Why do headaches worsen in the winter season? 5 remedies to treat them

With the winter months come some health issues like colds, nausea, and viral fever. However, one health issue that can be a recurring one is headache. Winter cold air and harsh climate can further increase the tendencies of headaches and cause them to happen again and again over time. However, to treat them, one also needs to understand what kind of headache is bothering you during the winter.

Headaches are usually of 2 types: primary (which happen without any underlying tissue injury or disease) and secondary. Primary headaches like migraine, tension-type headaches, and cluster headaches all worsen with cold climates during the winter months.

What causes headaches during winter?

Various reasons are mentioned in medical science, like cold air causing scalp muscle stiffness, cold-induced changes in vessel diameters, or direct effects on nerves commonly experienced as brain freeze. Moreover, lesser physical activities along with changes in diet like consuming excessive coffee can also worsen previous headache control.
Winter headaches

can be triggered by fluctuations in the temperature and atmospheric pressure. A sudden drop in temperature can contract the blood vessels in the head, leading to tension and migraines. There are other factors, such as reduced sunlight exposure and dry air, that can induce dehydration in the body.

Some evidence suggests direct effects of the season on the brain’s neurochemistry, causing headaches or mood changes. Secondary headaches like those caused by sinusitis, ear infections, and flu-related illnesses also worsen in winter, possibly due to overcrowding and rapid infection spread.
According to Dr. Apurva Sharma, Consultant, Neurology, Manipal Hospital Gurugram, “High BP and BP fluctuations are more common in winter and can cause bleeding inside or on the surface of the brain, and it’s not unusual for an elderly patient to present with subdural headaches after minor trauma or no history of head injury without any limb weakness or other signs to suspect stroke.”

Here’s how to treat the headaches during winter

Eating certain foods: According to Dr. Ritu Jha, Director & HOD- Neurology, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, “Some food choices that exacerbate a headache include processed meat, chocolate, and alcohol. Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. Non-vegetarians can opt for fish as it is high in omega-3, which helps to reduce migraine.”
2. Maintain a consistent sleep pattern: Irregular sleep can also induce headaches. It is essential to attain proper rest and keep the sleep cycle intact.
3. Hydration: Dehydration is one of the common causes of headaches. In the winters, the environment becomes dry. Staying hydrated is essential. One can consider herbal teas, soups, and other warm beverages as alternatives to maintain hydration levels.
4. Natural Light: In the winters, staying indoors can cause limited exposure. The low amount of vitamin D can affect the serotonin levels, which can trigger headaches.
5. Stress Management: For many, headaches are caused by stress. One can opt for activities like yoga, meditation, or breathing exercise.

Tips to aid or prevent winter headaches:

Care must be taken to cover adequately while in or out of the home. Avoid rapid transitioning from warm rooms to cold external environments.
Drink adequate fluids and keep a watch on coffee consumption.
Regularly check blood pressure and seek consultations for sinusitis, ear infection, or any other acute medical concern.
If the headaches become frequent and severe, even after using over-the-counter medicines, one should consider consulting their doctor. It is essential to understand what triggers. With the right approach, one can cope with triggered headaches due to the winter season.