Stress and exhaustion: triggers for migraines
Statistically, almost 17,000 employees in German companies are absent from work every day due to headaches and migraines. According to its latest health report, the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) health insurance company alone recorded over 300,000 days of absence in 2010 among its 3.5 million members due to headaches or migraines. Extrapolated to the entire population, this equates to almost 3.7 million sick days in Germany. The triggers for headaches are varied: in addition to stress, lack of sleep, and prolonged sitting, changes in the weather can also cause the throbbing pain behind the forehead.
Absenteeism is increasing due to strain on the nervous system
While most people in April, faced with the daily weather changes, merely struggle with morning decisions in front of the wardrobe, many weather-sensitive individuals are suffering from headaches these days. Experts estimate that the weather affects the health of about half the population in Germany. Women are affected more often than men, and older people more often than younger people. Besides headaches and migraines, fatigue, tiredness, joint pain, and mood swings are among the most common symptoms of weather sensitivity.
Women are particularly hard hit
To protect oneself against unpredictable weather, TK recommends strengthening the circulatory system and exercising the body. "Anything that strengthens the immune system also helps against weather sensitivity," explains TK health expert Gudrun Ahlers. "Endurance sports and sauna visits, in particular, promote the body's thermoregulation and improve fitness, making one less sensitive to external influences. Lemon balm tea and relaxing baths with rosemary, valerian, or St. John's wort can also help with headaches. In addition, those affected should drink plenty of fluids and avoid stress, nicotine, alcohol, and heavy meals.".
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