Migraines aren’t just “bad headaches” — they’re a debilitating neurological condition that affects over 1 billion people worldwide, with a significant rise in cases reported over the past two decades.
While the causes of migraines are complex and individual, there’s growing evidence that the modern working environment, particularly increased screen time and poor lighting design, may be contributing to the rise in symptoms.
The Rise of Migraines: What’s Going On?
Research shows that migraine prevalence has increased by over 58% since 1990, which coincides with computers becoming widely used in the workplace and, more recently, the significant increase in screen use with the advent of smartphones.
In one study, migraine sufferers who spent long hours on smartphones reported longer and more frequent headaches, while other research has linked prolonged screen exposure to visual fatigue, tension headaches, and neck strain — all potential migraine triggers.
For migraine sufferers, even minor irritants in their surroundings — such as harsh lighting or bright white surfaces — can amplify symptoms or bring on an attack.
Workplace Triggers: What Employers Need to Know
As workplaces modernise, they’re often unintentionally creating environments that can exacerbate migraine symptoms. Open-plan layouts, artificial lighting, and the common use of white décor (walls, ceilings, desks) can all contribute to visual overload and sensory discomfort.
Key Environmental Triggers to Consider:
Lighting: Bright, artificial light — especially fluorescent or flickering LEDs — can be a major trigger. Glare from overhead lights or windows reflecting off screens and white desks can increase eye strain and also trigger migraines.
Lack of Visual Contrast: All-white environments, including white walls, ceilings, and desks, create high visual contrast that can be overstimulating. Bright white surfaces reflect light aggressively, making it harder for the eyes to relax.
Screen Use: Extended periods of screen time without breaks, especially on poorly positioned or overly bright screens, adds to visual and cognitive fatigue.
Stress and Posture: Long hours, lack of movement, poor posture, and high workloads can all contribute to migraine frequency and severity.
Creating a Migraine-Friendly Work Environment
The good news is that small design and behavioural changes can make a big difference — not only for migraine sufferers, but for everyone in the workplace.
For Employers:
Use adjustable, indirect lighting where possible. Avoid harsh overhead fluorescents and opt for natural light supplemented by LED task lighting with adjustable brightness.
Choose contrast-friendly design — avoid all-white schemes. Incorporate muted tones or soft greys for desks, walls, and screens to reduce glare and fatigue.
Install anti-glare screen filters and encourage good screen ergonomics.
Encourage movement and microbreaks, especially for employees using screens for long periods.
Promote a culture of flexibility, where staff feel supported in adjusting their environment or work patterns when symptoms strike.
For Migraine Sufferers:
Adjust your workstation to minimise glare and avoid direct lighting over your screen.
Use contrast settings on your monitor — dark mode, blue light filters, or colour-adjusted themes can significantly reduce eye strain.
Wear migraine-specific glasses with FL-41 tint if light sensitivity is an issue.
Speak to your employer or DSE assessor — you may be eligible for additional ergonomic support and reasonable adjustments.
Track your triggers — using an app or diary can help you identify patterns and avoid preventable flare-ups.
It’s About Awareness — and Action
Migraine is a complex and often invisible condition. But with awareness and proactive design choices, employers can make a huge difference in supporting the wellbeing of migraine sufferers and reducing the likelihood of triggers in the workplace.
By creating visually calm, flexible, and well-supported environments, we not only improve quality of life for those with migraines — we support better focus, comfort, and productivity across the entire team.
Need help creating a migraine-friendly workplace?
Contact the DSE team for support, assessments, and guidance on lighting, furniture, and workstation design tailored to individual needs.
DSE tip: If glare from a white desk is causing an issue, placing a black anti-glare desk mat on the surface of the desk is a simple effective solution.
