It may come as no surprise that migraines are a common ailment. It is estimated that about 36 million people in the United States have suffered from at least one migraine attack, and many of those cases will develop into chronic, recurring headaches. Visiting specialists is essential for the management of frequent headaches. Schedule an appointment with NY Neurology Associates. While the underlying cause of migraines is still unknown, several factors are known to contribute to their development. Some of these include.
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1. Irregular Sleep Schedule
People who often suffer from migraines have irregular sleep patterns. This can be due to many factors such as working late nights or shifts, stress, and even changes in the environment (noise, light). Staying on a regular sleep schedule is one of the best ways to help prevent migraines.
2. Stress
It is no secret that stress can trigger migraines. It is one of the most common triggers. This may be because stress can cause tension in the muscles and blood vessels in the head. There are several ways that you can manage stress.
Some of the most common methods include exercise, yoga, and deep breathing exercises. You can also try to identify your stressors and find ways to eliminate or reduce them. If that is not possible, you can try to manage them better. For example, if work is a source of stress, try to take short breaks throughout the day to relieve some of that tension.
3. Hormonal Changes
This may be because hormones can affect the blood vessels and muscles in the head. Some of the most common times for hormonal changes are during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
There is not much that can prevent hormonal changes from occurring, but you can try to manage them better. For example, if you know that your migraines are worse during your menstrual cycle, try to take extra precautions. You can also talk to your doctor about possible medications that can help lessen the effects of hormonal changes.
4. Certain Diets
Food triggers are another common factor in migraine development. It may be because different foods can affect the body in different ways. Some of the most common food triggers include processed foods, artificial additives, chocolate, and caffeine.
It is important to note that not everyone who suffers from migraines has food triggers. However, if you do have them, it is crucial to avoid them as much as possible. It can be difficult, but it is not impossible. You may need to keep a food diary to help you identify your triggers. You can also talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about ways to reduce your exposure to these triggers.
5. Not Drinking Enough Water
Dehydration can cause the blood vessels to shrink, leading to a migraine. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you are not drinking enough water, you may be dehydrated without realizing it. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. You may also want to avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, as they can dehydrate you.
While the underlying cause of migraines is still unknown, several factors are known to contribute to their development. These include irregular sleep schedules, stress, hormonal changes, and food triggers. There is not much that can be done to prevent these factors from occurring, but you can try to manage them better.
