Head’s Up! Research Finds Link Between Headaches and Your Internal Clock

Ever wondered if there’s a connection between the timing of your headaches and your body’s internal clock? Recent research published in Neurology, the American Academy of Neurology’s medical journal, has made some fascinating discoveries on this topic!

Researchers found that migraines and cluster headaches, two severe types, are strongly linked to our internal body clocks or circadian rhythms. This groundbreaking meta-analysis included 72 studies focusing on how our internal clocks might be involved in these headache disorders that affect over 40 million people in the U.S.

Migraines, three times more common in females, typically occur during the day, while cluster headaches, more prevalent in males, often strike at night. The study found that cluster headaches are closely tied to circadian cycles, with over 70 percent of people reporting more attacks during the spring and fall seasons. On the genetic front, five of the nine genes associated with cluster headaches also regulate circadian rhythms.

Surprisingly, the researchers discovered that half of the migraine headaches also showed clear patterns throughout the day and year. Most people experienced migraines during the morning, day, or evening, with a significant drop-off from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Additionally, migraines were more frequent or severe between April and October. Out of the many genes associated with migraines, 110 were found to be linked to circadian rhythms.

This connection between headache disorders and circadian rhythms could open new doors for better treatments, with medications targeting circadian cycles being a potential game-changer. Dr. Mark Burish, the study’s lead author, stated that the findings on migraines are exciting, and they are now more confident that targeting circadian rhythms could be effective.

Beyond circadian rhythms, the meta-analysis also explored the role of two hormones: cortisol and melatonin. The hypothalamus, which primarily controls our biological clock, is connected to the glands that produce these hormones. Melatonin signals when it’s time to sleep, and cortisol is the body’s cue to wake up.

The study found that people with migraines often produce less melatonin than those who don’t, and even less during an attack. Meanwhile, individuals with cluster headaches had higher cortisol levels and lower melatonin levels. Sleep deprivation can cause a spike in cortisol levels, though the link between melatonin levels and headache disorders seems much clearer.

Migraines, being a complex condition, are influenced by various factors such as stress, smoking, diet, genetics unrelated to circadian rhythm, and exercise. However, this new research provides essential clues that could lead to improved treatments.

Understanding the connection between headaches and our internal clocks is an exciting development in headache research. Dr. Narayan Kissoon, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic, emphasizes that while migraines are a complex disorder, the impact of circadian rhythms is often overlooked and deserves further exploration. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed for even more breakthroughs in treating migraines and cluster headaches!

Related Content:

• 9 Healthy and Natural Ways to Beat That Afternoon Slump
• 3 Easy Hacks to Get Rid of a Headache [Video]
• 8 Healthy Plant-Based Foods to Eat if You Suffer From Migraines
• How Circadian Rhythm Affects Cortisol and Melatonin: Plant-Based Recipes and Tips
• Plant‑Based Diet Makes Man’s Severe Debilitating Migraines Disappear

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