Why do I get frequent headaches?

Frequent headaches are often linked to stress, poor sleep, dehydration, skipped meals, eye strain or too much caffeine. Tension-type headaches and migraines are the most common kinds.

A simple diary of when headaches happen, what you ate and how you slept can help you spot triggers. Drinking enough water and sleeping regularly help many people.

See a doctor if headaches are getting worse, wake you from sleep or happen more than a few times a week. Seek emergency care for a sudden severe headache, or one with fever and a stiff neck, confusion, weakness, or after a head injury.