Study links sleep quality, energy levels to predicting migraines

A recent study, published in the Journal of Neurology, reveals that changes in sleep quality and energy levels can predict an upcoming migraine.

Dr. Kathleen Merikangas, the principal investigator of the study, emphasized that alterations in sleep quality and energy levels on the prior day were linked to the occurrence of a headache the following day.

Chronic migraines were identified as a significant cause of disability in individuals under 50, according to a February 2018 study. 

The recent research was conducted by tracking the behaviors and symptoms of 477 participants over two weeks.

The data indicated that individuals experiencing poor sleep quality and low energy levels on one day were more likely to have migraines the next morning.

However, an increase in energy and higher-than-average stress levels tended to precede migraines later the following day.

These findings hold promise for improving the prevention and treatment of migraines.

Dr. Merikangas said, "If we can identify things in the environment that people can change, then we'd be able to prevent the attack in the first place, and then they may be able to prevent it by either going to sleep to offset it or some other intervention that would prevent us from having to use medication to prevent the attack."

The five normal signs of an expected migraine are sensitivity to light, fatigue, neck pain, and sensitivity to noise and dizziness.