Weather patterns like heat, humidity, and sudden changes in barometric pressure can act as headache triggers. Dust, smoke, glare and strong odors may also be triggers. Our own lifestyles and behaviors can increase headache. For example, eye strain, physical exertion, and chronically clenching the jaw or tensing muscles can trigger headache. Altering sleep patterns tends to provoke headache.
Women are particularly prone to insomnia and headache brought on by insufficient sleep.
Notably, sleeping can help reduce a headache episode once it is underway. Diet and Dietary Habits. Some are sensitive to food additives and preservatives, such as MSG, the artificial sweetener aspartame, and nitrates used as preservatives. How we eat can be just as important as what we eat. Often because of time pressures or in an attempt to lose weight, women skip meals, making them more vulnerable to a headache.