Stress can trigger or worsen tension-type headaches, which often feel like steady pressure, tightness, or diffuse pain on both sides of the head. Poor sleep, dehydration, skipped meals, prolonged screen use, neck strain, teeth clenching, and anxiety can add to it.
However, because your pain is persistent and becomes worse when you lie down, please arrange an in-person medical assessment within 24-48 hours, sooner if it is progressively worsening. Stress may be contributing, but it should not be assumed to be the only cause.
Until you are seen:
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated on an extra pillow.
- Drink water regularly, do not skip meals, and reduce caffeine if you use a lot.
- Take regular screen and neck-stretch breaks.
- Try slow breathing or relaxation when stress rises.
- If you can safely take them, occasional paracetamol/acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help, following the label. Avoid painkillers on more than 2-3 days per week, since frequent use itself can lead to persistent headaches.
Seek emergency care now if you develop vomiting, blurred/double vision, weakness or numbness, trouble speaking/walking, confusion, fever with stiff neck, seizures, or rapidly worsening severe pain. Persistent or recurrent headaches that do not improve should be reviewed, as
NHS headache advice notes.
For the clinician, it will help to record: how long this has been present, whether it is worse in the morning, your blood pressure if available, vision changes, nausea/vomiting, neck pain, sleep quality, and how often you take pain medicines.