As temperatures rise, so does the frequency of headaches. Summer not only comes with the joy of sunny days, and outdoor activities, but also the discomfort of excessive heat, sweat, and dehydration. For many, heat often translates into recurring headaches that last long and interfere with your day to day activities. Headaches can also make you feel lethargic and tired.
But why are headaches so frequent during summers? To understand why headaches become more frequent during hot weather and how to manage them, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Roohi Pirzada, MBBS, ex intensivist, Bombay Hospital, Criticare Hospital and Sugun Hospital, Mumbai.
Headaches in Summer
Dr Pirzada said, “Headaches are more likely to occur during summer months when temperatures are elevated outdoors. The frequency and intensity both may rise more than the usual ones.”
Research shows it may take as little as 10 minutes in hot sun to get an onset of a headache. Dr Pirzada said, “The sun emits a spectrum of light wavelengths, one of the strongest being the high energy visible blue light. In fact the blue light is everywhere, fluorescents, devices, screens and other artificial sources of lights as well.” This blue light has been identified as the most painful colour of light for people with migraines, she added.
Thus the combined effects of these painful light waves along with sunlight and heat can be the responsible factors for heat headaches.
Also read: Heatwave Red Alert: Protect Your Eyes With THESE Effective Tips
Causes Of Headaches In Summer
Explaining the reasons behind frequent headaches during summer, Dr Pirzada said, “Headaches occur due to underlying reasons like dehydration, environmental pollution, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke too. Heat headaches can last from half an hour to several hours and if treated at the onset it may last a little less.”
Dehydration
Dehydration is the most common culprit for headaches. Dr Pirzada said, “Heat directly does not lead to headaches but dehydration is the main reason.” High temperatures lead to increased sweating, which can cause a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes from the body. When the body is dehydrated, the brain can temporarily contract or shrink from fluid loss, triggering a headache. Dr Pirzada advised to drink a tall glass of water as you get a headache and keep hydrating yourself during sun exposure to keep that headache at bay.
Sun Exposure
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause headaches due to heat buildup and glare. The intense light can also strain the eyes, contributing to headache symptoms. Additionally, Dr Pirzada said that migraine sufferers may experience added symptoms like sensitivity to light and sound nausea and dizziness. She advised, “You can avoid the painful waves by wearing a sun protective polaroid glass.”
Increased Physical Activity
Summer often means more outdoor activities and exercise. While staying active is beneficial, excessive physical exertion, especially in high heat, can lead to dehydration and overheating, both of which are headache triggers. Dr Pirzada recommends avoiding strenuous exercises which can in turn lead to dehydration, further inviting headache.
Conclusion
Excessive heat headaches can put a damper on your seasonal fun, but understanding the causes and implementing these preventive strategies can help you stay ahead of the heat. Prioritise hydration, avoid peak sun exposure, and take cooling measures to keep those headaches at bay. After all, a little mindfulness and preparation can go a long way in ensuring a headache-free and enjoyable summer.