Stress and exhaustion: triggers for migraines

Stress and exhaustion: triggers for migraines

Statistically speaking, almost 17,000 employees are absent from work in Germany every day due to headaches and migraines. According to its current health report, the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) alone recorded over 300,000 days of absence among its 3.5 million working population in 2010 due to headaches or migraines. Extrapolated to the total population, that’s almost 3.7 million days of sick leave in the Republic. The triggers for headaches are varied: In addition to stress, lack of sleep and sitting for long periods of time, changes in the weather can also cause the pounding behind the forehead.

Absences are increasing due to stress on the nervous system

Absences are increasing due to stress on the nervous system

While most people in April only have to struggle with morning decision-making problems in front of their wardrobe due to the daily changes in the weather, many weather-sensitive people have their heads buzzing these days. Experts estimate that for around half of people in Germany the weather has an impact on their health. Women are affected more often than men, older people more often than younger people. In addition to headaches and migraines, the most common weather sensitivity symptoms include fatigue, tiredness, joint pain and mood swings.

Women are particularly badly affected

Women are particularly badly affected

In order to arm yourself against the capricious weather, the TK recommends strengthening your circulation and training your body. “Anything that strengthens the immune system also helps against sensitivity to the weather,” explains TK health expert Gudrun Ahlers. “Above all, endurance sports and sauna visits promote the body's thermoregulation and fitness, so that you react less sensitively to external influences. Lemon balm tea and relaxing baths with rosemary, valerian or St. John's wort can also help against headaches. Those affected should also drink a lot and avoid stress, nicotine, alcohol and heavy food.

Download Health Report 2011 Techniker Krankenkasse