Survey: Holiday headaches increasing in numbers and severity

Many people experience higher stress levels than usual during the holidays. People who find themselves more stressed during the festive season run a higher risk of getting bad headaches due to stress. A recent online survey shows that 52 % of all people submitting information to the survey stated that during the holiday season the headache frequency or severity of their headaches increased. The headaches are often so severe that holiday plans have to be changed. Stress related migraines occur more often in the month December.

Avoiding stress headaches is not always possible. People respond to stress in different ways, and stomach upsets or headaches are a normal response. A doctor or friends and family members of someone dealing with stress headaches may advise the person to try and relax. This is easier said than done and in our modern day society with busy lifestyles everyone has experienced stress at some point in their life.

There are a few things that can actually help people to avoid stress headaches this Christmas. Research shows that not disturbing your normal sleeping pattern is one of the best things to do if you are prone to suffering from stress. Even if you are going to bed late it is wise to get up at your usual time. Sleeping in apparently causes headaches.