Stress. Because stress might be the most common trigger for migraine headaches, learning to manage anxiety and tension can be the one of the best things a migraine sufferer could do to reduce attacks. Diet. There are many foods and drinks that cause migraines. Caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol are often culprits as well as items containing histamine, nitrates, or MSG. Keeping a food journal will help narrow down what foods might set off an attack. Irregular sleep patterns. Erratic sleep schedules throw the body out of harmony, causing stress, which can lead to a migraine. Not getting enough sleep can also set people up for a migraine. Sticking to a regular sleep cycle is one way to help mitigate migraines. Hormone changes. Women are more prone to migraines than men, and many women notice migraines around the time of their menstrual period. Some diet and lifestyle changes might help reduce these monthly headaches. In addition, physicians can help women find birth control methods that help offset hormonal changes. Seasonal changes. Barometric pressure and extreme heat can cause a migraine. The best plan to avoid a migraine when the weather is not favorable is to stay inside, if possible. If that isn’t a possibility, taking preventative medication is advisable. Smoking. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, which can trigger a migraine. Secondhand smoke also causes migraines for some people. If smoking is a migraine trigger, the best option is to stop. If secondhand smoke turns out to be a trigger, the best solution is to avoid being around it altogether. Medications. The overuse of headache medications can spark rebound headaches, which can turn into terrible migraines. Hormone replacement drugs and blood pressure medications can also cause migraines. Talking with a physician about any concerns can help identify problem areas.