How monsoon contributes to mood changes and their relationship with headache disorders

The monsoon season which is characterised by heavy rainfall and high levels of humidity herald significant environmental transformation. While many look forward to it as a relief after the hot summer season, this period also has great effects on people’s health. It is crucial to understand how mood changes are influenced by monsoon weather; a relationship between headache disorders and monsoons.
Monsoon season and mood swings
Monsoons can evoke different feelings in people. To some, the pattering sound of rain accompanied by fresh air brings about calmness that promotes relaxation. However, others experience gloomy feelings of sadness or tiredness due to extended periods of cloudiness as well as persistent rainfalls.

Reduced sunlight exposure: The sun remains hidden behind clouds for many days during the rainy season reducing sunlight exposure to human beings. In fact, sunlight contains Vitamin D which is an important factor affecting moods in humans. Reduced amount of light from the sun can reduce serotonin levels hence contributing towards mood swings leading to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – a depression experienced at specific times of the year.
Changes in activity levels: The rainy season often disrupts daily routines and outdoor activities, leading to reduced physical activity. Physical exercise is known to boost endorphin levels, which help alleviate stress and enhance mood. Consequently, the lack of exercise during the monsoon can increase feelings of anxiety and depression.
Environmental factors: High humidity and damp conditions can promote the growth of mold and mildew, affecting indoor air quality. Poor air quality can exacerbate respiratory issues and contribute to discomfort and irritation, further impacting mood.
The monsoon and headache disorders
Environmental factors affect headache disorders, such as migraines and tension-type headaches. This means that the monsoon season, with its different climatic changes, can cause or worsen these conditions in various ways.
Barometric pressure changes: Migraine attacks can be triggered by fluctuating barometric pressure during the monsoon. For example, migraine sufferers often experience an increase in the number and intensity of their migraines during rapid weather changes associated with monsoons.

Humidity and dehydration: If there is no adequate fluid intake to match up for it, high humidity levels during the monsoon will lead to excessive sweating hence dehydration. Hence lack of enough blood flowing to meet brain activities which results into a headache. Keeping hydration on check particularly during rainy seasons is important to prevent dehydration-related headaches.
Allergens and air quality: Dampness during the monsoons increases airborne allergens such as mold spores and dust mites. For those who are sensitive to this exposure may suffer from sinus congestion, headaches or other symptoms related to allergies. In addition, poor indoor air quality caused by dampness may cause respiratory problems that contribute to headache disorders.
Lifestyle and routine disruptions: The monsoon season often disrupts daily routines, leading to changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, and stress levels. Irregular sleep and eating patterns, along with increased stress, are common triggers for headache disorders. Maintaining a consistent routine despite the weather can help mitigate these triggers.

Coping strategies
Realising the effects of monsoon is important for their management. Ways to adapt during those seasonal changes include:
• Spend time in sunshine: Whenever the sun pops out from behind a cloud, get outside and let that sunshine hit your face for some Vitamin D (good as an immune booster and mood lifter).
• Keep up with your hydration: Staying hydrated and avoiding dehydration headaches
• Craft a daily routine: This will cause stability in the mood and reduce triggers for headaches.
• Indoor exercise: Get your endorphins up and running with indoor physical activities like yoga, stretching sessions or home workouts to boost overall wellness!
• Invest in a better indoor air quality
The monsoon season, with its unique environmental factors, can significantly influence mood and headache disorders. By understanding these influences and adopting appropriate coping strategies, individuals can better manage their health and well-being during this time.
(By Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital)