Headaches are among the most common neurological complaints worldwide, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2023) reports that almost half of adults globally experience a headache disorder each year. While many people recognise familiar triggers such as alcohol, dehydration or colds, several less obvious everyday factors may also be responsible. Understanding these triggers can help prevent recurring discomfort and reduce reliance on medication.
This article explores five surprising headache triggers—teeth grinding, weekend lie-ins, computer use, perfume exposure and overuse of painkillers—drawing upon textbooks, peer-reviewed research and reputable health organisations using the Harvard referencing system and British spelling.
1.0 Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
1.1 How Bruxism Causes Headaches
Bruxism, defined as the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, commonly occurs during sleep (Okeson, 2020). Research indicates that individuals who grind their teeth are significantly more likely to experience morning headaches, particularly tension-type headaches (Fernandes et al., 2014).
During bruxism, prolonged contraction of the masseter and temporalis muscles creates sustained tension in the jaw and surrounding facial muscles. This muscular strain can radiate pain to the temples, neck and scalp, producing a headache upon waking (Bendtsen et al., 2018).
1.2 Associated Symptoms
- Morning headache
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Worn enamel
- Tooth sensitivity
- Clicking or locking of the jaw
Many individuals are unaware of nocturnal grinding unless informed by a partner or dentist.
1.3 Interventions
- Custom dental mouth guards
- Stress management techniques
- Avoiding caffeine or alcohol before bed
- Physiotherapy for jaw muscles
Consulting a dentist is crucial if bruxism is suspected. Early intervention can prevent both dental damage and chronic headaches.
2.0 The Weekend Lie-In (“Let-Down Headache”)
2.1 Why Relaxation Can Trigger Pain
Paradoxically, headaches sometimes occur not during stress but during relaxation. This phenomenon, often termed a “let-down headache”, occurs when stress hormone levels such as cortisol suddenly drop after a busy week (Martin, 2016).
Rapid hormonal shifts may influence neurotransmitter activity and vascular tone, leading to changes in blood vessel dilation—one mechanism implicated in headache pathophysiology (Goadsby et al., 2017).
2.2 Contributing Factors
- Sleeping significantly longer than usual
- Irregular meal timing
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Sudden stress reduction
The NHS (2023) notes that irregular sleep patterns are a common migraine trigger.
2.3 Prevention Strategies
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
- Limit sleep to around 7–8 hours
- Incorporate relaxation techniques during the week
- Stay hydrated and maintain regular meals
Rather than postponing relaxation until the weekend, spreading stress-reduction activities throughout the week may help stabilise physiological changes.
3.0 Your Computer and Poor Posture
3.1 Muscle Tension and Eye Strain
Prolonged computer use can contribute to tension-type headaches through two mechanisms: musculoskeletal strain and digital eye strain.
Sitting in a slouched position or with the head thrust forward increases strain on the upper trapezius and cervical muscles, leading to referred pain in the head (Bendtsen et al., 2018). Additionally, sustained near-focus on screens requires constant contraction of eye muscles, potentially causing fatigue and headache.
According to the American Optometric Association (2022), symptoms of digital eye strain include blurred vision, dry eyes and headache.
3.2 Warning Signs
- Neck stiffness
- Shoulder pain
- Eye discomfort
- Headache developing after screen use
3.3 Practical Interventions
- Position the screen 20–30 inches from the eyes
- Keep the monitor at eye level
- Use the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
- Maintain upright posture
- Use a headset rather than cradling a phone
Ergonomic adjustments significantly reduce muscle tension and associated headaches.
4.0 Perfume and Fragrance Sensitivity
4.1 How Scents Trigger Headaches
Perfumes and fragranced products release volatile chemicals into the air. These substances stimulate the olfactory nerve, which transmits signals to the brain. In sensitive individuals, this sensory stimulation may activate the trigeminal nerve system implicated in migraines (Silberstein, 2015).
Studies suggest that strong odours are a common migraine trigger (Kelman, 2007). Household cleaners, air fresheners, soaps and shampoos may produce similar effects.
