Difficulty in falling asleep can arise from stress, anxiety, irregular sleep schedules, and persistent headaches. These myriad factors not only affect the quantity of sleep one gets but also impact the overall quality of rest. Lack of sleep can have far-reaching consequences, affecting both mental and physical well-being.
Migraine is a major consequence of a lack of sleep. A migraine is an acute headache, characterized by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe throbbing and pulsating pain on one side of the head.
The connection between sleep and migraine is quite intricate, making them mutually influential. Someone suffering from a migraine might not be able to get quality sleep due to the intensity of the pain, and those who lack sleep might suffer from a migraine.
Sleep is essential for the brain to undergo several restorative processes. Lack of sleep may affect these processes, impacting neurotransmitters, synaptic activity, and overall neurological function, potentially triggering migraines. Sleep disturbance impairs the endogenous pain-relieving function and increases spontaneous pain, especially headaches. Irregular sleep patterns, inadequate sleep time, or disturbed sleep cycles may increase the sensitivity to a migraine attack. Sleep deprivation can lower the pain threshold, making individuals more prone to experiencing these debilitating headaches.
It is crucial to manage your sleep schedule to keep your migraines and headaches at bay.
Few Tips to Set Right your Sleep Schedule:
- Follow a Strict Sleep Pattern: Too much or too little sleep might disrupt your daily life and lead to a migraine attack. The American Migraine Foundation recommends getting between seven and eight hours of sleep each night. Try to wake up at the same time every day, as irregular sleep patterns could increase your chances of getting a migraine.
- Create the Right Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom has favorable conditions for sleep by keeping it dark, quiet, and cool. Keep away from digital devices before going to sleep, as the light could induce a migraine. It is also advisable to use a humidifier in the winters.
- Watch Your Diet: When suffering from a migraine, it is important to avoid caffeine, large meals, and nicotine close to bedtime.
- Expose Yourself to Natural Light: Spend quality time soaking in sunlight. Exposure to natural light helps regulate your body’s internal clock. Take a walk, visit the park, or simply sit on your roof for an hour or so to get the required amount of Vitamin D.
- Stay Active: Regular physical activity is key in managing migraine headaches. Exercise can help regulate your sleep patterns, reduce stress, and improve overall health, which are all important factors in preventing migraines.