Stress headaches stressing you out even more?

Learn about the different triggers of stress headaches, and what you can do to treat it

Headaches are one of the most common ailments people experience - nearly everyone has had at least one episode in their lives. There are many types of headaches, but the most prevalent type of headache is called a tension headache, otherwise known as a stress headache.

Stress headaches often feel like a band of pain around the head, or like both sides of the head are being squeezed or crushed. It is usually caused when there is a buildup of stress in the body, and can be triggered by all kinds of stressful situations.

But what exactly are the culprits behind a stress headache? Here are just a few of them:

1. Eye strain.

This happens when your eyes are focused on something for too long - more often than not, computer or phone screens that are too bright or too dim. This tires out your eyes, and can cause headaches due to overexertion.

2. Anxiety or emotional stress.

Headaches are one of the physical manifestations of anxiety or emotional stress, caused by the buildup of negative tension within the body.

3. Hunger or dehydration.

Failing to give your body the nutrients it needs to get through the day can often trigger a headache. The headaches can usually signal low blood sugar, muscle tension due to lack of nutrients, or even acid reflux caused by hunger.

4. Too much or too little sleep.

We all know that sleeping too little is detrimental for the body; the tiredness from lack of sleep can lead individuals to developing headaches. But too much sleep can trigger headaches, too - you haven’t given your body a chance to hydrate, or it has grown stiff from lack of movement.

5. Common colds.

When you have the common cold, stuffiness from sneezing often means an inflammation and pressure in the sinus area, which in turn can trigger a headache.

How do I prevent stress headaches?

The best way to deal with stress headaches is to avoid stressful situations. Making healthier lifestyle changes is also helpful - getting enough sleep, eating properly, staying hydrated and lessening screentime has been proven to significantly lower the chances of getting stress headaches.

You can also find immediate relief from over-the-counter medicines such as Acetaffein. Acetaffein uses Paracetamol, an analgesic and antipyretic that is often used as a pain reliever, and Caffeine, which helps reduce inflammation and boosts Paracetamol's medical properties. This combination is clinically-proven to help alleviate stress headaches, and works in as fast as 30 minutes.

Acetaffein is available in all drugstores nationwide. As with all medications, consult with your physician first before use. Not advisable for pregnant women, individuals with impaired kidney functions, or have hypersensitivity to Paracetamol or Caffeine. To know more, visit the brand’s Facebook page here.