Sometimes, people get really bad headaches called migraines. These headaches hurt a lot and can make people feel sick or sensitive to light. Stress, or feeling worried or upset, is one thing that can cause migraines. Let’s learn why stress can cause these headaches and how to stop them from happening.
What Are Migraines?
Migraines are really strong headaches. They don’t just hurt your head — they can also make you feel dizzy, upset in your stomach, and sensitive to light. Even though scientists don’t know exactly what causes migraines, they think things like genes (what we inherit from our parents) and the way we live can play a part.
How Does Stress Cause Migraines?
Stress can make migraines worse. When you’re stressed, your body gets ready for a “fight” — this is called the fight-or-flight response. Your body makes chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline. These chemicals can make your blood vessels in your brain tighten and then get bigger quickly, which can cause a migraine.
Things Stress Can Do to Trigger Migraines
Stress doesn’t just cause headaches all by itself. It can also make other things worse, like:
- Not sleeping well: When you’re stressed, you might not sleep enough, which can make migraines happen.
- Not eating or drinking enough: Stress might make you forget to eat or drink, and that can also give you a headache.
- Tense muscles: When you’re stressed, your shoulders and neck might get tight, and this can lead to a headache.
- Too many lights or sounds: Stress can make you more sensitive to things like bright lights or loud sounds, making a migraine worse.
Ways to Handle Stress and Stop Migraines
There are things you can do to stop stress from giving you migraines. Here are some helpful tips:
- Relax
Doing things like deep breathing, relaxing your muscles, or meditating can help you calm down. When you relax, it helps stop migraines from happening. Even just taking a moment to breathe deeply can make a big difference! - Get enough sleep
Going to bed at the same time every night and getting enough sleep (around 7-8 hours) can help your body stay calm and stop headaches. Try not to stay up too late or use screens like phones or tablets before bed. - Exercise
Moving your body, like going for a walk or swimming, can make your body feel better and reduce stress. But if you already have a migraine, it’s better not to exercise too hard, as it might make the pain worse. - Take breaks at work
If you feel stressed at work or school, take breaks! Stretch, breathe deeply, and make sure your workspace isn’t too loud or bright. - Eat the right foods
Drink plenty of water, eat healthy snacks, and try to avoid too much sugar or caffeine. Eating the right foods can help stop stress from turning into a migraine.
Can a Neurologist Help?
Sometimes, stress can be too much to handle on your own, and you might need to see a doctor who knows about headaches. If you’re thinking about seeing a doctor for migraines, check out our blog on How to Choose a Neurologist for some helpful tips.
Final Thoughts
By understanding how stress can cause migraines, you can start doing things to feel better. Relaxing, getting enough sleep, and eating well are just some ways to keep migraines away. If you’re still having problems, remember that seeing a doctor can help too.
Take care of your stress, and you might find your migraines happen less often!
If you need help finding a great doctor, or if you’re dealing with migraines, check out our Google My Business Profile to get in touch with us. We’re here to help!