Stress Reduction, Rest, and Emotions

Worry, anxiety, and anger may aggravate headache. Therefore, headache sufferers should tell family and friends when pain is developing and the level of that pain; share their plan for responding to the pain; and at the same time make any request of family or friends.

Sleep habits are also important. It's best to go to bed and get up at about the same time each day, since this helps to regulate and stabilize the brain's biological clocks. To make up for lost sleep, set the alarm clock no more than one hour later than usual and try taking a rest or nap later in the day if necessary. Some people with frequent headaches either have difficultly falling asleep or wake up too early in the morning and are then unable to get back to sleep. If this is a problem, it should be discussed with a physician.