The winter season can accompany mild to severe headaches due to the change in temperature and atmospheric pressure. The changes bring about hemodynamic (internal blood pressure changes) in individuals causing headaches and migraines.
Having a headache during the jolly holiday season can be a bummer. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent winter headaches. From covering your head and neck while stepping out to taking pain-relief medicines, you can keep the headache at bay this winter.
Here are 5 ways to prevent winter headaches.
Steam Inhalation
Most individuals experience sinus headaches in winter. The sudden change in temperature and barometric pressure results in dry air. By breathing the dry air, the sinuses dry out, worsening the existing sinus problems. The less humid air also weakens our body’s immunity, giving a passage to bacteria and viruses to enter and trigger sinusitis.
Steam inhalation is an effective way to relieve the pain of a sinus headache. It opens the nasal passage and sinuses and relieves pressure.
Alter Sleep Pattern
Lack of sleep can reduce the pain threshold, making you vulnerable to headaches and migraines. In winter, the changing daytime and nighttime can affect your sleeping routine. Be consistent in getting 8 hours of sleep every night to keep headaches at bay.
Take Essential Nutrients
In winter, there’s hardly any sunlight peeking through the horizon. In this case, it is essential to incorporate vitamin D and other vital nutrients in your diet to reduce headaches. Studies have shown a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and headache disorders. Patients also reported a reduction in pain frequency and intensity after taking vitamin D supplements.
Eating foods rich in vitamin D such as egg yolks, fish, and red meat can also fulfill your body’s vitamin requirements.
Keep Yourself Warm
You cannot control the outdoor temperature, but you can control the indoors. Keep yourself warm by turning on the radiator. The cold is a common migraine trigger, so a warm and quiet room can provide relief. You can also reduce air dryness by turning on the humidifier. With the correct indoor temperature, you can avoid headaches this winter season.
Some people also add peppermint essential oil to their humidifiers to relieve headaches. It contains menthol that relieves spasms and pain. You can also apply it topically to get rid of tension and migraine headaches.
Stay Hydrated
It is natural not to feel thirsty during the winter season. However, it is essential to drink 8 glasses of water in winter to maintain the body’s fluid levels. The imbalance of fluids and electrolytes in your body can result in dehydration which causes headache pain. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking enough water and warm fluids like juices, sports drinks, and coffee.
If you struggle with winter headaches and migraines, you can also consider taking over-the-counter medicine for Headache Relief. At Health A2Z, our Extra Strength Headache Relief contains a measured quantity of acetaminophen and aspirin for fast non-prescription headache relief.
We also offer best dietary supplement products to fulfill your body’s nutrients need. Contact us to learn more about our over-the-counter products.