The March, 2012 issue of Health Magazine has some good tips for alleviating migraine triggers that may be lurking in your home. By controlling such factors as lighting and smells, you may be able to cut down on the number of headaches you get.
Air fresheners, and scented candles often used to cover up odors may actually contribute to headache. In fact, intense aromas in general can irritate the trigeminal nerve, which runs from your nose to your brain, and is responsible for many headaches, according to Peter Goadsby, MD, director of the Headache Center at the University of California – San Francisco. Using an air purifier with a carbon filter may be a better choice.
What about the amount of time many of us spend using our laptops and tablets? Not only can the white glow overstimulate the brain, but the way we may sit hunched over the screen can be a cause for the onset of a headache. Adjusting the brightness setting on the computer, and sitting in a chair with a supportive back may make a difference. Alan Hedge, PhD, director of the Cornell Human Factors and Ergonomics Research Laboratory shares an essential tip: “Taking a break every 20 minutes will loosen up the muscles, and dramatically reduce the likelihood of getting a headache.”
Lastly, consider keeping the lights in your home turned down low. Migraineurs are often extra sensitive to sensory stimulation like glaring light. Dr. Goadsby suggests installing dimmers so you can darken a room when you feel a headache coming on…. Health Magazine March, 2012