If you have ever experienced a migraine headache, you are very familiar with the excruciating pain and discomfort associated with it. According to studies, almost 13% of individuals around the world, suffering from intense headaches, have migraines.

Not only are the symptoms disconcerting, but the unpredictability of migraine can be frustrating, causing problems in daily activities like work, school, and social life.

Experiencing a migraine is different for everyone. Symptoms like light sensitivity, nausea, throbbing pain on one side of the head, and vomiting are some of the common symptoms. The intensity and longevity of these symptoms also vary among individuals.

Medical experts agree that migraines are not just regular headaches; rather, they are a neurological disorder that arises from the nerves and blood vessels of the head.

Many have experienced migraine headaches at one time or the other, but few people understand the connection between their body’s timing and the onset of migraine symptoms.

In this article, we will discuss how our body’s timing affects migraine manifestation.

1. Circadian Rhythms and Migraine

Circadian rhythm refers to the internal, natural process that regulates an individual’s sleep-wake cycle, alertness, hormone production, and body temperature.

Disruptions in the body’s circadian rhythm can contribute to the onset of migraines or trigger migraine attacks. According to a study, close to 75% of migraines occur between 6 am and noon, aligning with the circadian rhythm. This indicates that the human body’s cycle can significantly influence the onset of migraine symptoms.

Circadian rhythms can be disrupted by several factors such as night shift work, jet lag, and changes in sleep patterns. These disruptions can disrupt the natural sleep cycle and lead to an increased frequency of migraines.

Thus, regulating one’s sleep, avoiding sleep deprivation, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.

2. Menstrual Cycles and Migraine

Studies show that female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, may play a vital role in the onset of migraines.

A significant percentage of women who experience migraines report that their menstrual cycle triggers or worsens the symptoms of migraine headaches. This could be because estrogen levels drop before the start of a menstrual cycle or during ovulation. Additionally, migraines headaches mostly improve during pregnancy when hormone levels are stable.

It is worth mentioning that not all women who have menstruation experience migraines. Only those with a history of migraine headaches are susceptible to headaches during menstruation.

However, if a woman experiences migraines during her menstrual cycle, taking preventive measures such as hormonal birth control and avoiding food that triggers migraines can help reduce migraine frequency and intensity.

3. Weather Changes and Migraine

Weather changes, particularly sudden changes in temperature or barometric pressure, have been linked to the onset of migraines.

Studies show that changes in the weather can alter the body’s environment, leading to the release of chemicals that cause inflammation and pain in the head. This explains why some people experience migraines during rainy or cold seasons when there is a sudden change in temperature or barometric pressure.

Although one cannot control the weather, it is possible to take preventive measures by using weather apps to prepare for sudden weather changes, dressing appropriately, and avoiding cold drinks during cold seasons.

4. Sleep and Migraine

The amount of sleep a person gets can influence the onset of migraine symptoms. Several studies associate irregular sleep patterns and sleep deprivation with the occurrence of migraines.

A study shows that people who experience sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, or sleepwalking have a higher chance of developing migraines.

Thus, one way to prevent migraine headaches is to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and avoid sleep deprivation. Experts recommend sleeping for 7-8 hours a day to reduce the frequency of migraine headaches.

5. Age and Migraines

Migraine can affect any age group, but the onset of migraines is more common in individuals between 25-45 years old. As people age, the frequency and intensity of migraines often reduce, or the migraines completely stop as they enter their 50s or 60s.

This could be as a result of changes in hormone levels, which stabilize with age. With age, women may transition into menopause, which could contribute to reduced migraines.

6. Stress and Migraines

Stress is a significant trigger for many migraine sufferers. Studies show that people who have a history of migraines are susceptible to migraines when exposed to high-stress levels.

Stress can trigger migraines by releasing cortisol, a hormone that affects the body’s homeostasis, leading to inflammation and pain.

7. Dehydration and Migraines

Dehydration is linked to migraines as the brain relies on water to keep it functioning correctly.

Studies reveal that dehydration can lead to the release of histamines and prostaglandins – chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling in the body. This inflammation can lead to an increased frequency and intensity of migraines. Thus, by staying hydrated, one can prevent or at least reduce the occurrence of migraines.

8. Food and Migraines

It is no news that some food items can trigger migraines. Some of these items include aged cheese, MSG, processed meats, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and chocolate.

These foods contain chemicals that can lead to nerve stimulation, causing inflammation and increasing the intensity and frequency of headaches. As such, avoiding such foods can prevent or at least reduce the frequency of migraines.

9. Genetics and Migraines

Although rare, genes play a role in the onset of migraines. Several studies have linked migraines to gene mutations. In some cases, people who inherited certain genes are more susceptible to migraines.

However, not all migraines result from genetics, and familial migraines account for just a small percentage of all migraines.

10. Bodyweight and Migraines

Studies reveal that bodyweight can play a role in the onset of migraines. Obesity and a high body mass index (BMI) can increase one’s risk of experiencing migraines.

These findings could be attributed to the changes in hormones that typically arise in people who are overweight or obese.

Conclusion

In summary, the onset of migraine headache is influenced by several factors, including genetics, bodyweight, sleep, dehydration, stress, menstrual cycles, weather, and age.

Understanding how these factors interact with our body’s timing can help migraine sufferers reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. Taking preventive measures such as staying hydrated, avoiding foods that trigger headaches, managing stress levels, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help reduce the occurrence of migraines.