The cost of always-on culture: Why migraines are surging among India’s Gen Z and millennials

Migraine is no longer just an occasional workplace nuisance; it is a full-blown public health crisis. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, migraine has emerged as the second most prevalent neurological disorder worldwide, affecting nearly 15% of the global population.

More alarmingly, it is the third highest cause of disability for people under the age of 50. In India, where recent estimates suggest a staggering 25.2% prevalence rate, the "always-on" culture of the 21st century is fuelling a specific surge among young adults in their 20s and 30s.

Neurologists warn that many patients continue to dismiss migraines as “normal headaches”, delaying treatment and often relying heavily on over-the-counter painkillers that may worsen the condition over time.

The ‘always-on’ trigger: Screens, stress and sleep

Dr Pradeep Kumar, Consultant in Neurology at Fortis Hospital (Bengaluru) said lifestyle-related triggers are playing a major role in the increasing burden of migraines among young adults.

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“We are seeing a noticeable rise in migraine cases among individuals in their 20s and 30s. Chronic stress, irregular sleep, excessive screen exposure, poor eating habits, dehydration and long working hours are significant triggers,” he said.

According to Dr Kumar, excessive phone use, binge watching, late-night work schedules and constant digital stimulation disrupt sleep cycles and increase mental fatigue, both of which can trigger migraine episodes.

The gender gap: Hormones and PCOS

Dr Kumar said that hormonal fluctuations are another major factor, particularly among young women. Changes linked to menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances, oral contraceptive use and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can influence the severity and frequency of migraines.

“Stress hormones like cortisol also affect blood vessels, pain pathways and the nervous system, making people more vulnerable to recurrent headaches,” he said.

Doctors are also concerned about the growing tendency of self-medication among young adults. Many patients frequently consume painkillers without seeking medical advice, assuming migraines are routine headaches.

The trap of self-medication

Experts warn that excessive use of pain-relief medicines can trigger medication-overuse headache (MOH), a condition in which headaches become more frequent and harder to control.

“People often ignore warning signs and continue self-medication for months. This can actually worsen migraine frequency and make treatment more complicated,” Dr Kumar said.

Neurologists say preventive or prophylactic therapy may be required for patients experiencing frequent attacks, particularly those suffering from more than four migraine episodes a month.

These treatments work gradually by stabilising nerve activity and reducing pain sensitivity, though doctors caution that noticeable improvement may take several weeks.

“Preventive therapy does not provide instant relief. Consistent follow-up, identifying triggers, lifestyle modifications and adherence to treatment are essential for long-term control,” Dr Kumar added.

Experts emphasise that migraines are far more than severe headaches and can significantly affect work productivity, sleep, emotional wellbeing and overall quality of life.

Symptoms such as recurring one-sided throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, blurred vision and disabling headaches should not be ignored, doctors said.

Health specialists recommend maintaining regular sleep schedules, limiting screen exposure, staying hydrated, avoiding meal skipping, managing stress and seeking early medical advice to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.