Dull Headache Every Afternoon Around 3 PM, Could It Be My Desk Job?

A dull, band-like headache in the afternoon is usually a tension headache. Long hours at a screen, poor posture, skipping meals, not drinking enough water and stress are the most common triggers. Too much caffeine, or missing your usual cup, can also cause afternoon headaches.

Eat a proper lunch, keep a water bottle at your desk, take a short break every hour to stretch your neck and shoulders, and keep your screen at eye level. Have your eyes checked too, as tired eyes can cause headaches. See a neurologist if you get headaches on more than 15 days a month or they keep getting worse. Get urgent help for a sudden, very severe headache, or a headache with weakness, confusion, trouble speaking or changes in vision.