Headaches the day after work

Hi guys,
I am wondering if anyone else has this issue.

Without fail, the day after I work (12.5 hour shift, ICU), I always have a headache. At first, I thought that perhaps I was dehydrated; not drinking enough water at work, etc., but now I have made an effort to drink more, yet every morning that I wake up and I don't work, but worked the day previously, i get headaches.
Anyone have any similar issues? Would love some advice.
Well, you know we can't give medical advice, BUT... this, is not that.On your off day, do you get up later? I know that if I skip my coffee or have it much later, I might get a headache. Also, I find that sometimes I will sleep on my stomach and if I do, I might grind or clench my teeth which, will give me a headache. And when it is very humid for several days.... a headache.

I definitely get up later because on my day of work, i am up at 4am, and i don't know a sane individual who would up at that time willingly! haha. But I always get 8+ hours of sleep, and I don't drink coffee, etc. and I live in Florida, so everyday is like stepping into a sauna!!

Oh yes, you are young... HA! I wonder what it would be like to NOT drink coffee... here I am with my second cup. Hmmm. I think if I tried to quit, no matter how slowly I did it, I would surely end up a patient in the hospital, in withdrawal, hallucinating and spitting at everyone!

Dehydration was my first thought. Is it possible you're not eating enough? Or not enough protein? 2ndwind's description of caffeine withdrawal sounds about right to me!

Quote from 2ndwindOh yes, you are young... HA! I wonder what it would be like to NOT drink coffee... here I am with my second cup. Hmmm. I think if I tried to quit, no matter how slowly I did it, I would surely end up a patient in the hospital, in withdrawal, hallucinating and spitting at everyone!

Is it a headache or sinus pain? Obviously the unit is air conditioned; how old is the building? Do other staff members have the same problem?

I tend to get tension headaches, especially if I sit too much, or am at the keyboard too much. I was taught some great stretches by an OT once: standing upright, move your left arm behind you about waist high. Grasp your left wrist with your right hand. While gently pulling on the left wrist, rotate your head to the right and look up over right left shoulder. Hold about 5-10 sec. This should not hurt. Release and do the other side.I find some gentle yoga helps too. If it's really bad I put on some OTC analgesic cream and a warm towel around my neck.

If you can't seem to come up with an answer, I would check with your doctor. But offhand, I would say that your job is stressing you out more than you realize and this is your body's reaction to it.

Maybe you are hungry and need to have a snack mid morning and mid afternoon. Maybe you are not getting enough sleep the night before. Do you wear your stethescope around your neck all day? I found that was giving me neck and shoulder pain, so I try not to wear mine all day. Have you had your eyesight checked? Maybe you are straining to see the computer? Just a few thoughts. Hope it gets better.

I'm wondering if you're grinding your teeth in your sleep. I do that when I'm stressed and it gives me a really nasty tension headache.

Two things come to mind for me; the air at my hospital is so dry, that by the end of 12 hours my lips are chapped, and the inside of my nose is incredibly dried out, and I bet that could cause headaches. Also, I notice when I'm stressed at work I clench my jaw, which could definitely cause a headache if you're doing something like that for 12 hours...or even only 6. Good luck...hope you figure it out!

Quote from moonischasingme1Hi guys,I am wondering if anyone else has this issue.Without fail, the day after I work (12.5 hour shift, ICU), I always have a headache. At first, I thought that perhaps I was dehydrated; not drinking enough water at work, etc., but now I have made an effort to drink more, yet every morning that I wake up and I don't work, but worked the day previously, i get headaches.Anyone have any similar issues? Would love some advice.