Headaches are extremely uncomfortable and annoying, but the worst part is, it’s hard to tell exactly why they occur. This makes it difficult to fix the problem instead of just popping another Advil.
Sometimes, it can feel like you are getting headaches all too often, and it can be frustrating trying to figure out what’s causing the sensitivity in your head. 47 percent of the world’s population has experienced a headache in the past year, so if you’re constantly plagued by migraines or tension, you aren’t alone.
Most headaches aren’t caused by any disease or illness, but they are instead the result of lifestyle factors, some of which you may not even realize can have effect on how your head feels. If you’re someone whose head hurts often and you can’t figure out why, consider these six surprising reasons you might be getting a headache.
It’s important to note that if you are suffering frequent headaches or the pain of the headache is extremely intense, you should contact your doctor.
1. Your Computer
Staring at your computer all day may seem harmless, look at your screen for a long period of time can cause vision problems and headaches. This is known as computer vision syndrome, and it usually occurs in people who stare at a computer for more than two hours a day, according to the Nepalese Journal of Ophthalmology.
2. Your Hairstyle
If you’re someone who likes to keep their hair tied back in a tight ponytail or bun, you may be prone to more headaches. The City of London Migraine Clinic found that women who loosened their ponytails experienced less migraines than when their hair was tightly tied. It might seem obvious, but many people don’t think to look to their tight buns as a cause of their headaches.
3. You Slept In
It may seem like a good idea to catch up on some sleep over the weekend, but sleeping for too long can mess up your body’s natural circadian rhythms. This causes problems with the hormone serotonin, which can trigger a migraine.
4. Strong Scents
If you’re sensitive to scents, anything from the smell of gasoline to a burning candle can trigger a headache. A study from the journal Cephalalgia found that 70 percent of migraine sufferers react negatively to odors such as perfume, but they also were sensitive to other smells such as paint and bleach.
5. A Meat And Cheese Platter
No matter how much you love appetizers, that charcuterie board may be the culprit of your head pain. Certain processed meats such as sausages and lunch meats and certain cheeses such as Parmesan, blue cheese, and Gouda contain tyramine, a natural food chemical that is known to cause headaches.
6. Dehydration
You may think you are getting enough water, but even mild dehydration can trigger a headache. It is especially important to stay hydrated after exercise, as people who didn’t drink enough post-workout reported a greater number of headaches later on.
