Can the sun be the cause of a headache?

Increased sun sensitivity may trigger a headache, so minimize exposure to sunlight and sun lamps and wear sunscreen. Too much exposure to the sun may predispose you to headaches. When you sit, work, or spend time in the sun, your head nerves and tissues change their mode, affecting the nerve endings causing pain on either sides or the front of the head.

Preventing sun-mediated headaches

Sun-mediated headaches can be prevented by staying indoors. If you're working outside where there's direct sunlight, you should:

• Wear a hat or a cap
• Wear sunglasses
• Avoid taking hot showers after working in the sun
• Wear light colored long pants and long sleeve shirts
• Drink at least one glass of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic drink every hour
• Stay out of the sun between 10 am and 2 pm, if possible.

Types of headaches

Headaches vary in forms due to varying causes. For instance, sensitivity to sun often triggers migraine headaches, while muscle constriction predisposes tension headaches. Other types of headaches include:

• Sinus headaches
• Tension headaches
• Migraine headaches
• Clusters headaches

What is a sinus headache?

A sinus headache is a headache that occurs because your sinuses are congested and there is swelling of the membranes lining of the sinuses. Pain occurs as a result of air and mucus being trapped within the obstructed sinuses. Discomfort often occurs under the eye and in the upper teeth (and can be disguised as a toothache).

Sinus headaches often tend to get worse as you bend forward or lie down. The key to relieving the symptoms of a sinus headache is to reduce the swelling, inflammation and facilitate mucus drainage from the sinuses.

Related topics:

1. Why do I get headaches?
2. What causes primary headaches?
3. What foods and drinks may cause headaches?