Why Does Crying Give You a Headache?

There’s something so cathartic about a good cry session. Sometimes it’s nice to release all those pent-up emotions, and according to Harvard Health, crying can actually be quite cleansing. But while crying can help us process emotions, work through grief, and even relieve stress, the aftermath can be seriously uncomfortable. Among the more common post-cry sesh symptoms are puffiness, a runny nose, and arguably the most painful of all: headaches.

If you’ve ever bawled your eyes out, odds are you’ve experienced a taste of post-cry headaches. We’re talking about the instances where you find yourself reaching for a wet washcloth or pain reliever — anything to stop the pounding in your head. But why does crying give you a headache in the first place? And more importantly — how do you stop it (quickly)? To find out more, we spoke with doctors about the science behind post-cry headaches and proper cry sesh aftercare. Read on for expert advice that’ll help keep your crying pain-free.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Natasha Bhuyan, MD, is the West Coast regional medical director at One Medical.
Javeed Siddiqui, MD, MPH, is the co-founder and chief medical officer at TeleMed2U.

Why Does Crying Give You a Headache?

Although research is still relatively new, crying can definitely be stressful on the body, which is one reason why doctors think it causes headaches. “Crying can result from stress, which can cause the body to release stress hormones, including cortisol,” says Javeed Siddiqui, MD, MPH. “These stress hormones can cause headaches, along with a runny and stuffy nose.” Research from the BBC Science Focus also suggests that stress can cause muscles in your face to scrunch, creating pressure that could potentially trigger a tension headache.

While leaking a few tears while watching “The Notebook” probably isn’t going to cause a headache, a long, emotional cry might. It all has to do with the amount of stress your body is under. “The greater the stress, the longer the stress, and the greater the release of stress hormones,” Dr. Siddiqui explains. “I would say intensity of stress and duration of stress will impact the degree of headache you experience from crying.”

That said, there’s still a lot we don’t know about this phenomenon. “Scientists don’t know exactly why people sometimes experience a headache after crying,” says Natasha Bhuyan, MD. “Scientists are not sure if there is a correlation between the duration of crying or the underlying reason for tears and a subsequent headache.”

How to Stop a Headache After Crying

Given what we know about headaches and crying, treating a headache after crying is fairly simple. “The best approach is self-care — rest and hydration,” Dr. Bhuyan says. Dr. Siddiqui adds that reducing tension may also help lower stress hormones, which in turn, can alleviate headache pain. “Try a cold compress on your eyes or on the back of your neck,” he advises. “Some people may benefit from NSAIDs, if they can safely use these medications.”

As always, if you have any specific concerns — especially if your headache isn’t going away or it happens often — you should reach out to your primary care provider for help. Crying is natural and often therapeutic, and you shouldn’t have to suffer after-effects like painful headaches afterward.

Sydni Ellis is a PS contributor with her master’s degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. She loves talking about her passions, including writing, shopping, and reading murder mysteries.

Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for PS Health & Fitness. Previously, she worked as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributed to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she overshares on the internet, creating content about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.