Tips to avoid headaches this holiday season

Twinkling holiday lights are beautiful and cozy this time of year — unless they're causing debilitating headaches.

A University of Cincinnati migraine expert recently offered to 91.7 WVXU News a list of potential headache triggers around the holidays and how to try to avoid them. 

"There are a number of different factors that make this a very headache provocative time," said Vincent Martin, MD, professor of clinical medicine at the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine and director of the Headache and Facial Pain Center at the Gardner Neuroscience Institute.

Various triggers more prevalent at the holidays include:

• flashing decorative lights 
• imbibing more alcohol than usual
• eating more sweets than usual
• drinking more caffeine
• changes to a person's daily schedule
• weather
• airplane travel
• glare from the sun reflecting off snow
• intense smells from holiday-scented candles
• stress

Martin says stress and weather are two big triggers.

"Even though the holidays are a joyous time, they are filled with a lot of stress because there's many activities that we need to accomplish to make the holidays as wonderful as possible for all in our families," he said.

"Many patients," he added, "will have worsening headaches with the colder weather that occurs around the holidays. In addition to that, there are very large fluctuations in barometric pressure, both up and down, that occur during the winter, much more pronounced than the summer, for example, and that can predispose to headaches, as well."

If flashing lights or sun glare trigger headaches or visual auras — flashing lights or zigzags — try wearing sunglasses.

Martin notes that not all migraine sufferers will be triggered by the same factors.

He recommends moderating alcohol and sweets and trying to maintain a consistent schedule.

"I realize that may not always be feasible because there are many activities around the holidays, but trying to plan your schedule such that you're not trying to do everything at the last minute — staying up till three in the morning to get presents wrapped or whatever the activity may be — but trying to do some advanced planning so that you're not completely stressed out at the holidays," said Martin.

He also recommends eating regularly, exercising and incorporating some relaxation techniques into the day to ease stress or anxiety.

Listen to the full 91.7 WVXU News story.

Featured image at top: iStock/Prostock-Studio.