If you’re one of the millions who suffer from debilitating migraines, there will be times when your headaches interfere with your life, your work, your social plans and your productivity. It’s incredibly frustrating, not to mention painful. Migraines are very complex with many factors and triggers, making it difficult for medicine to fully understand the condition, but there are steps you can take that may reduce the frequency or severity of your headaches.

1. DON’T Skimp on sleep.

Tiredness can trigger a headache but so can too much sleep. Research shows that about half of all migraines occur in the morning before 9am. These are called ‘awakening headaches’ and are linked to poor sleeping patterns. Stick to a regular sleeping pattern, where you go to bed and wake up at around the same time each day.

2. DO Pay attention to your diet.

Dietary triggers can include chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruit, aged cheese, preserved meat products and red wine. Skipping meals has also been linked to migraines too, so eat regularly and maintain a healthy diet to keep headaches at bay.

3. DON’T Smoke.

There aren’t any health benefits to smoking, but if you suffer from migraines, it’s particularly detrimental. Nicotine, the smell of cigarettes and secondhand smoke have all been identified as migraine triggers.

4. DO Get some blue light glasses.

Especially if you work in an office or spend extended periods of time in front of a screen. Clinical studies have shown that blue light can have harmful effects on people who are prone to migraines. Blue light activates the trigeminal nerve, which plays a role in pain perception during an attack. Blue light glasses filter out much of this light from screens and devices and can sometimes help minimise symptoms like light sensitivity once a migraine is triggered.

5. DO Manage your environment when you feel a migraine coming on.

Remove yourself from stimulating, noisy environments if you feel a migraine coming on and refrain from using any device, screen or computer. The best way to manage it is to lie down, close your eyes and rest in a dark, quiet room. Learn more about migraine home remedies here.

6. DON'T Get dehydrated.

Not drinking enough water is a trigger for approximately one third of migraine sufferers. Aim to consume at least 2L of water a day, more if it’s hot or you’re exerting yourself. If you feel a headache coming on, skull some water as soon as possible.

7. DO Try Migraine Stopper

Migraine Stopper is the world’s first portable migraine device that can be used by YOU! It’s a non-drug based option, has no side effects and uses precise air pressure to stimulate nerves in the ear. It stops migraines in 83% of sufferers. It seems too good to be true - but it could be the answer to stopping migraines for good. The Migraine Stopper comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee so if it doesn’t work for you, you can send it back for a full refund!