You can find OTC pain relievers at your local pharmacy or department store. Avoid taking higher doses of the medication to try to get more pain relief. If you’re unsure of how much to take, call your healthcare provider to get a recommended dose. Tension headaches are mild to moderate headaches that can be caused by a lack of sleep or disrupted sleep. [2] X Research source Oftentimes, an OTC pain reliever can help get rid of them. OTC pain relievers aren’t strong enough to treat severe migraines, which may require prescription medication to help relieve your symptoms.
You can also place a wet washcloth in a plastic bag and stick it in your freezer for 10-15 minutes to cool it down.
You can also rest while you wait for your medication to kick in. Use a hot or cold compress while you rest to help ease the pain. If you’re able to, falling asleep may also help clear up your headache.
Green tea also has caffeine in it as well. Because you’re also likely tired from a lack of sleep, the caffeine can help perk you up too. Migraines commonly occur in the morning because any medication you take to treat your migraines is likely to have worn off by the time you wake up. [7] X Research source
Tell the massage therapist that you have a headache so they’ll focus their massage on it. You may need to make an appointment, so call ahead to see if there’s an opening available for you. Massage therapy can cost around $60 USD an hour. [9] X Research source
Acupuncture involves placing small needles in specific areas to treat your symptoms. An acupuncture treatment can cost between $75-$95 USD. [11] X Research source
Try to establish a regular sleep pattern by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Avoid distractions and electronics to help ease yourself into a restful sleep. Try to create a cool, quiet environment for sleeping, as well—your sleep quality is as important as the quantity. [13] X Expert Source Alex Dimitriu, MDSleep Medicine & Psychiatry Professional Expert Interview. 12 February 2020. If you get behind on your sleep, keep in mind that it can take 5-7 nights of good sleep before you really feel refreshed again. [14] X Expert Source Alex Dimitriu, MDSleep Medicine & Psychiatry Professional Expert Interview. 12 February 2020.
For example, migraines respond well to triptans and DHE 45, while other headaches can be prevented by taking antiepileptic medications, antidepressants, or even Botox. [16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Some medications, like calcium channel blockers, can help prevent headaches by increasing blood and oxygen supply to your heart. Don’t take any prescription medication without talking to your doctor first to make sure they’re safe for you and will effectively treat your headache.
If you find yourself waking up often throughout the night with breathing difficulty, you may have sleep apnea. See your doctor to get an official diagnosis and explore your treatment options. A CPAP mask or mouthpiece may feel uncomfortable, but it can really help improve your sleep quality and possibly prevent future headaches.
Studies suggest that taking 9 mg of melatonin is the optimal dosage for preventing cluster headaches. Cluster headaches can be really debilitating. If you’re struggling to deal with them, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. They may prescribe medication to help you.
You can take the caffeine as a tablet or as a small cup of coffee or tea.
If you’re tired from a lack of sleep, you may be more irritable and prone to stress. If you’re really stressed out, you may be grinding your teeth while you sleep, which can cause headaches. Try to find healthy ways to manage your stress to see if it helps reduce your headaches. [21] X Research source
Make sure you warm up first! Sudden, intense exercise can actually cause headaches. Try going for a nice run or bike ride to spend some time outdoors. Join a local gym and check out some of the fitness classes they offer. Exercise can also burn off some extra energy, which may help you fall asleep more easily.
Look for pillows designed to keep your head and neck aligned at your local department store. You can also order them online.
For example, if you notice that strawberries or bananas seem to trigger a headache, make a note to avoid them in the future. It may be helpful to keep a list of foods that cause your headaches to help you remember to avoid them.
Generally, a sleep-related headache should clear up after you’ve gotten some good sleep.
A fever and a headache could be a sign of a serious condition such as encephalitis or meningitis.
Stay calm and don’t worry. The sooner you can get treatment, the better. Just because you have a stiff neck and a headache doesn’t mean you definitely have meningitis, but it’s nothing to play around with, so get to a doctor as soon as you can.
