Headache While Studying

Tension headaches account for nearly all headaches suffered by college students (TTHs). TTHs can be produced by muscles in the back of the neck and/or the scalp tightening. Because college students are continually seated in strained positions, it's no wonder that these headaches are the most common (e.g., sitting in uncomfortable lecture chairs while hunching over a book to catch up on readings).

If you're studying for that big exam by cramming the entire textbook into one night, be warned: a headache is likely which is the only pressure point.

To begin with, it is true that college students are prone to headaches. The prevalence of headaches was 87 percent in a self-reported survey of more than 300 university students in Brazil, with tension-type and migraine headaches being the most common.

Second, various people have different headache triggers. However, there are a few proven headache and migraine trigger that you should be aware of while studying for the big exam.

Long-term computer use or prolonged reading, for example, can create eyestrain. Furthermore, headaches are a symptom of eyestrain in some people. So it is very important to know how much screen time is healthy.

Making the grade — and pulling successive all-nighters to do so — adds to the stress. Tension headaches and migraines are known to be triggered by stress. Indeed, a recent study of almost 5,000 participants (presented at the 4th European Headache and Migraine Trust International Congress) discovered that an increase in stress was closely linked to an increase in headaches, with the effects being stronger in younger age groups.

In certain people, lack of sleep can also cause headaches and migraines. Stress and inconsistent sleep patterns, when combined, can have a significant impact on your headaches. Two consecutive days of either high stress or inadequate sleep were "highly predictive" of a headache, according to a small observational study of chronic tension headaches and migraine sufferers.

Why do I get headache while studying?

There can be many reasons for your headache while you are studying, a few of them include. One of the main reasons for headaches is our lifestyle habits. And for adults, most of these headaches get triggered during studying.

Eye strain
Tension
Stress
Anxiety
Lack of sleep
Caffeine withdrawal
Change in Eyesight
Dehydration and more.

What to do when you have headache while studying?

While studying, take frequent breaks to rest your eyes, neck, and back.
Use a chair that is ergonomic.
Over your PC, use a non-glare screen.
Take pain medicine as soon as possible because it is more effective at the start.
Caffeine should be consumed in moderation (maximum 400 mg per day) to avoid headaches.
Consume or drink sugary foods or beverages.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Consistently get enough sleep (at least seven hours per night).
To relax and ease daily tension and worry, try deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation.
To relieve muscle stress, have a neck massage.

Should I study with a headache?

It’s better you take rest when you get a headache. If you are getting frequent headaches, it is necessary for you to understand the underlying cause so that you can prevent it next time. Most of the time, it is observed that due to more screen time, teenagers ' eyesight gets increased resulting in a strain on the eyes and then leading to headaches. The other reason is when students are taking too much stress and feel anxious about their studies, exams and future. However, it is recommended to consult an optical practitioner if you get frequent headaches while studying.

Do I need glasses if I get headaches when I read?

The answer is both yes and no if your eyesight is changed, that is, when your eyes get strained the focal length of the vision gets increased or decreased leading to myopia also called near sightedness and hyperopia also called far sightedness. And when you have any of these two problems doctor prescribes you the required glasses. Apart from that if your reading involves a computer or any screen-related reading then you can use blue light-filtered glass so that blue strain on the eyes can be decreased which can prevent headaches.

How to avoid headache during reading?

Take regular breaks
Adjust lighting
Reduce screen time
Keep yourself hydrated.
Consult your ophthalmologist every 6 months
Practise relaxation techniques
Use blue light filter glasses

Take Away

If you have headaches or migraines, check and control screen time and protect your eyes from those harmful blue rays. Consult your healthcare professional immediately to prevent severe damage. Eye care should never be ignored.

FAQs

Why does my head hurt when I concentrate?

When you stare at the screens continuously for longer periods of time and strain your eyes for more time then it can hurt your head.

Can over-studying cause headaches?

Yes, over-studying causes unnecessary strain on your eyes and also creates stress in your head ultimately causing headaches.

Do blue light glasses help with reading headaches?

Yes, blue light glasses prevent the entry of harmful blue light that is emitted from the screens.

References

Why do I have a headache? By MedicalNewsToday, Jan 5, 2022.

How to avoid headache while studying? By News24, Nov 15.

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