Find a calm environment

When you notice a migraine starting, take a break. If stepping away from what you're doing isn't possible, try to keep your surroundings as quiet and calm as you can.

• Turn down the lights and noise. Light and sound can make migraine pain worse. Relax in a dark, quiet space if it's available. If not, lessen the light and sound around you. Rest if you can.
• Try temperature therapy. Apply hot or cold packs to your head or neck. Ice packs have a numbing effect that may ease pain. Hot packs, heating pads, and warm showers or baths relax tense muscles.

• Sip a caffeinated drink. In small amounts, caffeine may relieve the pain of a migraine as it starts. Caffeine also may boost the effect of acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or aspirin in easing pain. If you avoid caffeine for personal or health reasons, talk with your healthcare professional about other options.

  Also, be careful with caffeine. Drinking too much of it too often can lead to withdrawal headaches later. Having caffeine too late in the day can make it hard to sleep at night. That could make migraines worse.