Severe headaches lasting for several hours or days are known as migraine headaches. Medline Plus reports that migraines are three times more common in woman than in men. Migraines cause severe pain on one or both sides of the head. Additional effects include nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people feel premonitions several hours before a migraine strikes. A person may see light auras, crave sweets, experience increased energy or feel depressed, reports the clinic.
Step 1
Follow a regular sleep schedule, including on weekends and holidays. According to the University of Berkeley, getting the right amount of sleep may decrease a migraine onset. Attempt to get the same amount of sleep every night--not too much and not too little, the university says. Do not try to catch up on extra sleep on the weekend. The unbalanced sleep cycle can cause a migraine attack.
Step 2
Begin an exercise program to decrease stress, which is often related to the onset of migraines. Focus on getting between 30 and 40 minutes of physical activity three or more times a week. Exercise may include joining the local gym, gardening or washing your car. Still, some people may suffer migraines during exercise. Prevent exercise-induced migraines by warming up and stretching muscles and hydrating the body. Be aware of environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, according to the National Headache Foundation. The foundation suggests avoiding jarring activity such as jogging or running and opt for yoga or other similar exercise programs.
Step 3
Deal appropriately with emotions and stress. Listen to relaxing music, spend time outdoors, meditate or practice yoga, suggests the University of Berkeley. Learn to manage emotions by writing in a journal or participating in creative endeavors such as painting or sketching. Practice relaxation techniques if premonitions of a migraine are present--commonly six to 24 hours before the actual migraine attack. Implementing additional relaxation techniques may decrease or prevent a migraine, the university says.
Step 4
Visit a massage therapist and receive regular massage. According to the Mayo Clinic, massage may decrease and prevent migraine attacks. Receiving a massage improves the quality of sleep. Poor sleep can trigger a migraine attack, the clinic says.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep records of when migraine headaches occurred and how you treated each attack, according to the Mayo Clinic. Write down the duration of the migraine. Show the record to your medical doctor to identify successful remedies when creating a treatment plan.
