Doctor Reveals the Surprising Reason Your Spring Headaches Might Be Worse Than You Think
If you’ve found yourself battling more headaches than usual lately, especially now that spring’s properly arrived, you’re not alone—and according to a GP on BBC Morning Live, the weather might be partly to blame.
Dr Ranj Singh, who many will know from his regular TV appearances, explained on the show that migraines are more than just bad headaches. “Migraines are one of the most common neurological conditions in the world, and they are a very unique type of headache,” he said, reported the Mirror.
And it turns out that the shift in seasons—from gloomy grey skies to bursts of sunshine—can actually make things worse for some people. “We have a change in temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity and light levels. And that can have a knock-on effect on sleep as well,” he said. All of which, he added, can trigger migraines in people who are sensitive to those changes.
He encouraged viewers to keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially during the unpredictable spring months, and make small changes to help fend off symptoms. Tips include staying hydrated, making sure you get enough sleep, carrying medication with you, and protecting your eyes from bright light. He also recommended keeping a diary to track potential triggers—The Migraine Trust even offers a free one online.
While some migraines appear out of the blue, Dr Ranj says there are often warning signs hours or even days before one hits. You might feel extra tired, moody, thirsty or even start craving certain foods. Stiff necks, frequent toilet trips, and yawning can also be early clues.
There are also migraines with something called an aura, which is like a pre-migraine warning signal for some people. That can include blurred vision, dizziness, pins and needles, or difficulty speaking. “It’s important to be able to recognise them so you can get on top of it,” Dr Ranj explained. The faster you act when symptoms begin, the better chance you have of stopping things from getting worse.
He also issued a heads-up about when you should see your GP. If your headaches are happening more than once a week, getting harder to control, or you’re reaching for painkillers more than twice a week, it’s time to book in. And if your migraine lasts longer than 72 hours, your aura goes on for over an hour, you’re pregnant, or can’t keep food or drink down—it’s best to make an urgent appointment.
And a final word of caution: don’t overdo it on painkillers. “If you use too much, it can actually cause a headache,” Dr Ranj said. So if you’re unsure, definitely have a chat with your GP.
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