Q What lifestyle habits trigger headaches? Are sleep patterns related too?
A Irregular sleep, excessive screen use, stress, skipped meals, and dehydration are major triggers. The habit of sleeping in on weekends can also bring on a "weekend migraine."
Detailed Answer
Among headache triggers, representative lifestyle factors include irregular sleep (both too much and too little), strong light or noise, changes in weather or barometric pressure, hormonal fluctuations (around menstruation), and physical overexertion. Regular bedtimes and wake times, drinking 1.5-2 L of water a day, and at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week help prevent headaches.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Dongjedang sees overwork and lack of sleep as depleting qi and blood, reducing the nutrient supply to the head. Office workers who frequently work late are especially prone to a fixed pattern of "heat rising above with cold below," so as basic care we recommend lowering sympathetic-nervous-system tension with 10 minutes of abdominal breathing a day and loosening the stiff back of the neck with a warm towel.
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