A good headache leave letter for the office is short. Say in the first sentence that you need sick leave because of a headache, give the dates, say who is covering your urgent tasks and give your expected return date.
Below are 8 headache leave letter and email samples, a format guide and a free builder to write your own. Print it or copy it into your email.
AdvertisementAll samples are fictional. Change the names, dates and details to match your situation, and share only what your employer needs to know.
8 Headache Leave Letter and Email Samples
Quick jump: Same-day noticeFormal requestsMigraine and returnFree headache leave letter builder
Same-Day Notice
To: Tyler Brooks, Team Lead
Subject: Out sick today
Hi Tyler,
Quick note to let you know that I cannot work today because of a bad headache. I am sorry for the short notice.
Emily Rogers has my urgent tasks, and my 2 p.m. meeting is moved to Wednesday. A short call is fine if something urgent comes up. You will have an update from me tomorrow morning.
Thanks,
Jessica
Text to Tyler Brooks
Hi Tyler, this is Jessica. I am out sick today with a bad headache and will not be in. Emily Rogers has my urgent tasks, and I will email you an update tomorrow morning. Thank you for understanding.
Formal Requests
To: Rachel Morgan, Manager
Subject: Sick leave on Monday, November 9, 2026
Dear Ms. Morgan,
I am writing to let you know that I need to take sick leave on Monday, November 9, 2026, because of a severe headache that makes it hard to work at a screen. Daniel Perez has my open tasks and will cover anything urgent.
My return date is Tuesday, November 10. I can send a doctor’s note if you need one. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Jessica Turner
(555) 010-0634
Jessica Turner
245 Cedar Lane
Dayton, OH 45402
November 6, 2026
Ms. Karen Walsh
Office Manager
Brightfield Accounting Services
300 Main Street
Dayton, OH 45402
Re: Request for sick leave, November 9 and 10, 2026
Dear Ms. Walsh:
I am writing to request sick leave on Monday and Tuesday, November 9 and 10, 2026, because of a persistent headache. My doctor has advised two days of rest, and the doctor’s note is enclosed.
Daniel Perez has taken over my open client files, and I will return on Wednesday, November 11. I am glad to answer any questions at (555) 010-0634.
Sincerely,
Jessica Turner
To: Human Resources
Subject: Sick leave request for November 9, 2026
Dear HR Team,
I am writing to request one day of sick leave on Monday, November 9, 2026, because of a severe headache. My manager, Rachel Morgan, knows about my absence, and my urgent tasks are covered.
Let us know if the company needs a doctor’s note or a form. Thank you for recording this absence.
Sincerely,
Jessica Turner
(555) 010-0634
Migraine, Extra Day and Return
To: Rachel Morgan, Manager
Subject: Sick leave for migraine, November 9 and 10, 2026
Dear Ms. Morgan,
I am writing to let you know that I need sick leave on Monday and Tuesday, November 9 and 10, 2026, because of a migraine. My doctor has advised rest, and the note is attached.
Daniel Perez will cover my urgent tasks. I will check my messages once a day for anything that cannot wait, and I expect to be back on Wednesday, November 11.
Sincerely,
Jessica Turner
(555) 010-0634
To: Rachel Morgan, Manager
Subject: One more day of sick leave, November 10, 2026
Dear Ms. Morgan,
I am writing to ask for one more day of sick leave on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. My headache has not gone away, and my doctor advised another day of rest.
Daniel Perez is still covering my urgent tasks. You will have an update from me tomorrow morning, and I plan to return on Wednesday, November 11.
Sincerely,
Jessica Turner
(555) 010-0634
To: Rachel Morgan, Manager
Subject: Back at work, November 11, 2026
Dear Ms. Morgan,
I am writing to let you know that I am back at work today, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, after two days of sick leave. Thank you for covering my tasks while I was out.
I have caught up on my messages and will finish the monthly report by Friday. Let me know if anything else needs my attention first.
Sincerely,
Jessica Turner
How to Write a Headache Leave Letter
| Part | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Recipient | Your manager, team lead or HR | To: Rachel Morgan, Manager |
| Subject line | The reason and the date | Sick leave on Monday, November 9, 2026 |
| Opening | The reason for your message and the leave dates, in the first sentence | I am writing to let you know that I need to take sick leave on Monday. |
| Coverage | Who has your urgent tasks | Daniel Perez will cover anything urgent. |
| Return date | When you expect to be back | I expect to return on Tuesday, November 10. |
| Doctor’s note | Offer one if your policy asks for it | I can send a doctor’s note if you need one. |
| Closing | A polite close, your name and your phone number | Sincerely, Jessica Turner |
You do not need to name a diagnosis. Send the message as early as you can and follow your company’s process for reporting an absence.
Free Headache Leave Letter Builder
Step 1. Who are you writing to?
Step 2. How long will you be out?
Step 3. Tap the lines you want to include. Three to five is plenty.
Step 4. Click any text in the letter and type to make it yours.
Replace the names, dates and details with your own. Keep the message short, and share only what your employer needs, such as the dates you will be out. You do not have to give a diagnosis.
To: Rachel Morgan, Manager
To: Tyler Brooks, Team Lead
To: Human Resources
Subject: Sick leave on Monday, November 9, 2026
Subject: Sick leave on November 9 and 10, 2026
Subject: Out sick today, November 9, 2026
Dear Ms. Morgan,
Hi Tyler,
Dear HR Team,
I am writing to let you know that I need to take sick leave on Monday, November 9, 2026, because of a severe headache.
