Neurologists named the causes of headaches after a working day

Chronic work stress keeps the nervous system on constant alert and lowers the pain threshold, making headaches more frequent and difficult to treat. Daniel Wilhor, a neurologist and headache specialist, told Medical Xpress about this on May 5.

According to Wilhor, during chronic stress, the hormones cortisol and adrenaline remain stubbornly elevated. As a result, the nervous system goes into a continuous "fight or flight" reaction mode: the heart rate increases, muscle tension persists. In this state, signals that would normally be ignored or perceived as insignificant begin to be felt more intensely.

The neurologist separately emphasized the role of sleep disorders. Many people who feel constant stress at the end of the working day have difficulty falling asleep or sleeping. Such a shallow sleep lacks the necessary restorative qualities, and fatigue reduces resistance and increases the feeling of depression. This creates a vicious circle: stress disrupts sleep, and lack of sleep increases the sensitivity of the brain and increases the likelihood of new headaches the next day.

Wilhor also pointed out that chronic stress acts as both a trigger and an aggravating factor for migraines. The nervous system of people affected by migraines is highly sensitive to external changes, including fluctuations in sleep patterns, hormonal levels, and stress intensity. Prolonged stress can increase the frequency and severity of seizures. In addition, muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and scalp—a typical stress companion—itself causes tension headaches.

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Among the recommendations of the specialist: small pauses between tasks lasting 5-10 minutes with deep breathing, regular physical activity to normalize the level of stress hormones and the release of endorphins, control of posture and workplace ergonomics, mindfulness practices. In addition, meditation and focused breathing, as well as a clear distinction between work and personal time. If a headache persists, the doctor recommends seeking medical help: physical therapy, behavioral therapy, and pain management therapy can eliminate both physical and emotional factors.

According to Wilhor, stress is not fundamentally harmful: in short-term doses, it increases concentration, improves productivity and prepares the body for difficulties. Problems arise when stress becomes chronic and continuous, in which case the nervous system loses its ability to recover.

Marina Ivanova, a nutritionist at the Fitomarket marketplace, told on Tuesday, May 5, what can cause absent-mindedness, a feeling of fog in the head, memory impairment and concentration. The specialist explained that memory can deteriorate due to constant stress, as it increases cortisol levels, which negatively affects a person's ability to remember and learn.