During the winter months, as the cold weather sets in, many people who suffer from migraines find themselves dealing with them more frequently. In fact, individuals susceptible to migraine headaches are often more sensitive to changes in weather, especially in the winter. Fluctuating temperatures, changes in barometric pressure, and exposure to dry air both inside and outdoors can contribute to increased migraine incidence and severity.
In this blog article, we will discuss some of the factors that can trigger migraines in the winter, as well as some important steps you can take to avoid them.
What is a migraine?
Migraine is a type of severe headache that often involves recurrent episodes of severe and throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. It often comes together with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, as well as symptoms such as sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells. What’s more, some people also experience migraine “aura” symptoms—which include changes in vision, such as seeing spots, as well as moving lines and zigzags.
What causes winter migraines?
During the winter, there are several environmental factors that can trigger migraine headaches. One is changes in atmospheric pressure, which fluctuates during the transition of seasons, and can trigger a migraine attack in susceptible individuals.
Similarly, changing temperatures, whether from a warm autumn to a cold winter, or from freezing temperatures to a mild spring, can also serve as a migraine trigger. In addition, other winter migraine triggers can include the following:
- Extreme cold temperatures
- Dry air
- Stormy weather
- Sun glare
- Bright sun
- High humidity
In addition, wintertime dehydration is another risk for migraines. It can result from being exposed to dry indoor air, sweating due to wearing too many layers, and not hydrating properly. Furthermore, snow can create a reflective surface for the winter sun, creating a strong glare and triggering migraines for some migraine sufferers.
How to avoid winter migraine triggers
There are some simple yet very effective strategies to prevent the onset of migraines by avoiding some of the most common winter triggers.
Staying hydrated: If you suffer from migraines, drinking enough fluids during the winter months is essential. Moreover, it is important to reduce your consumption of diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol, since it can lead to dehydration. Finally, using an indoor humidifier can be an effective way to prevent dehydration as well.
Wearing sunglasses: Avoiding bright sun and glare in winter by wearing eye protection can help prevent migraine headaches, especially for people sensitive to bright lights. Health experts recommend wearing polarized sunglasses or sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses.
Plan ahead: If you know that changes in temperature or weather conditions can trigger your migraines, it’s essential to keep an eye on the weather and avoid going outside during unfavourable conditions. If possible, it can be a good idea to adjust your schedule to avoid exposing yourself to sudden temperature changes based on the weather forecast.
Manage your stress levels: Winter months can be stressful for many reasons, and the lack of sunlight, cold temperatures, and harsh weather conditions can certainly contribute to one’s stress levels. In fact, stress is one of the most common migraine triggers, and therefore, reducing your stress levels with strategies such as getting regular exercise and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can go a long way in preventing winter migraines.
Conclusion
Winter can be a difficult season for people who suffer from migraines due to triggers such as changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure, dry air, and sun glare. This is why taking preventive steps to avoid winter migraines is crucial to keeping them under control. Likewise, paying attention to your body and well-being, tracking your potential triggers using a migraine diary, and making appropriate lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in migraine prevention.
However, if you continue having severe and debilitating migraines despite taking proactive action to prevent them, it is important to see your healthcare practitioner for an assessment and an appropriate treatment plan.
