Does Stress Cause Migraines? Understanding the Stress-Migraine Connection
The Short Answer
Yes, stress is one of the most commonly reported migraine triggers—up to 80% of people with migraines identify it as a factor. But here's the twist: research shows it's often not the stress itself that triggers attacks, but the relief afterward. This phenomenon, known as the "let-down headache," explains why migraines often strike on weekends, vacations, or after major deadlines.
Could Stress Be YOUR Trigger?
Take this quick quiz to find out (30 seconds)
Do your migraines typically start during stressful periods?
What Research Shows
A landmark 2014 study from the Montefiore Headache Center tracked 17 migraine patients through 2,011 diary entries over three months. The results challenged conventional wisdom: while high stress didn't significantly increase migraine risk, a decline in stress from one day to the next was associated with a nearly five-fold increased risk of migraine in the first six hours afterward.
The researchers hypothesized that cortisol—the stress hormone—may have protective effects during high-stress periods. When stress drops, cortisol falls, potentially triggering the cascade that leads to migraine.
Why You Might Think Stress Triggers Your Migraines
The belief that stress directly causes migraines is deeply ingrained, but research shows level of stress was not generally associated with migraine occurrence—it was the decline that mattered.
This misconception matters because it changes how you should approach prevention. If you believe stress causes migraines, you might avoid stressful situations entirely. But if the transition to relaxation triggers attacks, the strategy shifts to managing how you wind down.
How to Know If Stress Affects YOU
The only way to know if stress affects YOUR migraines is through systematic tracking:
1. Daily stress levels (1-10 scale) — not just on migraine days
Pay attention to when migraines occur relative to stress changes. Do they happen during stressful periods, or 6-18 hours after stress decreases?
2. Track for at least 30 days to establish reliable patterns.
Track Stress with ProAct
Add "Stress" to your tracking list. After 30 days, AI will tell you if there's a correlation with your migraines.
Key Takeaways
- Up to 80% of migraine sufferers report stress as a trigger, making it one of the most commonly cited factors.
- The 'let-down headache' phenomenon means migraines often strike after stress decreases, not during stress itself.
- Cortisol drops when you relax may trigger attacks—explaining weekend and vacation migraines.
- Daily tracking of stress levels—not just during migraines—is essential for identifying your personal pattern.
Start Understanding Your Migraines
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