Migraine triggers

Triggers, explained one by one.

Everyone will tell you what triggers migraines. The evidence is messier — most "known" triggers apply to some people and not others, and the only way to know yours is to track attacks against real context. Here's what research actually says about each suspect, and how to test it for yourself.

Barometric pressureWhy falling pressure triggers attacks, what size of drop matters, and how to confirm it's one of yours. Weather changesHeat, humidity, storms and wind — and why weather is so hard to untangle from everything else. SleepToo little and too much both count. Irregular schedules, weekend migraines, and sleep as your threshold. StressThe buildup — and the famous let-down migraine that arrives when the stress finally ends. AlcoholRed wine's reputation vs the evidence, and the two different timing windows attacks can follow. CaffeineTrigger, treatment, or both — withdrawal headaches, overuse, and the case for consistency. FoodsAged cheese, processed meats, chocolate — and why food diaries produce so many false positives. Hormones & menstrual migraineThe estrogen-drop window, perimenstrual patterns, and what cycle-aware tracking reveals. DehydrationA modest but consistent trigger — especially combined with heat and exertion. Light & photophobiaLight as symptom and trigger — screens, flicker, glare, and why dark interfaces matter mid-attack. Exercise & exertionExertion-triggered attacks vs exercise as prevention, and when a first exertional headache needs a doctor.

Dim is a diary, not a medical device. These articles are general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician about your health.