A daily headache that arrives like clockwork around 6 PM can be more than just a minor annoyance. If this late-day headache is a regular occurrence, it could be a sign of specific lifestyle factors or physiological patterns that trigger discomfort as the day wears on.
We spoke to our expert Dr Bhumesh Tyagi, Consultant, General Medicine and General Physician, Sharda Care - Health City, to understand these underlying causes that can help you make simple adjustments to avoid the dreaded evening headache. Here’s a look at the most common reasons why you might experience headaches at this time and what you can do to prevent them as he shared with us.
Causes Of Late-Day Headaches
1. Blood Sugar Drops
"One of the main culprits for late-day headaches is low blood sugar, which often sets in if meals and snacks throughout the day are unbalanced or infrequent," Dr Tyagi shared. By the time evening rolls around, the body’s energy reserves might be running low, especially if breakfast or lunch was skipped or high in sugar without enough protein or complex carbs. This drop in blood sugar can trigger a 'stress response' in the body, releasing hormones like adrenaline to compensate for low glucose, and a headache can be one of the side effects.
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2. Dehydration
Dehydration is another common, yet often overlooked, cause of headaches. Throughout a busy day, especially with caffeine intake from coffee or tea, water consumption can be unintentionally neglected. "By the time early evening arrives, dehydration may set in, leading to headaches, fatigue, and sometimes even dizziness," he added.
3. Poor Posture and Physical Strain
For many people, working long hours at a desk or spending extended periods on a screen can lead to poor posture and muscle tension. Straining your neck, shoulders, and back from slouching or looking down at devices puts pressure on these muscles, leading to tension headaches. This type of headache is often exacerbated by long, uninterrupted hours at a desk without breaks or ergonomic support.
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4. Accumulated Stress and Mental Fatigue
As the day progresses, stress levels often build up due to work demands, personal responsibilities, or just the natural demands of daily life. Stress peaks in the evening as your body tries to wind down, yet unprocessed tension can manifest as a headache. Mental fatigue from overstimulation and multitasking can also contribute to this daily discomfort.
5. Eye Strain
Constant exposure to screens—whether from a computer, phone, or tablet—can cause eye strain, which may contribute to headaches. The blue light from screens can lead to eye fatigue, especially when combined with poor lighting conditions or lack of screen breaks.
Bottomline
If you experience a headache every day around the same time, it’s likely due to a combination of these factors. By making small adjustments to your daily routine—such as staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, taking regular breaks, and managing stress—you can often reduce the frequency and intensity of these recurring headaches. And if the headaches persist despite these efforts, consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Taking proactive steps can make evenings more enjoyable and headache-free.