Why Does Closing Your Eyes Trigger Headaches? - Causes & Relief

There are a few reasons why closing your eyes may seem to make some headaches worse.

* Increased eye pressure: When you close your eyes, the muscles around your eyes relax and the pressure inside your eyes increases. This can put pressure on the optic nerve, which can lead to headaches.

* Darkness: When you close your eyes, you block out light, which can help reduce headaches that are triggered by light sensitivity. However, for some people, the darkness can actually make their headaches worse. This may be because the darkness can cause the brain to release hormones that can increase pain sensitivity.

* Changes in blood flow: When you close your eyes, the blood flow to your brain decreases. This can lead to headaches in some people, especially those who are prone to migraines.

* Reduced sensory input: When you close your eyes, you reduce the amount of sensory input that your brain is receiving. This can lead to headaches in some people, as the brain may become overstimulated and release hormones that can increase pain sensitivity.

If you find that closing your eyes makes your headaches worse, there are a few things you can try:

* Keep the lights on: If your headaches are triggered by light sensitivity, try keeping the lights on in your room when you close your eyes.

* Use a cool compress: Applying a cool compress to your forehead or temples can help reduce headache pain.

* Take a pain reliever: If your headaches are severe, you may need to take a pain reliever to help relieve the pain.

If your headaches are persistent and severe, it's important to see your doctor to rule out any underlying causes.