Afternoon headaches at work

[sniffle12]

Often at work (desk job) I get headaches in the afternoon - migraine-type headaches above one eye. I never get these at home - haven't got one over all of Christmas, for example, even though I've been ill and pretty much watching TV/browsing iPad/not moving 24/7, so still not leading the healthiest/most screen-free of lives.

If I go back to work and find that the headaches resume, what can I do? I've already got a recent glasses prescription. Can I ask the company to check my PC monitor out? Sometimes I'm swear I see the monitor flickering.

Then again I'm aware it could also just be stress.... or sugar headaches perhaps (if that's a thing), as it only happens in the afternoon when I generally boredom snack...

[BeigeLeaf]

Could you swap monitors for a day with a colleague?

Try working with sun glasses on in case it is a lighting issue.

Do the headache resolve on their own or do you take painkillers? Have you tried 900g dispersible aspirin in a fizzy drink?

[ShoppingBasket]

Do you drink enough fluids while working?

[FeckinCrutches]

Sugar crash? Dehydration?

[EBearhug]

Can I ask the company to check my PC monitor out?

Yes. Look up the 1992 Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Act and ask for a workstation assessment. If you need equipment to make your workstation safe, they should supply it for you - includes stuff like adjustable chairs, footstools, wrist pads, screen filters and so on. There are clear guidelines on seating positions, the angle of your knees, hips, elbows, wrists, how near your screen is, what height it is, what angle... Our facilities people also have light meters for when people have complained the lighting at their desk is too bright or not bright enough. You should be able to get all this checked.

Do you drink enough? Could it be dehydration headache? Have you tried cutting out the sugary snacks to see what difference it makes? (That one is definitely a case of do as I say, not as I do.) If you feel a headache is coming on, can you take a break and go and walk round outside for a short while to get fresh sir?

[sniffle12]

We can use any desk so it's a thought to try out another monitor for the day. I'll give it a try when I can.

Other people do complain about the lights so maybe it could be that - not sure how I would address that though, short of mounting an office campaign against the lights (I am not the rocking the boat kind of person!)

A paracetamol or two does sort it out but I'd rather not get the headaches at all. I don't like to take painkillers too often as I always need them on my period too (and get migraines before my period to boot!)

I'll also give drinking lots and eating less afternoon sugar a try...

[Butterymuffin]

Are you getting enough sleep? I am terrible at this and headaches are one of my symptoms when I haven't slept long enough.

[TinselTwins]

getting a tint added to my glasses (same prescription) cut down my migraines almost immediately

Other things that help:
making sure you look to the far distance regularly, if you get a coffee break go outside or to a window and stare into the distance
Don't go on your phone during your break, you need a break from screens
Hydrate
Stretching/yoga in your time off

[MollyHuaCha]

Too much caffeine? Could it be a caffeine withdrawal headache?

Could also poss be:

• Dehydration from air-con heating
• Sleep deprivation
• Boredom (!)
• Screens
• Need new prescription for glasses
• Noise
• Neck probs aggravated by posture
• Hunger
• Food allergy from yr lunch

Hope you get an answer soon!

[Ylvamoon]

It could be the lights! We have so called "day light" office lighting, don't know the ins and outs but it is supposed to help with headaches ...
Otherwise as others suggested:
-drink enough water
-maybe take a walk at lunchtime (getting up and clear the cobwebs away!)
-Change monitor or dim it down

• take regular (eye) breaks...

[ChardonnayKnickertonSmythe]

Caffein?

Do you drink more tea or coffee at work?

Lack of sleep? Do you have to get up early when you go to work?