4.2 Symptoms of Fragrance-Induced Headache
- Rapid onset throbbing pain
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Sinus pressure
4.3 Prevention and Management
- Ensure good ventilation
- Avoid heavily fragranced environments
- Inform colleagues about fragrance sensitivity
- Consider hypoallergenic products
A small clinical study suggested that topical peppermint oil may relieve tension-type headache symptoms (Göbel et al., 1994), though evidence remains limited.
5.0 Painkillers and Rebound Headache
5.1 Medication-Overuse Headache
Ironically, frequent use of painkillers can itself cause headaches. Known as medication-overuse headache (MOH) or “rebound headache,” this condition occurs when analgesics are used more than two days per week over extended periods (Olesen et al., 2018).
Common medications implicated include:
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Codeine-containing products
The NHS (2023) estimates that around 1–2% of the population may experience medication-overuse headache.
5.2 How It Develops
Repeated analgesic use alters pain-processing pathways, increasing headache frequency and creating a cycle of dependency (Diener et al., 2012).
5.3 Symptoms
- Daily or near-daily headache
- Headache upon waking
- Temporary relief after medication
- Gradual increase in headache frequency
5.4 Management
- Consult a GP
- Gradual withdrawal of medication
- Preventive therapy if necessary
- Lifestyle modifications
Unless advised otherwise by a doctor, painkillers should not be taken for headache more than twice per week.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Seek medical attention if headaches:
- Are sudden and severe (“thunderclap headache”)
- Follow head injury
- Are accompanied by fever, stiff neck or neurological symptoms
- Become progressively worse
Early evaluation ensures appropriate diagnosis and management.
Headaches are multifactorial and often influenced by everyday behaviours. Beyond common triggers like alcohol and colds, teeth grinding, weekend sleep changes, prolonged computer use, fragrance exposure and overuse of painkillers can all contribute to recurring pain.
Understanding personal triggers, maintaining consistent routines and adopting ergonomic and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce headache frequency. Importantly, responsible medication use and timely medical consultation help prevent complications such as rebound headache.
By recognising these surprising triggers, individuals can take proactive steps towards better headache management and improved quality of life.
References
American Optometric Association (2022) Computer vision syndrome. Available at: https://www.aoa.org (Accessed: 17 February 2026).
Bendtsen, L., Ashina, S., Moore, R.A. and Steiner, T.J. (2018) ‘Tension-type headache’, The Lancet Neurology, 17(11), pp. 954–965.
Diener, H.C., Holle, D. and Solbach, K. (2012) ‘Medication-overuse headache’, The Lancet Neurology, 11(9), pp. 781–789.
Fernandes, G., Franco, A.L. and Siqueira, J.T.T. (2014) ‘Sleep bruxism increases headache frequency’, Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 41(7), pp. 499–504.
Göbel, H., Schmidt, G., Dworschak, M., Stolze, H. and Heuss, D. (1994) ‘Peppermint oil in tension-type headache’, Cephalalgia, 14(3), pp. 228–234.
Goadsby, P.J., Holland, P.R., Martins-Oliveira, M., Hoffmann, J., Schankin, C. and Akerman, S. (2017) ‘Pathophysiology of migraine’, Physiological Reviews, 97(2), pp. 553–622.
Kelman, L. (2007) ‘The triggers or precipitants of the acute migraine attack’, Cephalalgia, 27(5), pp. 394–402.
Martin, P.R. (2016) ‘Stress and primary headache’, Headache, 56(9), pp. 1486–1500.
NHS (2023) Headaches. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/headaches/ (Accessed: 17 February 2026).
Okeson, J.P. (2020) Management of Temporomandibular Disorders and Occlusion. 8th edn. St. Louis: Elsevier.
Olesen, J., Bendtsen, L., Dodick, D. et al. (2018) The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). Cephalalgia, 38(1), pp. 1–211.
World Health Organization (WHO) (2023) Headache disorders fact sheet. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders (Accessed: 17 February 2026).
