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Can dehydration cause headache and fatigue?
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General Health
Question #12352
46 days ago
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Can dehydration cause headache and fatigue? - #12352

Arush

I am feeling really out of it lately, like kinda tired all the time, and yesterday I had this awful headache that just wouldn’t go away. I’ve been super busy at work, and honestly, I haven’t been drinking as much water as I should. Someone mentioned to me that can dehydration cause headache and fatigue, and like, I can't stop thinking about it. I remember last week when I didn't have time for lunch and barely drank anything, just coffee. The next day, I woke up with a migraine, and it felt like my energy was just zapped. I’ve read a couple of articles that say can dehydration cause headache and fatigue, but what’s the deal? I mean, is it really that direct? I was wondering if I should drink more water before work or something. It just feels weird to think that not drinking enough could lead to these headaches and feeling run down. Like, can I just be more thirsty and that’s all, or could there really be something more to it? Could I be causing myself some serious issues by not hydrating properly? Any insights would be super helpful ’cause I feel like I’m losing my mojo here.

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Doctors’ responses

Dehydration can definitely be a contributing factor to headaches and fatigue. It’s a pretty well-known connection in the medical community, and it makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Your body relies on enough fluids to function properly, and when you’re not getting enough, it can lead to that tired, drained feeling along with those persistent headaches you’re describing. When you don’t drink enough water, your blood volume may decrease, which can reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your organs, including your brain. This can cause your brain to “shrink” a bit, which can trigger those annoying headaches. If you’re mostly consuming coffee instead of water, it’s worth noting that caffeine is a diuretic, which might make you need to urinate more, potentially compounding the dehydration you’re experiencing. So, increasing your water intake could be beneficial. Try keeping a bottle of water handy and sip regularly throughout the day even if you aren’t feeling thirsty yet. Aim for about 8 cups a day, more if you’re very active or in a hot environment. You might notice an improvement in your energy levels and a reduction in your headaches with more consistent hydration. However, if your symptoms persist even after making an effort to stay well-hydrated, or if you notice other concerning signs like confusion or fainting, it’s best to see a doctor to rule out other potential causes. It’s always worth considering if lifestyle factors might be contributing too—are you getting enough sleep, or might you be under a lot of stress? All of these factors can interplay and may affect your overall energy levels and wellbeing.

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