Dear Doc: I seem to get more migraines in December. Why?
You’re not alone. The holidays could also be called “headache season” because there are lots of migraine triggers around. Here’s why:
Changes in diet. You don’t eat the same way; you don’t drink the same way.
Changes in scents. Holiday candles, plants and wreaths pro- vide smells we don’t typically get the rest of the year.
Disruption in sleep patterns. A lack of sleep can lead to an increase in headaches.
Stress. Some people make it through the holidays headache-free, then get “stress-release headaches.” These are actually caused by relief after the stress is over.
Your Best Defense: Know your triggers and be proactive, whether avoiding certain foods or asking friends not to use scented candles.
—Jennifer S. Kriegler, neurologist at Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Headache and Pain
