Summer may be behind us, but thanks to global warming, the hot days are still lingering. Just like the headaches that often accompany high temperatures.
In this kind of weather, many people find themselves wondering: why does my head hurt when it’s hot?
Some studies have shown that as temperatures rise, the frequency of headaches increases sharply. However, experts like Dr. Nolan Pearson, a neurologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, argue that the root cause lies beyond just the heat.
“Weather often ranks among the top four or five triggers reported by people. But I would suggest that it’s actually related to the factors that accompany hot weather, rather than the heat itself,” Dr. Pearson told Live Science.
According to the headache specialist, most research on heat and migraines only shows a correlation between the two. For instance, researchers might look at hospitalization rates for headaches during different months and find that these cases peak during hot summers. However, this doesn’t prove that heat is the culprit. Other environmental and lifestyle changes that occur in summer could be responsible, such as air quality, exposure to bright sunlight, or our activity levels.
Dr. Pearson recommends that anyone suffering from headaches pay attention to a range of potential triggers. These are better studied and easier to manage than the heat itself.
Headache Triggers During Hot Weather
One of the most common headache triggers is poor air quality, which worsens in hot conditions. Additionally, the wind and air pressure changes that occur during hot weather can cause pollutants from coal plants or vehicles to linger in the atmosphere.
The hottest months, with their long days, also bring stronger ultraviolet radiation. However, the relationship between light exposure and headaches is quite complex. While some studies indicate that bright light isn’t a key headache trigger, people with migraines are often sensitive to ultraviolet exposure.
Heat also tends to disrupt our usual routines, and these changes can increase the likelihood of headaches. For example, people often forget to drink enough water when it’s hot outside. Meanwhile, dehydration is a well-known headache trigger. Additionally, high temperatures can diminish appetite. But prolonged fasting can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can also trigger headaches.
Moreover, heat disrupts sleep patterns. When nighttime sleep is disturbed due to overheating, people are significantly more likely to suffer from headaches, Dr. Pearson noted.