Things That Could Be Causing Your Headaches (& What To Do About Them)

If a lot of your days are ruined by headaches, then searching for an answer as to what is causing them and how to make them stop will be at the top of your list. The good news is that you can find some possible reasons for headaches and how to combat them below.  

Stress and Tension 

One of the most common reasons for headaches is an excess of stress. This is because stress in the body causes muscles to tense, which in turn restricts blood flow to the brain. With that in mind, if you believe that stress and tension could be behind your headache,s then doing everything you can to relieve it can help. 

One option is to stop what you are doing and take some time away from a stressful situation - going for a walk, for example, can help. It may also be useful to make sure you stretch each day, especially around your neck. You may even want to learn some stress management techniques, such as box breathing or meditation.

Poor sleep habits 

Sleeping too little can also lead to headaches, as can an irregular sleep schedule. Oh, and too much screen time can worsen this, too. That is why if you are struggling with headaches, you must do all you can to improve your sleep hygiene. 

One way of doing this is to give yourself a proper bedtime routine. This means setting a time where you put away all screens, doing a relaxing activity such as reading a book, or having a bath, and giving your mind and body enough time to relax. Then, when it comes to actually going to sleep, things should be a lot easier. It can also be very helpful to keep your room dark and cool, perhaps by using blackout curtains and a fan, as these can both signal your body to go to sleep. 

Jaw and TMJ issues 

Another common reason for headaches is jaw and TMJ issues. Sometimes this can take the form of jaw popping or tooth grinding, or be an issue with your temporomandibular joint. Of course, the best recourse here is to see a specialist offering TMJ treatment, as they should not only be able to diagnose you, but treat you as well. In fact, seeking such treatment may mean that your headaches not only improve, but your jaw pain reduces, clicking sounds are minimised, and it's more comfortable to chew!

Dehydration

Something as simple as dehydration can also cause headaches, as it makes it harder for oxygenated red blood cells to reach your brain. The solution here is to make sure that you drink enough water and that you avoid things like caffeine and alcohol that can dehydrate your system. It’s also a good idea to include plenty of fruits and veggies in your diet, as they can help you stay hydrated too. 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe headaches.

 

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