Health

Excessive Smartphone Use Linked to Increased Risk of Migraines, Study Finds

January, 10, 2025-02:56

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Excessive Smartphone Use Linked to Increased Risk of Migraines, Study Finds

Spending excessive time on your smartphone may heighten the risk of severe migraines, according to recent research.
A study conducted by Taiyuan Central Hospital in China revealed that prolonged phone usage, along with consuming large quantities of poultry, was linked to an increased likelihood of experiencing this painful headache condition.

Conversely, drinking coffee and eating oily fishlike mackerel and tuna appeared to lower the risk.
This research adds to the growing body of evidence associating phone usage with migraines—a chronic and debilitating condition characterized by intense head pain, light sensitivity, fatigue, and nausea.

Earlier this year, a study from Turkey indicated that smartphone use increased both the duration and frequency of headaches among migraine sufferers.

Additionally, excessive phone use was associated with poor sleep quality and increased daytime fatigue for these individuals.

In the UK, approximately six million people experience migraines, with many depending on painkillers to relieve the pain or prescription medications—known as triptans—that can alleviate the duration of attacks.
Recently, the NHS has started to introduce innovative migraine treatments called calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibitors, which are highly effective in minimizing the frequency and severity of symptoms, although these are reserved for patients who do not respond to other therapies.

Experts recommend that individuals with migraines identify their personal triggers.

Factors such as stress, low blood sugar, and excessive caffeine intake can elevate the risk of migraine attacks.
Pippa Coulter, manager at The Migraine Trust in the UK, states, "For some, screen glare or light can be a trigger, while for others, muscle tension in the neck and shoulders from prolonged screen time may lead to an attack."

She suggests, "If migraines frequently occur after phone usage, it may be helpful to adjust the screen brightness, change text size, maintain proper posture, or track the amount of screen time that seems problematic.

Taking regular breaks might also decrease the chances of triggering an attack