Tiredness Headaches: The Symptoms and Causes

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We all suffer from tiredness sometimes, and as a result, headaches can arise. What is the connection between tiredness and headaches? Find out here.

It is common for people who feel very low in energy or fatigued often to suffer from tiredness headaches. But what is the connection between tiredness and headaches and how can you treat them at home when they strike? Carry on reading to find out all you need to know about tiredness headaches and their causes.

What is fatigue?Woman suffering from tiredness

It is difficult to give fatigue a definite meaning, but there are symptoms that can be defined as fatigue and those are:

  • Having difficulty starting or maintaining an activity
  • Having trouble concentrating, forgetting things or lack in emotional stability.

There are other terms associated with fatigue, such as loss of strength, sleepiness and loss of energy or interest in daily tasks.

Tiredness Headaches: What causes them

There are many conditions which may be the reason for tiredness headaches and not all of them are considered serious. However, to treat some of them you may be required to make some lifestyle changes. There may be a few reasons behind your tiredness headaches. Make sure you think about your lifestyle choices, sleeping patterns, diet and any medications that you are on.

Here are 5 conditions that could be causing your tiredness headaches:

Dehydration

Suffering from a tiredness headache as a result of being dehydrated is very common in most people. Other symptoms associated with dehydration are fatigue and tiredness.

Headaches that are a result of dehydration often go away within a few hours after drinking plenty of water. To prevent dehydration headaches from happening, make sure you drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. This should be increased if it is particularly hot, or you are exercising.

Medications

Certain medications can cause headaches. Some medications such as blood pressure medication can lead to tiredness and headaches. This is because they can make you dehydrated. If you think your headaches are a result of the medication you are on, make sure to consult your doctor on the best steps forward.

Caffeine

is often consumed to help us feel alert and energised. But caffeine can interfere with your sleep if too much is consumed, as it acts as a central nervous system stimulant. Not getting enough sleep can lead to tiredness headaches.

If you think you consume too much caffeine and as a result, you suffer from tiredness headaches, try to cut down on the amount you consume during the day. Or cut it out of your diet completely. However, if you cut it out too soon without weening yourself off of it slowly, you make suffer from withdrawal-related headaches.

Sleeping disorderswoman laying on sofa in pain

If your sleep is affected by a sleeping disorder, such as insomnia or restless leg syndrome, this can cause tiredness headaches. Sleeping disorders can also be connected with migraines.

Lack of sleep can cause headaches because of the levels of stress hormones that are created in the body. This can negatively impact your mood, as well as cause tiredness headaches. To better your energy levels throughout the day, make sure you are eating enough energy-boosting foods in your diet and contact your doctor on how to maintain a better sleep cycle.

Hangovers

This is the consequence of drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol is severely dehydrating and due to this can cause headaches. Drinking alcohol can also make you feel tired, as well as causes your blood vessels to widen, which is also associated with headaches.

Drinking too much can also impact your sleep, which can leave you feeling tired and fatigued the next day.

How to treat tiredness headaches

The way in which to treat your headaches at home is to try and reduce your stress levels. This can be done by exercising, meditating or through cognitive therapy. You can also try applying a hot or cold press to your forehead for about 5 to 10 minutes at a time.

Taking pain relief is another way to treat your tiredness headache symptoms, but do not exceed the recommended intake. If you are struggling to get rid of your headaches, or you feel as though your symptoms are getting worse, contact your doctor.

man suffering with headache

Whilst most causes of tiredness headaches require a slight change in lifestyle or the use of pain relief, some symptoms may require a medical professional’s advice. If your headaches are giving you severe pain, giving you back pain or making you neck feel stiff, then you should contact your doctor immediately.

That is our guide to tiredness headaches, want to find out more about headaches and fatigue, read our article on what causes headaches and fatigue, next.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/headache/headache-and-fatigue#depression

https://www.verywellhealth.com/i-have-fatigue-1719643

 

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