These are the top causes of festive headaches
Overindulging at Christmas parties, stressing over gifts and worrying about entertaining are some of the top causes of festive headaches, according to a survey.
Research shows eight in 10 Brits suffer occasional ‘tension headaches.’
And a poll of 2,000 adults found that for a quarter the excesses of Christmas parties has led to a headache in the lead up to the big day.
The poll, funded by Nurofen, revealed one in five blame the stress of entertaining or online shopping for their seasonal strife.
Fin Mc Caul (CORR), of Prestwich Pharmacy and Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society said: “Headaches can have a considerable impact and I see a spike in the number of people suffering over the festive period.
“Often by the time people come to the pharmacy, it’s when they are really suffering.
“It is important to understand your pain and to know that you can address it early rather than just seeing if it will go away or not.
“There are a range of pain relief options available that can reduce headaches, so you can get back to your day.
“If you are unsure, seek advice from your pharmacist to help you find a good option.”
The results found women often take the most strain, with around double the number of females to male sufferers experiencing headache symptoms from online shopping and organising Christmas presents.
And the younger generation may suffer more as online shopping causes headache symptoms for approximately twice the number of 25-44 year old sufferers compared to the over 45s.
Other headache triggers include a lack of sleep, dehydration and spending time in noisy environments.
However, according to the research conducted through OnePoll.com, 47 per cent of Brits opt for a ‘wait and see’ approach when they feel a headache coming, ignoring it in the hope it gets better.
When they do treat a headache, up to three quarters of people are not completely satisfied with how quickly pain relief kicks in or how long it lasts for.
The survey also found that headaches not only impact the sufferer in regard to pain but for 50 per cent of the population can have an impact on their sex life.
Eight in 10 unsurprisingly say a headache will negatively affect their general mood, and 71 per cent are put off activities they enjoy like playing with their children.
THREE NON-ALCOHOLIC FESTIVE COCKTAIL RECIPES
1. Frozen Spiced Apple: includes 100ml pressed apple juice, 25ml cinnamon tea, 5ml ginger cordial and 2 drops vanilla essence. Infuse the tea for at least 5 minutes to ensure a strong flavour and once cooled, mix the tea, along with all the other ingredients in a blender. Freeze in a shallow tray and once frozen, scrape the mixture out using long strokes with a fork to create a granular cocktail and transfer into a glass to serve.
2. Mock Mulled Wine: includes 100ml beetroot juice, 25ml tonic syrup, ½ tsp cocoa powder, 1 cinnamon stick and 1 star anise. Mix all ingredients into a pan and heat until simmering gently. Strain and serve in a heat resistant glass. Garnish with the star anise and cinnamon stick.
3. Winter Orange (for the more advanced cocktail maker): Includes 50ml orange juice, 50ml tangerine juice, 5ml bergamot juice, 25ml water, 4 cloves, 1/2 sheet of gelatine (or agar as a vegetarian alternative). Soak gelatine sheets as instructed on the packet. Add the cloves to the water and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and add the pre-soaked gelatine. Once the gelatine has dissolved, add all the juices and pour into a siphon bottle. Shake the bottle before charging with a cream charger and place in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. Serve in a round glass or clear bauble.