What Is a Dehydration Headache?

Published On: March 17, 2021|Categories: Mental Health|597 words|3 min read|

Dehydration headaches are one of the most common types of headaches because they can affect anyone, but they’re not described often in the medical literature. While it’s well established that dialysis and hangover headaches are associated with dehydration and the ubiquitous dehydration headache, water deprivation hasn’t been documented as a cause of headaches. But a lack of research doesn’t mean your dehydration headache isn’t real and treatable. Best of all, it’s preventable. The lack of proper nutrition and hydration can exacerbate the symptoms of any other conditions you may have as well and impact your mental health just as much as it impacts your physical health.

What Causes Dehydration?

A dehydration headache may occur when you haven’t consumed enough fluids, but it can also be brought about by losing water. We lose fluids and electrolytes—substances that move electrical charges and signals throughout the body—in four significant ways: vomiting, sweating, urinating, and diarrhea.

A dehydration headache often causes dull, throbbing pain. Dehydration can trigger migraines and garden-variety headaches. The National Headache Foundation recommends considering whether you’re dehydrated anytime you have a headache.

Common signs of dehydration include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Fatigue or lethargy
  • Dizziness upon standing
  • Dark yellow urine or decreased urination
  • Sticky or dry mouth
  • Irritability

People who are at a higher risk of dehydration include older adults and young children, as well as individuals living with chronic illnesses like diabetes. People in hot climates or higher altitudes are more likely to be dehydrated.

How to Prevent Dehydration Headaches

If you think you may be suffering from a dehydration headache, a glass of water or two should make the headache disappear within an hour. If your dehydration is severe, replacing lost fluids and electrolytes with an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte, is important.

The best way to prevent a dehydration headache is, of course, to stay hydrated. Here are some tips for getting enough fluids each day:

  • Drink a large glass of water upon awakening each morning and an hour before going to bed each night
  • Drink a glass of water with each meal
  • Drink water during and after a workout or while you’re outside on a hot day
  • Keep a water bottle on hand and take sips frequently throughout the day
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are mostly water
  • Replace sugary drinks like soda, fruit juices, and sports drinks with water

Staying hydrated will not only prevent a dehydration headache but also keep your body’s systems working optimally for better overall health. While there are many things you can do to improve your mental health, making sure to drink enough water every day is one simple and easy way to keep unpleasant feelings like anxiety and depression at bay.

Your Mental Health Is Our Priority

Water has been repeatedly linked to improvements in our health, but some studies show it’s also linked to our mental health. According to a 2014 study, researchers found that people who drank more water daily generally felt more calm and positive emotions. Other studies have found that dehydration can make a person more tired, confused, and depressed.

At Silvermist, our professionals treat mental and substance use disorders through trauma-based therapy. Our clients’ mental health is our top priority, and our team of experts knows that cognitive issues are often the root of disorders like addiction and bulimia. We take a holistic approach to treatment and can help you heal physically, mentally, and emotionally so you can return to your life and make healthier decisions for your future.

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