How to Avoid Headaches During the First Days of Ramadan?
Many fasting individuals experience headaches during the holy month of Ramadan, particularly in its early days. This is one of the most common side effects of fasting.
Although fasting-related headaches are generally not serious, they can be quite bothersome, especially at work, potentially affecting productivity and causing an accumulation of tasks.
Since pain relievers cannot be taken during fasting hours, headaches can be prevented or alleviated by addressing their main causes, which include:
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Dehydration
- Low blood sugar levels
- Changes in sleep schedule
Headaches caused by caffeine withdrawal occur due to the sudden cessation of coffee or tea consumption. Dehydration results from reduced water intake, while low blood sugar levels arise from prolonged fasting. Additionally, a reduction in sleep hours is common due to late-night activities and early wake-ups for suhoor.
Medical experts recommend gradually reducing caffeine intake (from tea and coffee) several weeks before Ramadan, according to pharmacist Najlaa Hassan, cited by the “Al-Tibbi” website.
Fasting individuals should also increase their water intake between iftar and suhoor and consume hydrating fruits and vegetables to prevent dehydration.
Doctors strongly advise against skipping suhoor, as it provides essential fluids and energy while helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels. However, it is crucial to ensure adequate sleep, as suhoor takes place just before dawn, making proper sleep management essential.
In addition to these causes, smokers face an extra challenge: the sudden withdrawal from nicotine found in tobacco. To prevent headaches, as well as anxiety and irritability, they should gradually reduce their cigarette consumption several weeks before Ramadan.
The severity of headaches varies from person to person and across different regions. They tend to be more common in countries where fasting hours are longer, particularly in northern Europe, where dehydration, sleep deprivation, and low blood sugar levels are more likely, all of which contribute to headaches.
