5 Reasons You Might Be Getting Spring Headaches (And How to Deal With Them)

There are so many reasons to delight in the fact that spring has finally arrived, but not everything about the season is all sunshine and rainbows.

If you're like us and deal with the sudden onset of headaches in March and April each year, chances are that you're also just a teensy bit resentful of the season. There are actually several reasons that this is one of the biggest headache and migraine seasons of the year, and managing them begins with understanding each of these seasonal triggers. If you're looking for relief, we've shared the biggest causes of spring headaches, and how to deal with each one, below.

Daylight Saving Time Shenanigans

Sure, Daylight Saving Time allows us to enjoy an extra hour of sunlight each evening, but it comes at a cost. Springing forward (and losing that hour of sleep) effectively gives people jet lag, as it throws off your circadian rhythm (or 24-hour clock). Even a one-hour shift can cause everything from digestional issues to sleep problems, brain fog, moodiness and—you guessed it—headaches.

Some people seem to adjust way better to the time change than others, and much of this has to do with getting your circadian rhythm back on track. Begin by falling into a regular sleep pattern and getting the amount of rest your body needs (but not too much). Practicing good sleep hygiene, including not using your phone in bed before you go to sleep, can also be beneficial. However, for many insomniacs or people with delayed sleep phases, this is more easily said than done.

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Also read about: 8 Sneaky Things That Might Be Hurting Your Sleep

 

Allergy Season

Allergy sufferers really can't get a break, with tree, grass, weed and mold allergy seasons spreading out over the majority of the calendar, but spring is an especially rough time for those who suffer from tree pollen allergies. Trees tend to drop the most pollen in February through May (with grasses following close behind from April to June), resulting in runny and itchy noses, sneezing and nasal/sinus congestion. That congestion is also commonly accompanied by headaches.

Allergies can be a huge distraction and disruption, and we recommend speaking with a doctor if yours are preventing you from enjoying regular activities. It can also be helpful to wear a face mask, especially when you go outside into high-pollen areas, to avoid breathing in any pesky particles through your nose and mouth.

 

Also read about: A Doctor Shares Everything You've Wanted to Know About Allergies

 

Warmer and Sunnier Days

Generally, we love the fact that spring days are much warmer and sunnier than the winter days preceding them. Our headaches, however, aren't big fans. If you're generally sensitive to bright and glaring lights, the sun blazing sun itself can be a major headache trigger. Warmer days can also cause sweating, making you dehydrate faster than you would in the winter months and making you feel overheated, also resulting in unexpected aches.

For outdoor time in the spring, we recommend coming prepared. Manage the amount of time your actually spend outdoors and keep a pair of sunglasses on hand (including a prescription pair, if necessary) to shield your eyes when the sun is high. You may also want to pair them with a brimmed hat to protect your eyes and face. Also, dress appropriately for the weather so you don't overheat, and increase your water and electrolyte intake to stay properly hydrated. If the sunlight is even affecting you indoors, you'll also want to utilize the right curtains or blinds to adjust the amount of sunlight blaring into your rooms during the day.

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Spring Activity

Feeling extra inspired to get outside and push yourself to the limit thanks to that refreshing and revitalizing spring energy? We totally get it, but you might want to reconsider before you overwork yourself into your next big headache. While more exercise and activity are healthy, we suggest easing into them, rather than exerting yourself to the point of fatigue and head pain.

Try starting with short walks, just a few minutes in the garden or small bursts of your favorite sports and outdoor activities, before gradually increasing their duration, to build back any stamina you might have lost during the winter. Also make sure you're properly fueling your body with the right high-nutrition foods and plenty of water to prevent physical fatigue.

 

Sneaky Weather Changes

Did you know that fickle weather patterns can cause headaches? These are called barometric pressure headaches, resulting from sudden changes in the air pressure outside, which coincide with rapidly changing weather. This can include everything from drastic temperature changes to sudden winds and storms, and if you're sensitive to these things, your throbbing head may also give you the ability to forecast these shifts.

While there isn't anything you can do to change the weather, you can take steps to prepare yourself. Keep an eye on your weather app for highs and lows in the pressure index (or check out websites that will track it for you) and take extra care of yourself during these periods. That might included staying inside, getting extra rest, staying extra hydrated (with added electrolytes) and avoiding stressful situations. Keeping your go-to medications nearby, and taking them at the first sign of pain, can also help you avoid the worst of a pressure headache.

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Eager to make the most of the season? Click HERE for some of our favorite late-afternoon activities for making the most of extra sunlight.