As summer rolls around, many of us look forward to sunny days, beach trips, and vacations. But for some, the change in season can bring something less enjoyable: migraine. While migraines can strike at any time of year, the hot summer months can introduce a unique set of triggers that make migraines more frequent or intense. If you’re one of the millions who suffer from migraine, understanding these summer-specific triggers can help you prevent attacks and manage your symptoms more effectively.
1. Heat and Humidity
One of the most common migraine triggers in the summer is the intense heat and humidity.
When the body overheats, it increases blood flow to the skin to release heat, which can dilate blood vessels in the brain and trigger headaches. Hot weather often leads to increased fluid loss through sweat, and even mild dehydration can cause headache. Additionally, high temperatures are often accompanied by changes in barometric pressure, which is another known trigger for headaches and migraines in susceptible individuals.
Tips for Prevention:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Avoid spending long periods of time in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
- If you’re outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat or seek shade when possible.
- Use cooling products like fans or cooling towels to help regulate your body temperature.
2. Changes in Sleep Patterns
With the longer days and more daylight, it can be tempting to stay up later or wake up earlier, especially if you’re enjoying summer activities. However, disruptions to your usual sleep schedule can be a significant migraine trigger. Both oversleeping and insufficient sleep can throw off your circadian rhythm, making you more vulnerable to headaches.
Tips for Prevention:
- Try to stick to a consistent sleep routine, even in the summer months.
- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help your body stay balanced.
- Avoid looking at screens (phones, computers, etc.) right before bed, as this can disrupt your sleep.
3. Bright Sunlight and UV Exposure
While the sun can be a great source of vitamin D, excessive exposure to bright sunlight and UV rays can trigger migraines for some people. The glare from the sun, especially when it reflects off surfaces like water or pavement, can worsen the intensity of a migraine or even bring one on unexpectedly.
Tips for Prevention:
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from the bright sun.
- Avoid being outside during peak sun hours, typically from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Consider wearing a hat with a wide brim to protect your face and eyes from direct sunlight.
4. Changes in Diet and Eating Habits
Summer often brings with it a shift in eating habits—think BBQs, beach snacks, and ice cream indulgences. Unfortunately, some of these foods and drinks can trigger a migraine. For example, alcohol (especially wine), caffeine, processed foods, and foods that contain MSG can set off a migraine episode in some individuals.
Tips for Prevention:
- Keep track of what you eat and drink to identify potential migraine triggers.
- Avoid or limit alcohol, especially in hot weather. If you do drink, be sure to also drink lots of water.
- Try to maintain regular eating patterns—skipping meals or eating irregularly can also increase your risk of a migraine.
5. Allergens and Air Quality
In the summer, pollen counts are high, and seasonal allergies are at their peak. For those who suffer from allergies, the increased presence of pollen, mold, and dust can not only lead to sneezing and congestion but can also trigger a migraine. Poor air quality, particularly in urban areas during summer, can also exacerbate symptoms.
Tips for Prevention:
- If you suffer from seasonal allergies, take medication as recommended by your health care provider.
- Keep windows closed in your home or car to minimize exposure to pollen.
- If possible, limit outdoor activities on days with high pollen counts or poor air quality.
6. Stress and Busy Schedules
Summer vacations, travel plans, and packed schedules can also bring about stress, which is a well-known migraine trigger. Whether it’s juggling multiple commitments or trying to squeeze everything into a short period of time, stress can have a significant impact on your physical health, including triggering a migraine.
Tips for Prevention:
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to reduce stress.
- Make sure to take breaks throughout the day to relax and recharge.
- Set realistic expectations for your summer schedule to avoid overloading yourself.
Managing Your Migraines This Summer
While it’s impossible to avoid all migraine triggers, there are effective ways to manage your symptoms when they strike. One way to get ahead of your summer migraine triggers is gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS), a handheld, drug-free device designed to prevent and treat migraine. By applying gentle electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve, gammaCore nVNS is clinically proven to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine attacks, allowing you to enjoy more of your summer without the constant worry of a headache.
To see if gammaCore is right for you, visit our clinic finder to locate a health care provider near you, or contact our dedicated Customer Experience team at 888-903-2673 or customerservice@electrocore.com.
