Headaches can range from mildly irritating ailments to being completely debilitating. They drain you of energy and are uncomfortable to deal with, often leading to laying down in a dark room and reaching for painkillers. Usually, headaches are a symptom of illnesses such as colds or flu and do not come around too often, however, if you are getting frequent headaches it could be a sign of a different problem – see the list below for a potential cause.
Dehydration
How much water do you drink in a day? It is very easy to get distracted with daily tasks and you might find that you can go hours without taking so much as a sip, especially if you’re moving around a lot. It is incredibly important for your health to stay hydrated, whether you choose to drink plain water or enjoy a cup of tea at regular intervals throughout the day – just avoid sugary drinks and alcohol as they will dehydrate you. Once you start consuming more liquids during the day you might find that your headaches start to recede.
Eye Strain
Another very common cause of persistent headaches is eye strain. If it has been a while since you have had your eyes tested, perhaps it is time to book an optician appointment to make sure you do not need glasses or contact lenses. It might be that you are straining to see objects in the distance or up close, or perhaps you need glasses when you are reading. If things appear to be blurry, or you are struggling to focus your sight, it is a good sign that you need to have a test and vision correction. Your optician should be able to diagnose you then and there and you will be able to buy reading glasses or any other kind you might need after your appointment.
Lack of Sleep
There are many reasons why you might be struggling to sleep at night. Anxiety and stress can lead to sleepless nights or perhaps you live a demanding lifestyle that leaves you little time for rest? Is your mattress uncomfortable? Just like staying hydrated, getting a good night’s sleep is very important for your health and well-being. Not only will it help you concentrate during the day, but it will also increase your mood and help your body function properly. A lack of sleep could be what is causing you to have frequent headaches, so try to figure out what is keeping you up at night and work to resolve the problem.
Stress
While stress could be what is keeping you up at night, if it is continuing throughout your day it could be another reason why you are getting frequent headaches. It can have a big impact on your physical well-being and the tension you are feeling in your body is probably what is causing your headaches. While it might be easier said than done, try to find ways to help you manage your stress better and unwind at the end of the day. Meditation might help, a hot bath, or taking a few minutes to step away from the situation and taking a few deep breaths.
Headaches are never pleasant and, though rare, they could be a symptom of a more serious health issue. If your headaches can’t be explained by a cold, the flu, or any of the above, call your doctor to investigate the problem further.
