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Dec 21
2011
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We all know that the Holidays are supposed to be full of cheer, however, the season can also be very stressful. For many migraine and headache sufferers, the season means a lot of triggers all at once. Here are 10 Common Holiday Triggers according to Fox News:
1. Alcohol- there are lots of seasonal celebrations going on and it is easy to over indulge. Remember to moderate your alcohol intake.
2. Stress- certain stress related traits, including rigidity, reserve and obsessivity can make you headache prone.
3. Pine Scents- seasonal scents including pine and cinnamon are a big headache trigger for some.
4. Caffeine- a little coffee, tea, or cocoa can actually help headaches, but too much can trigger them.
5. Holiday Foods- some foods are known to trigger headaches for many people - others though, especially those rich in magnesium, seem to help prevent them.
6. Holiday Lights- try not to stare and the Christmas Tree or snow glare too long.
7. Perfume Samples- perfume can trigger real pain, avoid the beauty counter in big department stores if you can.
8. Being Home- headaches can happen when you take a break from your routine. Keep your sleep times as normal as possible, you will feel more rested than if you stay in bed until noon.
9. Flying- traveling can aggravate your sinuses. If you are congested or suffer from frequent sinus infections, but can't miss your flight, use decongestant nasal drops or a spray before takeoff to keep your sinuses clear.
10. Sleepless Nights- A study found that those who slept an average of 6 hours a night tended to have significantly more severe and more frequent headaches than those who got more sleep. Try not to let the stress of the holidays affect your sleep patterns.



