Migraine in Children and Adolescents – Causes and Natural Solutions
It is increasingly common for children and adolescents to complain of headaches, migraines or migraines. Stress, screen time, sleep problems and diet can all be contributing factors. As a parent, it can be worrying to see your child suffering and in pain, and it is important to find solutions that do not always mean resorting to medication.
What are common causes of headaches in children and adolescents?
1. Screen time and digital stress
The increased use of computers, tablets and mobile phones among young people is contributing to eye strain and tension headaches. When the eyes focus on a screen for long periods, they become strained, which can lead to tension around the eyes, forehead and temples. Blue light from screens can also disrupt sleep, which in turn can worsen headaches.
Solution: Limit screen time and create screen-free zones. Encourage your child to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
2. Sleep deprivation and irregular sleep habits
When children and adolescents do not get enough sleep, or have irregular sleep routines, the risk of headaches increases, especially tension headaches. Lack of sleep affects the body's ability to recover and can lead to both short-term and long-term headache problems.
Solution: Create a bedtime routine that ensures your child gets 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Limit screen time before bed, and create a quiet, dark sleep environment to promote good sleep.
3. Stress at school or in social situations
Young people often experience a combination of academic stress and social pressure, which can trigger headaches. Schoolwork, exams, peer pressure, and expectations can create a mental strain that manifests as physical pain. Tension headaches from stress are common and can cause a throbbing or pressing sensation around the head.
Solution: Help your child find simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Physical activity like walking or playing sports can also be a good way to release stress.
4. Improper diet or dehydration
Many children and adolescents do not eat enough nutritious meals or forget to drink enough water during the day. Or simply do not get enough food. This can cause both tension headaches and migraines. Lack of fluids affects blood flow to the brain, and low blood sugar from irregular meals can also contribute to headaches.
Solution: Make sure your child eats balanced meals with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, and drinks water regularly. Avoid too much sugar and processed foods.
Natural ways to relieve headaches in children and adolescents
1. Relaxation and cooling down
When headaches are caused by stress or overstimulation, a short period of calm and relaxation can be very effective. It's not just about physical rest, but also about letting the brain relax from stimuli such as light, sound, and movement.
Tip: Create a relaxing bedtime routine where your child can unwind with soft lighting, read a book, or listen to calming music. A short period of mindfulness or guided meditation can also help reduce headache frequency.
2. My Happy Head – Natural pain relief for children and adolescents
My Happy Head headache cap is a perfect solution for providing natural pain relief without the need for medication. By combining cold and light compression, the headache cap can relieve both headaches and tired eyes – which is especially useful for children who spend a lot of time in front of screens.
Cooling for tired eyes and head
The cold in the headache cap helps reduce inflammation, which relieves both headaches and tension around the eyes. The design of the cap means that the cooling effect is directed at the forehead, temples and back of the head, areas often affected by headaches.
Compression to reduce tension
Light compression around the head can be soothing and provide a quick sense of relief. The compression also increases blood circulation, which can help release tension in the muscles and tissues around the head.
Practical and easy to use
Tip: My Happy Head - Headache Cap is easy to use and can be worn sitting or lying on a sofa or bed. You can also walk around with it as it will not come off. It is easy to put on, does not require electricity or batteries, and can be cooled over and over again in the refrigerator or freezer.
3. Massage and pressure points
A gentle massage of certain points around the head and neck can help release tension that causes headaches. Points located at the base of the skull or above the eyebrows can be especially effective.
Tip: Teach your child how to massage these areas themselves, or combine with wearing the headache cap for a double effect of compression and massage.
4. Limit screen time and take regular breaks
Taking regular breaks from screens is a simple and effective way to prevent headaches. When your child takes a break from the screen, let them do something that doesn't strain their eyes, like going outside or doing a physical activity.
Tip: Create a scheduled routine for breaks, especially when your child is doing homework or playing games. Taking breaks every hour can help relieve eye strain and reduce the risk of screen-related headaches.
Helping your child manage headaches naturally can make a big difference to their well-being. By combining strategies like relaxation, a healthy lifestyle, and using products like My Happy Head , you can give them relief from headaches without having to rely on medication.