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I noticed quite a few search-engine keyword referrals coming to my article on getting rid of headaches looking for, specifically, “how to get rid of a caffeine headache”. I thought I would dedicate an entry to just that, as many a time I have found myself with a massive headache after my nineteenth, or twentieth cup of joe in as many hours. I have found that there are several ways to get rid of them, and hereeee they are:

Step 1.

If you recently drank coffee, as in within the past 30-45 minutes, eat a couple of pieces of bread. I’m not sure about the physiological effects, or if this actually “sops up” the coffee you drank, and perhaps one of my readers can let me know on this, but it definitely seems to help me.

If it has been longer, move on to

Step 2

Depending on how long you have had your headache, I have found different pain relievers work better for me. Ibuprofen (Advil) works well for me when my headache is relatively young, as in no more than an hour or two old.

When I’ve been nursing the headache longer, aspirin tends to help me faster, and do a better overall job eliminating it.

Step 3

I have just recently tried using peppermint, at the suggestion of a friend. I took several peppermint leaves, boiled them like a tea, and inhaled the steam. I was astounded at how well this worked. Give it a try yourself.

Other remedies I have heard of are squeezing your hand in between your thumb and forefinger, using an ace bandage on your head (I am not responsible if you try this one, and the top of your head pops off) and putting an ice cube on each temple.

I have had limited success with these remedies, and thus cannot wholeheartedly recommend them like I can the peppermint.

Step 4

Remove all light from the room you will be laying in. This includes VCRs, TV lights, outside lights, laptops, desktops, everything. I know this seems like the worst time to be unplugging stuff, but trust me, you’ll regret it if you don’t.

Step 5

Control the air temperature in the room. Contrary to what you would think, I have found an exceedingly cold room has actually made my headache worse. Make it comfortable, not too cold, not too hot. Cool enough to have a blanket.

Bring a glass of water in to the room you will be resting in.

Put the blanket on.

Lay down, face up with your eyes closed and your head at a slight incline. Concentrate on slowing your breathing, and reducing your blood pressure. Focus on your heart beat and the pressure in your head, mentally try to reduce it.

When I follow these tips, nine out of ten times my caffeine headache goes away. I hope it helps, if it does, feel free to leave a comment. If it doesn’t, do the same, if you have any tips of your own….yep.