Migraine Headaches: Halloween Weekend + Time Change May Spell Trouble for People With Migraines Family Health Women's Health Men's Health
This Halloween weekend, many will stay up late and disrupt normal routines to celebrate. With the end of Daylight Saving Time on November 1, people living with migraine or cluster headaches may face additional challenges. The nonprofit Association of Migraine Disorders (AMD) encourages people to take a mindful approach this weekend.
Halloween tricks and treats can be avoided, but the time change cannot. The migraine brain thrives on consistency. Changing the clock back an hour disrupts normal routines of sleep, meals, typical screen time, even when we normally enjoy a cup of coffee. Changes in circadian rhythm, sleep, hormones and stress can all play a role in migraine. These shifts may contribute to migraine and cluster headache attacks. For most, no single trigger will “cause” a migraine attack. Exposure to multiple triggers can increase the risk of an attack.
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AMD suggests the following to help those living with migraine this Halloween weekend:
- Protect your senses: Avoid flashing lights, heavy scents or loud environments if possible. Take breaks from exposure.
- Plan ahead: Plan a way to get home or to a comfortable place if you start noticing symptoms.
- Keep a consistent routine with regular meals, medication and wake times.
- Consider gradually changing your schedule a few minutes each day to allow for adjustment.
- Get ample exposure to natural light during the day to help your body adjust to the new schedule.
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