Khaberni - The newsletter from the Family Health Care Institute (one of King Hussein Foundation's institutes) today, Monday, outlines the main causes of headaches during Ramadan fasting, the types of these headaches, the factors that increase the likelihood of their occurrence, and evidence-based prevention and treatment methods.
Headache is one of the most common health symptoms during Ramadan, with many fasters complaining of head pain during fasting hours or after breaking the fast. Sudden changes in lifestyle and diet can lead to headaches or increase their severity, especially in the first days of the month. Medical studies explain that fasting-related headaches occur due to a combination of physiological and behavioral factors interacting during the period of abstaining from food and drink.
First: What is fasting-related headache?
Fasting-related headache is defined as a type of headache that appears during the long periods of abstaining from food and drink and generally disappears after eating or drinking, especially prominent in the early days of Ramadan when the body is adjusting to the new fasting pattern.
Usually, such headache is:
- Mild to moderate in intensity.
- Spread across the whole head or in the forehead area.
- Often not accompanied by intense throbbing like in migraines.
Second: Causes of headache during fasting
There are several medical and behavioral factors that explain the occurrence of headaches during fasting, including:
1 - Caffeine withdrawal symptoms:
The sudden cessation of consuming coffee or tea is one of the most common causes of headaches in Ramadan. Caffeine affects the blood vessels in the brain, and stopping it can cause a sudden expansion of these vessels which may lead to headaches.
Studies have shown that over half of the people who regularly consume caffeine may suffer from caffeine withdrawal headaches on the first days of fasting.
2 - Low blood sugar levels:
During long fasting periods, the glucose levels in the blood can drop, which is a primary energy source for the brain. This reduction might cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue in some individuals.
This is more common among:
- People who consume unbalanced meals.
- Those who skip the pre-dawn meal (Suhur).
- Individuals sensitive to low sugar levels.
3 - Dehydration:
Refraining from drinking fluids for long periods, especially in hot climates, can lead to dehydration. Dehydration affects the volume of blood and its flow to the brain, which can lead to headaches.
In addition, not drinking enough water between breaking the fast and having Suhur may increase the risk of experiencing headaches the following day.
4 - Sleep disturbances:
The sleep pattern changes during Ramadan due to staying up late and waking up for Suhur and the Fajr prayer. Lack of sleep or disruption of the biological clock may increase the likelihood of headaches.
5 - Stress and strain:
Psychological stress or intense physical exertion during fasting hours may lead to headaches, especially in individuals who already suffer from tension headaches.
6 - Dietary changes:
Consuming heavy or fatty meals after breaking the fast can also lead to headaches in some people. One study showed that eating fried foods and coffee after breaking the fast were factors linked to the occurrence of headaches after breaking the fast among some fasters.
Third: Fasting and migraines
Some individuals suffer from migraine headaches, a type of neurological headache characterized by throbbing pain on one side of the head, which may be accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.
Studies suggest that changes in sleep and dietary patterns during Ramadan might lead to an increase in migraine episodes in some patients, especially when dehydration or sleep disturbances occur.
However, many migraine sufferers can successfully fast by adhering to an appropriate treatment plan and lifestyle regulation.
Fourth: When is a headache during fasting normal?
In most cases, headaches during fasting are mild and temporary, and disappear with:
- Eating food.
- Drinking fluids.
- Getting some rest.
The occurrence of headaches usually decreases after the first days of Ramadan as the body adapts to fasting.
Fifth: When should you consult a doctor?
Although fasting-related headaches are usually not serious, it is advisable to consult a doctor in the following cases:
- Severe and sudden headache.
- Headache accompanied by vision disturbances.
- Headache with severe vomiting or dizziness.
- Persistent headache that does not improve after breaking the fast.
- Headache in patients with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure.
Sixth: Ways to prevent headaches during fasting
It is possible to reduce the likelihood of experiencing headaches during fasting by following a set of health tips:
1 - Gradually reducing caffeine before Ramadan:
It is best to gradually reduce coffee and tea consumption before the start of fasting to avoid caffeine withdrawal headaches.
2 - Not skipping the Suhur meal:
A balanced Suhur meal helps maintain blood sugar levels for a longer period. It is advised to include:
- Proteins
- Complex carbohydrates
- Fiber-rich foods.
3 - Drinking an adequate amount of water:
It is recommended to drink 6–8 glasses of water between breaking the fast and having Suhur to prevent dehydration.
4 - Limiting heavy foods:
Eating heavy or fried foods might increase the chance of headaches, so it is preferable to consume balanced and light meals.
5 - Regulating sleep:
It is advised to get 6–8 hours of sleep daily and avoid long nights of staying awake.
6 - Avoiding intense exertion:
It is recommended to reduce intense physical exertion during fasting hours, especially in hot weather.
Seventh: Can pain relievers be taken during Ramadan?
Some individuals who experience frequent headaches can consult a doctor about taking painkillers after breaking the fast or before Suhur. Migraine patients may also need to adjust the timing of their medications during Ramadan.
