Headaches can be a daily struggle for some people, affecting their quality of life significantly.

While most people reach for painkillers to ease the pain, it is important to identify the root cause of your headaches to prevent them from occurring frequently. While some reasons might be obvious, others might surprise you. Below are ten surprising reasons why you might be getting headaches.

1. Dehydration

Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, especially for those who are not used to drinking enough water throughout the day. When your body is dehydrated, your brain tissue temporarily shrinks, leading to a headache.

Make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water daily to prevent dehydration and headaches.

2. Perfume

Perfumes, colognes, and other strong fragrances can trigger headaches in some people. This is particularly true for those with a strong sense of smell, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.

If you notice that you get headaches after using fragrances, switch to unscented products instead.

3. Lack of Sleep

A lack of sleep can cause headaches due to the disruption of the body’s normal sleeping pattern. Aim to get at least seven hours of sleep every night and try to maintain a consistent sleeping pattern to prevent headaches.

4. Neck and Shoulder Tension

Experiencing tension in your neck and shoulders can lead to tension headaches. This is because the muscles in your neck and shoulders can cause pain and discomfort that radiates up to your head.

Consider seeing a physiotherapist or practicing yoga to ease tension in these areas and prevent headaches.

5. Weather Changes

Fluctuations in weather, particularly changes in pressure or temperature, can cause headaches in some people. If you are prone to headaches during weather changes, try to stay hydrated and take painkillers as needed.

6. Poor Posture

Poor posture, particularly hunching over a screen or desk for long periods, can strain your neck and shoulders, leading to headaches. Make sure to maintain good posture and take regular breaks to stretch and move around.

7. Skipping Meals

Skipping meals or having irregular eating patterns can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, leading to headaches. Make sure to eat regularly and maintain a well-balanced diet to prevent headaches.

8. Caffeine Withdrawal

Consuming caffeine regularly can lead to dependence, and withdrawal from caffeine can cause headaches. If you are looking to reduce your caffeine intake, do so gradually to prevent withdrawal headaches.

9. Eye Strain

Spending long hours staring at a computer or phone screen can cause eye strain, leading to headaches. Consider taking regular breaks to rest your eyes and adjust the brightness and contrast settings on your screen to reduce eye strain.

10. Chewing Gum

Chewing gum can cause headaches in some people due to the constant jaw motion and tension it creates. If you notice that you get headaches after chewing gum, limit your consumption or stop altogether to prevent headaches.