Do you suffer from migraines? I do.I will admit that I do a lot of things that contribute to creating migraines.
- Stress (either during a stressful time or right after stress subsides).
- Menstrual cycle in women.
- Too much or too little sleep.
- Fasting or skipping meals.
- Changes in barometric pressure and weather.
- Bright light or reflected sunlight.
- Foods such as chocolate.
- Excessive caffeine or caffeine withdrawal.
- Smoking or being around someone who smokes.
Learning to cope with the triggers:
- Watch what you eat and drink. If you get a headache, write down any food or drink you had before getting it. If you see a pattern over time, eliminate that item!
- Eat regularly. Skipping meals can trigger migraines in some people.
- Curb the caffeine. Excess caffeine (in any food or drink) can cause migraines. But be careful: Cutting back abruptly also causes migraines.
- Be careful with exercise. Although doctors advise getting regular exercise to stay healthy, exercise can trigger headaches. You may need to take an anti-inflammatory drug to prevent exercise migraines.
- Get regular sleep. Changes in your normal sleep habits can cause migraines. Being overly tired can also trigger migraines.
- Learn to cope with stress. Emotional upsets and stressful events are common migraine triggers. Anxiety, worry, fatigue, and excitement can intensify a migraine’s severity. Learn to cope with stress better – through counseling, biofeedback, relaxation training, and possibly taking an antidepressant.
From WebMD, here are some commong migraine triggers: