To diminish headaches, avoid stress

Do you find yourself more stressed out during the holiday season? According to a recent online survey conducted by the National Headache Foundation, 52 percent of respondents stated that during the holiday season the frequency or severity of their headaches increases, and 64 percent have changed their holiday plans due to headaches.

A number of situations can exacerbate one’s headache condition. According to the survey, the three most prevalent triggers include stress due to added responsibilities (61 percent), alterations in sleep/ wake cycle (56 percent) and being in smoke- or perfume-filled rooms (47 percent).

Here are some tips to try and alleviate holiday stress:

•Don’t disrupt normal sleeping and waking patterns. Late night parties can also lead to headaches by tempting people to stay up past their normal bedtime and wake up later than usual. Try to go to sleep and awaken the same time every day. •Be aware of smoke and perfumefilled rooms. Both are typical celebration environments that can trigger headaches. If possible, get some fresh air or find an unpolluted area.

•Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. Try to sip a drink slowly. Mixed drinks containing fruit or vegetable juices will probably have less negative effect than straight alcohol. Alternate nonalcoholic beverages, such as soda or water. Avoid red wine, which contains tyramine, a naturally occurring amino acid known to trigger headaches. Try a glass of white wine instead.

•Don’t skip meals. An empty stomach could spur a headache. People unable to follow their normal eating schedule should pack snacks and avoid foods such as ripe cheeses, processed meats and chocolate, which may trigger headaches for some people.

•Schedule personal time. Holidays bring families together for quality time, but being with a family during several days, perhaps in close quarters, may be stressful. Have realistic expectations about the visit. Plan to visit friends, take long walks and take a break from all that family togetherness. Take a day off work either before or following holiday celebrations to prepare for or to recover from the gathering.

•See a healthcare provider. People who find that they experience more frequent or severe headaches during the holidays should make an appointment with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and to develop a treatment plan. The National Headache Foundation has state lists of physicians with an interest in headaches, available on request.

For more information on headache causes and treatments, call (888) NHF-5552 or visit www.headaches.org.

This story is provided by the National Headache Foundation.