| Migraines are common for children and adults. | | | | If your child's migraines are triggered by |
| Those who suffer migraines tend to have higher | | | | dehydration, ask her teacher to allow a water |
| sensitivity to stimuli such as hunger, noise, fatigue, | | | | bottle in class. |
| or flickering lights. They may also have a history | | | | Practice good sleep hygiene. |
| of motion sickness. Migraine triggers are not the | | | | Regular bedtime and length of sleep are important |
| same for everyone. However, the most common | | | | to consider if oversleeping or staying up on the |
| ones are hunger, dehydration, irregular sleeping | | | | weekends contribute to your migraines. Stick to |
| patterns, and stress. Consider the strategies | | | | the same sleep schedule as much as possible and |
| below to prevent your migraines. | | | | get at least 8-9 hours of sleep every night. |
| Eat regular meals. | | | | Children need at least 10 hours and adolescents |
| Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as nutritious | | | | need 9-10 hours of sleep every night, so don't let |
| snacks in between, are crucial for a steady supply | | | | them fool you into staying up late! They need as |
| of glucose. Sensitivity to low glucose levels is a | | | | much sleep as babies to stay healthy. |
| precipitating factor for many migraines sufferers | | | | Reduce stress. |
| who skip meals. If you are one of them, always | | | | Stress is a well-known trigger of migraines, so |
| pack snacks for days when you are on the run, | | | | simplify your life. Don't over schedule yourself or |
| and never skip breakfast! | | | | your children, learn to say "no," and prioritize your |
| Water thyself. | | | | life. Consider signing up for a yoga or tai chi class |
| If dehydration triggers your migraines, try to stay | | | | at your local community center. |
| hydrated or even slightly over-hydrated. Drink at | | | | Talk to your health care provider if your |
| least 6-8 glasses of caffeine-free fluids every | | | | migraines become more intense or frequent, they |
| day, without waiting for your thirst to remind you | | | | wake you up at night, or you experience vision |
| to reach for a glass of water. When you feel | | | | changes, dizziness, or other unusual symptoms. |
| thirsty, your body is already dehydrated by 2-3%. | | | | |