More people would be drinking coffee right now if they knew that there were some easy ways to prevent and how to get rid of a caffeine headache.
One of the most common signs of a caffeine-induced headache is the source of pain. If you’re a coffee drinker and suffering from a headache that started somewhere in the area behind your eyes, you could probably blame it on caffeine.
A caffeine headache typically worsens as it moves to the front of the forehead. At this point, your mood would start leaning to the dark side. If you’re having a hectic day, these are some of the worst of the kind, which makes it even more important to know how to get rid of a caffeine headache.
How to Get Rid of a Caffeine Headache
Not all caffeine headaches are caused by caffeine overdose. Others could blame it on their withdrawal from coffee or other caffeinated drinks, such as energy drinks and soda.
Either way, if you think a caffeine headache has hit you, here are five tips on how to get rid of a caffeine headache:
1. Soothe yourself with a gentle massage.
Paula Stone, the author of Therapeutic Reflexology, recommends three kinds of hand massage for instant relief from a headache. First, use your index finger to press the soft tissue area of the top of your hand, between the thumb and index finger. Second, open your palm and find the soft zone between your thumb and index finger, too. Press it for a few seconds. Third, press both points at the same time by using your other hand’s thumb and index finger together. Repeat the process until a headache is gone.
This is a really simple way to help with how to get rid of a caffeine headache, and it doesn’t cost anything either!
2. Drink water
Coffee contributes to your fluid intake, but it is also considered a diuretic, which means that it helps to draw water from your body and increases urination.
However, it must be noted that there has been no concrete evidence with regards to this matter. According to studies, caffeinated drinks do not significantly contribute to dehydration. However, a high dose of caffeine could disturb the electrolyte balance in your system, triggering dehydration and a nasty headache.
There are still ongoing debates on the effect of caffeine on the body’s level of hydration. So, think of drinking at least eight glasses of water every day as a safety precaution, and another way how to get rid of a caffeine headache. You may also want to boost your water with electrolyte powder to restore balance in your system.
3. Take a nap
If you can afford to shut your eyes for a 10-minute power nap, then do it. Be sure to drink a glass of water before taking a nap, though. After doing this, and giving your body a chance to rest, you would wake up feeling rejuvenated. If taking a nap is not easy for you, just wear an eye mask or close your eyes in a dark room to take a short but effective break.
Just taking a short rest can do wonders for releasing tension and helping to achieve balance in the body.
4. Use a hot or cold compress
The effects of ice and heat help to alleviate body pain. For most people who have regular headaches, they will typically choose to go with warm packs. These are also very easy to use. All you need to do is place it on your forehead or temple for 10 to 15 minutes. If you can take a nap while doing so, then it could provide you greater comfort.
As with any kind of stiff or injured muscle in the body, a hot or cold compress can help to release tension and decrease swelling, which can help with how to get rid of a caffeine headache.
5. Take a pain reliever
This option is one of the easiest ways when it comes to how to get ride of a caffeine headache, but it should also be your last resort. This is because certain painkillers have side effects that could cause more problems. Also, taking too many painkillers over an extended period can lead to further problems like rebound headaches.
Some of the known side effects of painkillers are nausea, constipation, and dizziness, among others. Once you have decided to take a pain reliever, make sure to get the dose right or simply get the smallest available dose(1).
If a headache persists, it is best to see your doctor.
Conclusion
Sometimes people think they are suffering from a tension headache and are not sure what to do. There are so many different types of headaches that people can confuse one to another.
Overall, if you drink a fair amount of caffeine, it’s safe to say that a lack or too much of this substance in your system could be the cause. This makes it helpful to know how to get rid of a caffeine headache.
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