Sick days related to headaches cost employers almost €100 million every year, new research has found.

The research was released to coincide with the launch of Headache Awareness Week, which will take place from March 16-23.

According to the findings, more than three million people in Ireland suffer headaches at some stage, with almost one in five getting them at least once a week.

Almost one in four people who get headaches describe their level of pain as ‘very bad' or at a level where they ‘cannot cope'.

One-quarter of people end up putting off everyday tasks as a result of the pain, while almost one in seven have to go to bed for the day as a result.

The research also revealed that some 890,000 days of work are missed every year as a result of headaches. Within the workplace, one in four people affected admit that their workload is their biggest headache trigger, closely followed by having to look at a screen all day.

Outside of work, common triggers include a lack of sleep, dehydration and skipping meals.

Commenting on the findings, Jean McAleenan, a pharmacist with Boots, noted that headaches are one of the most commonly seen health problems in pharmacies, however many people do not know how to manage and treat the problem.

"First and foremost, speak to your pharmacist if you are experiencing headaches on a regular basis. They will help you to consider all treatment options ensuring that you get the best possible solution for your headache. You should also consider your personal headache triggers. As the workplace appears to be a major trigger for people, consider other ways of managing stress at work," she suggested.

Headache Awareness Week is in association with Nurofen. The research was based on a survey of over 1,000 adults that was carried out nationwide in January.