Migraine headaches are an incredibly common ailment in today’s world that can significantly affect those living with them. In fact, approximately 39 million Americans are affected by migraines every year. These debilitating headaches can last from a few hours to an entire day and can often lead to nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
If you’re one of the many people in Bend who suffer from migraines, you may be looking for ways to make your home a more tolerant and comfortable place for you to live. To help you create a migraine-friendly home environment, here are some tips to get you started.
Reduce Light and Noise
Migraine sufferers are usually extremely sensitive to light and noise. To help reduce the impact of these stimuli, try using curtains or blinds on the windows to block any excess light. Use lampshades and dimmer switches to provide a softer light, and reduce the brightness of any electronic screens, such as your TV or computer monitor. If noise tends to trigger your headaches, consider using noise-canceling headphones.
Pay Attention to Temperature
The temperature of your home can also have an impact on your migraines. Make sure that you keep the temperature at a comfortable level, and try to avoid drastictemperature changes. Keeping your home at a stable temperature can help to reduce stress and limit the occurrence of migraines.
Clean Regularly
Mold, dust, and other allergens can exacerbate migraine symptoms. Regularly cleaning your home, and using allergen-reducing products, can help to minimize the impact of these triggers. Keep an eye out on the common problem areas, such as your bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom, and make sure to regularly dust and vacuum to keep these areas free from allergens.
Avoid Strong Smells
Strong smells, such as those delivered by scented candles, air fresheners, or cleaning products, can also trigger migraines for some people. Try to keep the use of these products to a minimum, and opt for unscented or natural alternatives whenever possible.
Make Time for Relaxation
Relaxation is an important part of keeping your migraines at bay. Making time for relaxation can help to lower stress levels, and in turn reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines. Consider setting up a relaxation area in your home, complete with a comfy chair, a sound machine, and lavender or eucalyptus-scented pillows to help create a peaceful atmosphere.
Use Color to Your Advantage
The colors you choose for your home can also have an impact on your migraines. Light, pastel shades, such as pale blue, lilac, and silver, are known for their calming effect and can help to reduce stress. Migraine sufferers may want to steer clear of strong, bold colors, such as red and orange, which can be too stimulating.
Eat Healthy and Get Enough Sleep
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and getting enough sleep can also help to minimize the impact of migraines. Make sure to eat regularly, and include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, and try to minimize the number of processed foods. Aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, and try to keep a regular bedtime and wake-up time.
Conclusion
Migraine headaches can be incredibly disruptive, but making a few simple changes to your home environment can help to alleviate the symptoms. Reducing light and noise, keeping the temperature stable, paying attention to allergens, and creating a peaceful, stress-free environment can all help to minimize the impact of migraines. By following these tips, you can create a more migraine-friendly home environment in Bend.