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A lack of sleep or disruptions in your sleep can increase your risk of migraine attacks.

It’s helpful to find ways to improve your sleep patterns and overall quality of rest, such as by:

• Aiming for at least 7–8 hours of sleep per night
• Avoiding watching TV or using devices in bed
• Getting regular exercise so your body feels ready for rest at night 
• Going to bed and getting up at consistent times every day
• Making sure your bedroom is dark and quiet before going to sleep
• Reducing intake of alcohol, caffeine, and large meals right before bedtime 

Taking Medications

Some people find that certain medications help prevent a migraine. Migraine medications may include, but are not limited to

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Qbrelis (lisinopril)
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers: Amias (candesartan)
• Anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medications: Topamax (topiramate)
• Beta-blockers: Inderal (propranolol) and Lopressor (metoprolol)
• Botulinum toxin: Botox injection
• Calcium-channel blockers: Veralan (verapamil) and Sibelium (flunarizine) 
• Calcium gene-related peptides (CGRPs): Aimovig (erenumab)
• Tricyclic antidepressants: Effexor (venlafaxine)

Complementary Methods

You may find complementary therapies helpful for preventing migraine. These techniques include: 

• Acupuncture: This is a therapy that first began in Eastern Medicine. Acupuncture uses small needles that a certified acupuncturist strategically places on your body to boost blood circulation. Researchers are studying the exact relationship between migraine and acupuncture. Some evidence suggests that people with migraine who receive acupuncture noticed a reduction in their frequency and duration of attacks.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): You’ll work with a therapist to develop strategies that can help you change your thought patterns, especially the thoughts that you associate with migraine and stress. Research has found that regular CBT can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks.
• Relaxation training: Learning how to relax can prevent a migraine. Relaxation training is a technique some mental health specialists use to help you recognize places in your body that feel stressed. A specialist will guide you through tensing up certain parts of your body and then slowly relaxing these muscles. Tense-and-release exercises can be effective in minimizing stress.

Discuss With Your Healthcare Provider

The complex and unpredictable nature of migraine attacks can make this condition difficult to live with. The first step is to speak with a healthcare provider if you notice you have migraine symptoms, receive a migraine diagnosis, or notice changes to your migraine patterns.

A healthcare provider can help you learn more about your triggers, help you find ways to prevent attacks, and guide you through various treatment options to improve your quality of life. You may find it helpful to be open and honest about your symptoms and lifestyle habits and keep track of your dietary habits and stress levels. A healthcare provider will likely ask you about all of these factors before making any treatment recommendations.