Like 2.7 million Canadians I suffer from migraines. Previously I discussed what a migraine is and the things that get me through my “migraine hell,” however, what I failed to go over was how something seemingly benign as a change in the season can be crushing.
So what is the deal with spring and migraines???
Springtime in Alberta is an interesting season. Sometimes on one day we can experience all four seasons. This frequent shifting between sunshine and rain is indicative of the changes in barometric pressure. In addition to this weather roller coaster afflicting migraine sufferers; there are also allergies! Allergies bring sneezing, runny noses, itchy and watery eyes as well as sinus inflammation.
Therefore; April showers not only bring May flowers but they also bring lots of weather triggers for me and others. which then flows into June.
What about the other seasons???
Summer
It can still be a stormy season in Alberta; but the weather is a lot warmer and humid. I call this the “sweaty season” it is during this season where people tend to get themselves dehydrated. I know I struggle with staying hydrated. Although it can be nice having longer days; it also wreaks havoc on sleep patterns. As a teacher, summer is a season of mixed emotions. I look forward to my time off yet I am sad that I am parted from my students. But, I am also sad because I know that summer brings what the American Migraine Foundation refers to as “stress let down headache[s]” so once my stress is just suddenly over or gone I usually end up with a migraine.
Fall
This season is not all pumpkin spice and everything nice; the temperature cools off, pressure changes, the wind starts picking up and our sleep patterns are once again getting messed with as the days become shorter. Also, I experience a massive increase in my stress level since school is back in session and hunting season begins.
Winter
The winter in Alberta can be brutal and extreme. This past winter we missed four days of school because the temperature stayed below -40 for too long. And, the snowstorms…oh so much snow and oh so much change in pressure! We most commonly associate dehydration with the summer months but it is and can be an issue during cold, dry months as well.