
For those prone to migraines, both too little and too much sleep can trigger an attack. Irregular sleep patterns, such as staying up late on weekends and sleeping in, can disrupt the body’s natural rhythms and contribute to headaches.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night and establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. To further promote sleep hygiene, create a relaxing bedtime routine and optimize your sleep environment by keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
- Dietary triggers: From MSG to wine
Certain foods and drinks are known to trigger both tension headaches and migraines. For tension headaches, skipping meals or consuming too much caffeine can lead to headaches due to blood sugar fluctuations and dehydration.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, chocolate, processed foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), and alcohol are triggers for tension headaches and migraines. Other foods reported to trigger headaches include aged cheeses and processed meats.
The exact reasons these foods trigger migraines are not entirely understood but are believed to involve changes in brain chemistry and blood vessel function.
Keeping a food diary to identify potential dietary triggers will go a long way, as it will help you prevent headaches in the long run. Also, avoid skipping meals and stay hydrated throughout the day; you will see how it makes a real difference!
- Environmental factors: lights, smells, and noises
Environmental factors, such as bright lights, strong smells, and loud noises, can trigger tension headaches and migraines.
For tension headaches, long exposure to bright screens or poor lighting can lead to eye strain and subsequent headaches. Furthermore, strong odors, such as perfume, smoke, or cleaning chemicals, can cause muscle tension and trigger headaches.
Migraines are particularly sensitive to environmental stimuli. Bright or flickering lights, certain odors, and loud noises can all trigger a migraine attack. This heightened sensitivity is thought to be due to changes in the brain’s sensory processing.
Understanding the common triggers of tension headaches and migraines is key to managing and preventing these painful conditions. By taking proactive steps to manage these triggers, you can prevent headaches and improve your quality of life.
If you suffer from chronic or persistent headaches, make sure that you consult a healthcare professional. Our English-speaking team at Prime Plus Medical in Canggu is ready to assist you 24/7!
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