Sleeping In(01 of10)
Open Image ModalThe Letdown After Stress(02 of10)
Open Image ModalIt makes sense that stress is a migraine trigger for many people -- but, turns out, so is the period of relaxation right after. The body's stress response increases levels of various chemicals that then drop off once we calm down. That chemical change could be what causes the so-called "letdown" or "weekend" migraines. This explains why an attack might strike on the first day of vacation, the day after you quit a stressful job or the beginning of your honeymoon, Buse says. In fact, according to research she presented at the 2011 American Neurological Association's annual meeting, people have a 20 percent increased likelihood of having a migraine in the 12 to 24 hours after their mood shifts from "sad" or "nervous" to "happy" or "relaxed."This underscores the importance of managing stress effectively as it's happening, Buse says: "It's really tough to do, but incredibly important." (credit:Getty Images)
Rain(03 of10)
Open Image ModalWhile there hasn't yet been any definitive research linking migraines with the weather, anecdotally speaking, patients often report getting more migraines on rainy days, Silberstein says.While you can't control the weather, you can take extra care to avoid other triggers on rainy days. (credit:Getty Images)
Oestrogen Fluctuations(04 of10)
Open Image ModalFluctuations in oestrogen -- whether that be menstruation, coming off birth control pills, pregnancy, the time right after delivering a baby, menopause or taking oral contraceptives with changing doses throughout the month -- can trigger migraines. What's more, they can also lower your migraine threshold, meaning you're more susceptible to other triggers. If you find you're getting migraines between ovulation and menses, you might want to talk to your doctor about taking an extended oral contraceptive, Buse suggests, which can eliminate 75 percent of these hormonal periods. (credit:Getty Images)
Food(05 of10)
Open Image ModalThe jury is still out on many of the foods people report triggering migraines. But while the science isn't conclusive, Buse says foods containing tyramine (including red wine, aged cheeses, certain processed meats and pork, to name a few) and tannins (including red wine, tea, coffee and apple juice), may cause an attack. Other food additives, including MSG, aspartame and nitrites, could be headache culprits, though, again, much of the data is anecdotal and not scientific at this point. In people with celiac disease or an allergy, gluten can also cause migraines.Keeping a diary can help you to pinpoint what foods you think could be setting off headaches for you. "One person will have one food be a problem and another person will say that doesn't happen with them," Buse says. But while avoiding a suspected trigger food might be helpful, she advises speaking to your doctor before making any extreme diet changes in the name of migraines. (credit:Getty Images)
Your Co-Worker's Perfume(06 of10)
Open Image ModalThat strong scent is more than annoying -- for some migraine sufferers, it's enough to set off an attack. Sensory stimuli like bright lights (including the sun, computer screen or movie theater screen glare), strong smells (like perfume or cigarette smoke) and loud noises can all be headache culprits, Buse says.Some stimuli you can't do much about, but she suggests wearing sunglasses outdoors year-round if light is a problem and asking friends and co-workers to go easy on the perfume, if possible. (credit:Shutterstock)
Drinking Coffee (And Not Drinking Coffee)(07 of10)
Open Image ModalThis one works both ways: Too much caffeine can trigger a headache and, for heavy drinkers, not getting your fix can also set off your migraines. This might also be the culprit for your weekend headaches if you're guzzling coffee all week at the office and skipping it at home (or sleeping past your morning jolt), Silberstein says.To avoid caffeine-related migraines, Buse recommends people cap their daily intake at 200 mg (about the amount in a cup of coffee). Drinking more than that now? Taper off slowly to avoid withdrawal headaches. (credit:Shutterstock)
Happy Hour(08 of10)
Open Image ModalThe body metabolizes alcohol into acetate, which might cause a migraine, Silberstein says. To avoid the morning-after pain, he suggests drinking only in moderation, taking an an Aleve or Motrin before you drink and consuming food with your alcohol.While all alcohol can trigger migraines, Buse says dark-colored liquors, such as tequila and bourbon, and red wine anecdotally seem to be worse -- though there isn't hard data to back that up. (credit:Shutterstock)
Sex(09 of10)
Open Image ModalSkipping Lunch(10 of10)
Open Image ModalAgain, routine is key for migraine sufferers. Skipping a meal or fasting can set off a headache, Silberstein says. We don't know exactly why, he explains, but it might have something to do with low glucose levels. Either way, it's important to eat regularly when possible to avoid an attack. (credit:Getty Images)