If you or a loved one suffers from migraine headaches, you may be wondering what triggers them. Lifestyle choices and daily habits can play a major role in precipitating these headaches, so it’s important to know what the culprits may be. Here are five common migraine triggers that you should be aware of:
- Eating “Trigger” Foods
Foods that trigger migraines differ for each person, but it’s best to avoid anything that contains preservatives, such as aged cheese and processed meats. Surprisingly, even foods such as olives, peas and soy sauce can also trigger migraine headaches. The National Headache Foundation (NHF) recommends that you “Be your own expert by keeping a log of the foods you have eaten before a migraine attack.”
- Poor Sleep Hygiene
While it may not come as a surprise, too little or too much sleep can cause a migraine attack. To avoid circadian rhythm disruptions that trigger or worsen migraines, you should follow a regular sleep schedule and do your best to keep to it. Falling asleep and waking up the same times each day of the week could make a world of difference for some migraine sufferers.
- Stress
Acute and prolonged stress not only triggers severe headaches but is damaging to the whole body, so it’s important that you pay attention to your daily stress levels. If you are having trouble managing your stress, seeking out medical care may be a wise decision. Meditation and yoga may also be helpful in lowering your stress levels, thereby reducing the incidence and intensity of migraine episodes.
- Extreme Sensitivity to Sensory Stimuli
Some people develop symptoms when exposed to certain stimuli such as flickering lights and even pungent smells. Perfumes, for example, can be a trigger for sensitive individuals. If you are sensitive to light, wearing sunglasses can lower your risk of getting a migraine.
- Caffeine Withdrawal
If you frequently consume caffeinated beverages such as coffee, suddenly withdrawing can trigger an acute migraine episode. If you are a daily coffee drinker and are looking to cut down or stop, you should do so gradually to minimize any painful headaches.
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References:
Shahid, U. (2016, June 19). 9 reasons you might have a migraine. Retrieved June 29, 2016, from http://tribune.com.pk/story/1125809/9-reasons-might-migraine/