Why do Cluster Headaches spike every November? It has to do with sunlight and circadian rhythm. 

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Cluster Headaches, known for their clockwork consistency and timeliness, are affected by seasonal change, particularly around the solstices sandwiching the longest and shortest days of the year, and when clocks are changed for daylight savings. It’s surmised that these cycles are triggered by the amount of daylight one receives (or lack thereof) and how it affects one’s circadian rhythm. The other spike is seen at the Spring Equinox. 

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Seasonal shifts, especially the amount of sunlight received each day, resets one’s biological clock and circadian rhythm, affecting sleep cycles, eating habits, and body temperature. 

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What can a Cluster Headache patient do to better prepare for this seasonal shift? 

• Talk to your doctor about a preventive that can be taken at the time of this seasonal shift
• Avoid or reduce Cluster triggers, if possible
• Maintain a strict sleep-wake cycle where you wake and go to sleep within the same window of time each night
• Prepare your Cluster Cycle emergency kit, filled with acute medications and treatments to get you through each attack

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If you have Cluster Headaches and need help getting through this cycle, a headache specialist is available for video visits with Neura Health members. Join Neura Health as a member today to book a video visit today.

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