5 Common Migraine Triggers (and How to Prevent Them)

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Stress is the most frequently reported migraine trigger. Some of the most common causes of stress among Americans include job and money worries. Regardless of the source of your stress, reducing it can make a significant improvement in your migraine frequency. Other less-known things can result in the onset of migraines. Learning more about them is essential to effectively control your migraine and avoid future attacks. 

Read on to discover the five little-known migraine triggers and tips on how to prevent them from interfering with your daily life. 

1. Irregular sleep schedule

There is an indisputable link between migraines and sleep. Sleep renews and restores numerous parts of your body, including your brain. It's no surprise that when your sleep routine becomes disrupted, you're more likely to experience migraine attacks. Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to sleep: 50% of all migraine attacks happen between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., placing you at a higher risk of developing a sleep disorder.

To develop a proper sleep schedule, try to go to bed at the same time each night and sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours. Avoid watching TV, texting, reading, or listening to music before sleeping, and abstain from napping during the day. 

2. Hormonal imbalance 

Migraines are more prevalent in women than in men. About 80% of women suffer from recurring headaches during their periods. This condition is called menstrual migraine and occurs strictly during menstruation as a reaction to fluctuations in progesterone and estrogen levels.  

Apart from changing your diet and lifestyle, there are certain oral contraceptives able to normalize hormone levels and reduce your migraine symptoms. Consult an experienced headache doctor and/or gynecology specialist to discover the most appropriate treatment option. 

3. Alcohol and caffeine

Most individuals experience an increase in migraine symptoms after consuming caffeine or alcohol. Others claim that a cup of coffee can relieve their symptoms, and certain migraine medications may contain a caffeine dose. Although red wine is considered to be the most common alcoholic migraine trigger, research suggests that other kinds of alcohol are just as likely, and in some cases even more so, can be the cause.

When it comes to alcohol intake, set boundaries and stick to them. Take your acute medicine right after you notice the warning signs and symptoms of a migraine attack after consuming alcohol.

4. Whether changes

Storms, extreme heat, and changes in atmospheric pressure are some of the most typical weather-related migraine triggers. Another common trigger is dehydration, which is often caused by high humidity and heat.

Because the weather cannot be controlled, stay inside or change your schedule if the current weather conditions are making your migraine worse. If you have some business to take care of, do it first thing in the morning until it becomes too hot.

5. Dehydration 

Dehydration is a trigger for almost 30% of migraine sufferers, and for others, even the tiniest indication of dehydration can set off excruciating head pain. Dehydration can affect your body in a variety of ways, making you dizzy, confused, and even putting you at risk of a medical emergency.

To stay hydrated, carry a water bottle with you at all times, maintain track of your fluid intake (two liters a day is recommended), and avoid diuretics. Simply drinking a glass of water can sometimes stop the onset of a migraine.

The bottom line

If you’re subjected to any of the aforementioned migraine triggers, take a proactive approach and consider changing your habits to achieve relief and improve your quality of life. If your migraines are persistent and worsen with time, visit a reputable headache and pain center. A headache specialist will evaluate your condition, determine its precise cause, and prescribe appropriate treatment. Also, inform the specialist about your triggers as it will help establish your diagnosis and start the most effective treatment plan for your symptoms.