Are you feeling headaches and tired every day? There may be a link between the two. A recent study found that people suffering from chronic headaches were likelier to feel tired.
While the study didn’t explore the reasons behind this link, it’s possible that fatigue can worsen headaches or vice versa.
If you’re frequently dealing with headaches and tiredness, it might be worth talking to your doctor about potential causes and treatment options.
Here is a list of some common causes of both headaches and tiredness:
Lack of sleep
Sleep deprivation is a common problem that can significantly impact your life. Sleep deprivation is defined as not getting enough sleep. You may be sleep deprived if you don’t get at least seven hours each night.
There are many reasons why people don’t get enough sleep. Some people work long hours and don’t have time to get enough sleep. Others have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Sleep deprivation can cause attention, focus, decision-making, and memory problems. It can also lead to health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep habits.
Dehydration
Dehydration is defined as a state of excessive fluid loss. Many things, including illness, heat exposure, and vigorous exercise, can cause it. Symptoms include thirst, dry mouth, weakness, headache, and nausea.
Untreated dehydration can lead to seizures, coma, and even death. If you experience any of these symptoms, drink plenty of fluids, and seek medical help if they persist.
Poor Diet
A poor diet lacks the right combination of nutrients to sustain human life. A person who consumes a poor diet is at risk of developing malnutrition, which can lead to various health problems.
Stress
Stress is a term used to describe the body’s reaction to any demand. Physical or emotional factors can cause it. The body’s response to stress releases hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body to handle the demand.
This can cause several physical and emotional symptoms, such as a racing heart, headache, and feeling anxious or upset.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. It can be mild or severe and may be caused by stress, fear, or anger.
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental illnesses that include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Symptoms of an anxiety disorder can include feeling restless or tense, having difficulty sleeping, sweating, nausea, or diarrhea.
Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder that causes people to feel persistently sad and hopeless. It’s one of the most common mental health disorders in the U.S., affecting more than 18 million adults yearly. Depression can lead to many emotional and physical problems and can be debilitating.
What’s Considered a Headache?
Some people might consider a headache a pain in the head accompanied by a feeling of pressure or tightness.
Others might consider a headache to be any pain or discomfort in the head, regardless of whether or not it is accompanied by pressure or tightness.
Types of Headache
Migraine
Migraine is a term used to describe a variety of headaches. There are two main types of migraines- those with an aura and those without.
Migraines are often characterized by severe pain on one side of the head, sensitivity to light, sound, and smell, and nausea or vomiting. They can last for hours or even days.
While the cause of migraines is not entirely known, they are thought to be related to brain blood flow changes. Treatment typically involves pain relievers, anti-nausea drugs, and lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers.
Tension Headache
A tension headache is a type of headache that is often caused by stress or emotional tension.
The pain may be felt in the head’s temples, forehead, or back. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache.
Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches are a type of headache that is considered to be one of the most painful. They are a rare condition, affecting less than 1% of the population.
Cluster headaches are so named because they tend to occur in clusters, meaning they may happen several times and then go away for months or years.
The cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but they are thought to be related to changes in the body’s hormone levels. Symptoms include severe pain on one side of the head, redness in and around the eye on the affected side, runny nose, and sweating.
Sinus Headache
A sinus headache is a pain in the area of the forehead and eyes caused by pressure and congestion in the sinuses. Various factors, including allergies, a cold, or flu can cause sinus headaches.
Symptoms of a sinus headache include pressure or pain in the forehead and around the eyes, nasal congestion or discharge, and fever.
Rebound Headache
A rebound headache is a type of headache caused by medication overuse. When someone takes medication for headaches too often, the body can become dependent on the medication.
This can lead to rebound headaches when the person stops taking the medication. Rebound headaches are usually more severe than regular ones and can last several days.
Thunderclap Headache
Thunderclaps are severe, explosive headaches that come on suddenly and reach their peak intensity within seconds. They can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Thunderclap headaches are a medical emergency and require immediate treatment.
What Is the Difference Between Tiredness and Fatigue?
You might need to catch a few more Zs when you’re tired. Fatigue is a broader term that can indicate a severe medical condition.
Here’s what to look out for to tell the difference:
Tiredness is feeling run down and needing sleep. Fatigue is a lack of energy and motivation that lasts for weeks or months and isn’t relieved by rest. It can accompany other symptoms like headaches, muscle pain, dizziness, or irritability.
An underlying health condition like anemia, heart disease, diabetes, or thyroid problems often causes fatigue. It can also be a side effect of medication or treatment for cancer or HIV/AIDS.
How to Cope With Constant Headache and Tiredness?
Are you constantly tired and have a headache? You are not alone. Many people suffer from this daily. Here are a few tips to help cope with the constant headache and tiredness:
- Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Most people need around 8 hours of sleep per night.
- Reduce stress levels as much as possible. Stress can cause both headaches and fatigue.
- Drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods. Dehydration and poor nutrition can both lead to fatigue and headaches.
- Get regular exercise. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help improve your mood and energy levels.
- See your doctor if the headaches or fatigue are persistent or severe.
- The common triggers for a headache include:
- Sinus infection
Sinus infections are often the root cause of headaches. If you are experiencing sinus pressure and a headache, you likely have a sinus infection.
The congestion and inflammation caused by sinus infection can trigger headaches. In addition, the mucus drainage from your nose associated with a sinus infection can also irritate your throat and lead to a headache.
Allergies
Headaches are a common problem, with approximately half of the population experiencing them at some point. While many believe that headaches are caused by stress or tension, they can also be triggered by allergies.
Research has shown that nasal allergies can significantly contribute to headaches, especially in people who already suffer from them.
The link between allergies and headaches is thought to be due to how allergens trigger an inflammatory response in the body.
This inflammation can cause blood vessels in the head to swell, leading to pain and discomfort. In some cases, allergens may also trigger an allergic reaction in the brain, leading to even more severe headaches.
If you suffer from frequent headaches and suspect they may be linked to your allergies, there are several things you can do to help reduce their severity.
Poor Posture
According to a study, poor posture is one of the most common triggers of headaches. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Granada, found that 92% of people who suffer from chronic headaches have poor posture.
The study also found that headaches are more likely to occur when stressed or fatigued.
Poor posture can cause tension, headaches, and migraines. It can also lead to neck, back, and joint pain.
To help prevent headaches, it is essential to practice good posture habits. Keep your back straight and your head aligned with your spine when sitting or standing.
Hunger
Hunger is a trigger for headaches. A study published in Cephalalgia found that out of 1,766 patients who suffered from migraine headaches, 38 percent said they were triggered by hunger.
The study participants were asked to keep a food diary to track their eating habits and headaches. The results showed that the likelihood of having a headache was more significant when the patient was hungry than when they were not.
Patients who ate three or more meals daily were less likely to experience a headache than those who ate two or fewer. This research confirms what many people have long suspected-that hunger can trigger headaches.
Dehydration
Headache is a common problem, which may be primary (not associated with any other disorder) or secondary (associated with another disease).
Many factors may trigger a headache, including dehydration. Dehydration is when the body does not have enough water to function correctly. It can be caused by not drinking enough fluids, excessive sweating, or diarrhea and vomiting. Headache is a common symptom of dehydration.
Water is the best fluid to drink when you are thirsty. Other fluids, such as juice and sports drinks, may help relieve headache symptoms. You may need intravenous fluids if you cannot drink fluids because of nausea or vomiting.
Stress
- Stress is a common trigger for headaches.
- Tension headaches are the most common type of headache triggered by stress.
- Symptoms of a tension headache include pressure or pain in the forehead, temples, or back of the head.
- Strategies for managing stress can help reduce the frequency of headaches.
- Some effective strategies for managing stress include exercise, relaxation techniques, and yoga.
- It is essential to find what works best for you and stick with it to reduce stress and protect your health.
When Should You See a Doctor?
There are many reasons why people experience headaches and fatigue, but in some cases, it may be necessary to see a doctor. If a person has had a headache for more than a day, if it is severe, or if accompanied by fever, seizures, or vision changes, it is best to seek medical attention. Fatigue lasting more than two weeks may also indicate an underlying health condition and should be evaluated by a doctor.
What Are The Possible Causes of Headaches and Tiredness?
The Mayo Clinic lists a variety of potential causes of headache and tiredness, including sleep deprivation, stress, anxiety, depression, caffeine withdrawal, blood pressure medications, viral infections such as the flu, and hormonal changes associated with menstruation or menopause.
Some other potential causes that are less common include head injury, brain tumor, low blood sugar, dehydration, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
While most of these causes are benign and easily treatable, it is essential to seek medical help if the headache and tiredness are accompanied by other symptoms, such as blurred vision, seizures, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
Is There a Link Between Headache and Tiredness?
Headache and tiredness are common complaints, but do they have a link?
One possible cause of both headache and tiredness is dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, your body doesn’t have enough water to function correctly, leading to headaches and fatigue.
Another possibility is that lack of sleep can lead to both headaches and tiredness. Studies have shown that people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to experience headaches than those who get enough sleep.
Several medical conditions can cause both headaches and tiredness.
If there is a Link, What Are The Possible Reasons For It?
There is a link between headaches and tiredness.
Here is a list of some common causes of both headaches and tiredness:
- Lack of sleep
- Overtraining
- Poor nutrition
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Migraine
- Depression
- Pregnancy
- Fibromyalgia
- Medications, such as diuretics and blood pressure
- Caffeine
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Hangovers
- Menstruation
- Anemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Liver and kidney problems
- Hypoglycemia (Low blood sugar)
- Sleep disorders, conditions such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, bruxism, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea can cause disruptions in sleep.
