Migraine sufferers often know the triggers to their discomfort, be it sound, light, stress, or Bieber maniaTriggers of migraine and tension-type headache. Wöber-Bingol, C. Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 2010; 97: 161-172.. Relief, however, may be harder to pinpoint. But could the secret to fewer migraines be as simple as getting enough H2O?

Full Bladder, Happy Head? — Why It Matters

In one study, researchers observed two groups of migraine-prone individuals, giving one group a placebo and upping the other group’s water intake by an average of four cups per dayTriggers of migraine and tension-type headache. Wöber-Bingol, C. Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 2010; 97: 161-172.. Two weeks later, the water group reported lessened headache severity and 21 fewer hours of pain compared to the placebo group (arguably worth the extra bathroom breaks!). In another study, researchers found the majority of participants only needed to drink an average of 500 mL of water to relieve their migraines within 30 minutesWater deprivation headache: a new headache with two variants. Blau, J.N. National Hopsital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK. Headache, 2004; 44(1): 79-83..Whether it’s from running laps on the track, a long day at the beach, or last night’s fourth vodka tonic, dehydration can strike at any time— often with little warning. And it turns out people who suffer from migraines— those severe and often debilitating throbbing headaches— may be more sensitive to dehydration than othersTriggers of migraine and tension-type headache. Wöber-Bingol, C. Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 2010; 97: 161-172.. Research suggests a link between staying hydrated and experiencing fewer migraine attacksTriggers of migraine and tension-type headache. Wöber-Bingol, C. Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 2010; 97: 161-172.Water deprivation headache: a new headache with two variants. Blau, J.N. National Hopsital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK. Headache, 2004; 44(1): 79-83..

Sip on This — The Answer/Debate

But could it all just be in our heads? Maybe so: Another study found 37 percent of migraine-prone participants believed dehydration could prompt their attacksWater deprivation: a new migraine precipitant. Blau, J.N. The City of London Migraine Clinic, London, UK. Headache, 2005; 45(6): 757-9.. While this hardly encompasses the whole head-pounding bunch, it was enough to have researchers consider dehydration a possible migraine triggerWater deprivation: a new migraine precipitant. Blau, J.N. The City of London Migraine Clinic, London, UK. Headache, 2005; 45(6): 757-9..

If more water is indeed the answer, how much exactly is enough? While many subscribe to the eight 8-ounce glasses per day rule, some find the idea of drinking 64 ounces of water a day absolutely unfounded, believing the body will signal when it needs water through thirst. Still, there is no scientific evidence to back up the gulping guidelines the school nurse always preached“Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.” Really? Is there scientific evidence for “8×8’? Valtin, H. Department of Physiology, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire. American Journal of Physiology, 2002; 283(5): R993-1004..

But whether it’s sipping to prevent a future migraine or to put an end to a current one, there is certainly no harm done by staying hydrated (just beware of overhydrating!).

Photo by Marissa Angell