- Flu and the common cold
How Can We Treat Headaches and Tiredness?
Follow a Healthy Diet
If you are experiencing headaches and tiredness, following a healthy diet is the key to getting relief. Eating nutritious foods will help to boost your energy levels and keep your body functioning at its best.
Some tips for eating healthy include:
- eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
- including lean protein in your diet
- avoiding processed foods and sugary snacks
- drinking plenty of water
Eating a balanced diet will help to keep your body healthy and energized. You’ll get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function correctly by including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your meals.
Protein is essential for building muscle mass and aiding in weight loss, so include some lean protein in your meals.
And lastly, avoid processed foods and sugary snacks, which can quickly zap your energy levels.
Exercise
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to prevent and treat headaches and tiredness.
Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers, and increases energy levels. It also helps to improve sleep quality. A moderate amount of activity is the key to getting these benefits; too much or too little can have the opposite effect.
Some good exercises include walking, running, biking, swimming, and weightlifting.
Manage Stress
We all know how it feels to be overwhelmed with stress. Not only can it cause headaches and tiredness, but it can also lead to more severe health problems if left unchecked. Luckily, there are many ways to manage stress.
Here are a few of our favorites:
- Exercise regularly. Not only does exercise release endorphins that make you feel good, but it also helps you blow off some steam.
- Take breaks throughout the day. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to relax and rejuvenate.
- Connect with friends and family members. Spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress levels.
- Practice yoga or meditation. These activities can help you learn how to focus and relax your mind and body.
- Get enough sleep.
Maintain a Journal
When you’re feeling run down, the last thing you want to do is add more stress to your day by trying to remember everything.
Keeping a journal can help relieve some of that stress and make it easier to track your treatment plan.
Here are a few tips on how to maintain a headache and tiredness journal:
- Start by setting some ground rules for yourself. Decide how often you’ll journal and what information you’ll include.
- Track your symptoms, both when they’re at their worst and when they’re at their best. This will help you identify patterns and determine the best treatments for you.
- Keep a list of medications, supplements, and other treatments you’ve tried and the results.
Get Sufficient Sleep and Rest
You may feel tired and have a headache for many reasons. Lack of sleep and rest are among the most common.
When you’re tired, your body isn’t functioning as well as it should, leading to a headache. The best way to treat both of these problems is by getting sufficient sleep and rest.
To get enough sleep, go to bed and wake up simultaneously each day, even on weekends. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, and try to relax before going to sleep by reading or taking a hot bath.
Take breaks daily to relax your mind and body to get enough rest. Stretch or take a short walk if you feel tense or stressed. And remember to smile-smiling releases tension and can help you feel more relaxed overall.
Conclusion
It seems that there is a link between headaches and tiredness every day. While the research on this topic is ongoing, it is essential to be aware of the possibility of these two symptoms being related.
It may be worth discussing with your doctor if you are experiencing headaches and tiredness regularly.
FAQs | Headache With Tiredness
What are headache and fatigue symptoms?
Headaches and weariness are caused by dehydration, stress, anxiety, and medical disorders. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
Can headache and tiredness be a sign of COVID?
The symptoms of COVID may differ from person to person. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor to confirm COVID.
Can a headache cause tiredness?
Headaches can induce fatigue. Your brain works harder to process headache discomfort. Extra work might be tiring.
Can antibiotics cause headaches and tiredness?
Antibiotics induce headaches and fatigue. Antibiotics can destroy healthy bacteria in your body, causing a gut flora imbalance. Symptoms include headaches and fatigue.
Can IBS cause headaches and tiredness?
IBS causes headaches and fatigue. IBS-related stomach discomfort, constipation, or diarrhea can induce headaches. Stress and worry might promote IBS-related fatigue.
Can depression cause headaches and tiredness?
Depression causes headaches and fatigue. Depression creates sadness, hopelessness, and unmotivated. It causes headaches and fatigue.
Can extreme tiredness cause headaches?
Yes, fatigue causes headaches. Tiredness reduces blood flow to the brain, causing headaches.
What does a fatigue headache feel like?
A fatigue headache feels like a regular headache but is caused by weariness. Over-the-counter drugs can cure it, but getting enough sleep and eating healthily can prevent it.
Are headaches a sign of tiredness?
Headaches have diverse causes. Some folks get headaches when they’re weary. If you suspect your headaches are due to exhaustion, consider improving your sleep patterns.
Can you get headaches from fatigue?
Fatigue causes tension, migraine, and cluster headaches. Find the reason for your exhaustion and treat it. Lifestyle modifications, medicine, and therapy may treat tiredness.
Editor’s Note: Health articles aren’t meant to replace medical advice. The article shouldn’t substitute a doctor’s visit or prescription. Reading health articles can help you understand general ideas and potential treatments, but always consult an expert before making any decisions.