I am writing to let you know that I need to take sick leave on Monday and Tuesday, November 9 and 10, 2026, because of a severe headache.
I am writing to let you know that I cannot work today, November 9, 2026, because of a severe headache.
I have shared my open tasks with my team so nothing is missed.
My team has my open tasks and files so work keeps moving.
The absence can be recorded as sick leave under company policy.
My open tasks and files are shared with my teammates so nothing is missed.
Emily Rogers has agreed to cover my urgent tasks.
My meetings are moved, and I will reschedule them this week.
I can answer a short call if something urgent comes up.
I plan to see my doctor if the headache continues.
I can send a doctor’s note if the company needs one.
I expect to return on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
You will have an update from me tomorrow morning.
My teammates know about my absence and are ready to help.
Thank you for your understanding.
I will follow the company’s sick leave policy and record this absence in the system.
My doctor’s note is attached.
Sincerely,
Jessica Turner
(555) 010-0634
To save your letter: press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) and choose Save as PDF. Only the letter prints. To copy it, select the text inside the letter and press Ctrl+C or Cmd+C.
Which Format Should You Use?
| Situation | Best format |
|---|---|
| Same-day notice, manager accepts texts | Short text message |
| Same-day notice, team lead | Short, casual email |
| One or two days of leave | Formal email to your manager |
| Several days, or HR needs a record | Formal letter or email to HR with a doctor’s note |
| Headaches keep coming back | Talk to HR about whether FMLA or another leave applies |
Stronger Wording for Your Message
Open with the reason and the dates, and give your manager the details they need to plan.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| I have a headache so I will not come. | I am writing to let you know that I need sick leave on Monday because of a severe headache. |
| Leave is needed for some days. | I need sick leave on November 9 and 10, 2026. |
| Call me if you want. | A short call is fine if something urgent comes up. |
| I do not know when I will return. | I expect to return on Wednesday, November 11, and will update you tomorrow. |
Headache Leave and the Law
A single sick day is usually handled under your employer’s policy. For a condition that keeps coming back, such as migraines, federal leave rules may apply. This is general information, not legal or medical advice, so ask HR about your own situation.
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| One sick day | Usually handled under your employer’s sick leave or paid time off policy, which varies by employer, state and city |
| Doctor’s note | Required only if your employer’s policy says so; offer one if asked |
| Diagnosis | You do not have to share a specific diagnosis |
| FMLA, serious health conditions | Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave a year |
| FMLA, chronic conditions | A chronic condition needs periodic treatment by a health care provider, at least twice a year, and may cause episodic absences |
| FMLA, short absences | Absences for a qualifying chronic condition can count even if they last three days or less and you did not see a provider that day |
| Eligibility | Depends on your employer and your work history, so ask HR |
When to Get Medical Help
Mayo Clinic advises getting emergency care right away for a sudden, severe headache or the worst headache of your life, and for a headache with confusion, fainting, a stiff neck, a high fever, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, or trouble seeing, speaking or walking. It advises seeing a doctor if headaches become more frequent or severe, do not improve with over-the-counter medicine or interfere with work, sleep or normal activities. A doctor’s note from that visit can also support your leave request.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to tell your manager. Send a short message before your shift starts if you can.
- Sharing too much. Give the dates and the reason, not a full medical history.
- Leaving out the return date. Give your best estimate and update it if it changes.
- Forgetting coverage. Say who has your urgent tasks.
- Typos. Proofread twice before you send.
Headache Leave Letter Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. Your letter is ready when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I write a headache leave letter for the office?
Start with the reason for the message and the dates you need off. Add who is covering your urgent tasks, offer a doctor’s note if the company requires one and end with your expected return date. Keep it short.
Do I have to say what kind of headache I have?
No. You can say you have a headache or a migraine and share only what your employer needs, such as the dates you will be out. You do not have to give a diagnosis.
Do I need a doctor’s note for a headache?
It depends on your employer’s policy. Many employers ask for a note only after several days of absence. Read your handbook or ask HR, and offer a note if the policy requires one.
How early should I send the message?
As early as you can. If you wake up unwell, send your manager a short message before your shift starts, then follow your company’s process for reporting an absence.
Should I send an email or a text message?
Follow your workplace’s usual way of reporting an absence. A text is fine for a same-day message if your manager accepts it. Use an email or a letter for multi-day leave or when HR needs a record.
Can migraines qualify for FMLA leave?
They can. A chronic condition that needs treatment from a health care provider at least twice a year and causes episodic absences may count as a serious health condition under the federal rules, and eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave a year. Ask HR whether you are eligible.
Can I take leave for a headache that lasts only one day?
A single sick day is usually handled under your employer’s sick leave or paid time off policy. Paid sick leave rules vary by employer, state and city, so check your handbook.
When should I get medical help for a headache?
Get emergency care right away for a sudden, severe headache or the worst headache of your life, or if a headache comes with confusion, fainting, a stiff neck, high fever, weakness on one side of the body or trouble seeing, speaking or walking. See a doctor if headaches become more frequent or severe or get in the way of work.
What should I do when I come back?
Send a short return email, catch up on messages and thank the people who covered for you. Ask HR if you need to submit a doctor’s note or a form.
Can I ask to work from home with a headache?
You can ask. Say that you can handle light tasks if that is true, and let your manager decide. If you cannot work safely at a screen, ask for sick leave instead.
Conclusion
A good headache leave letter is short, polite and clear. Give the reason and the dates, say who covers your urgent tasks and add your return date. Then use the builder above to write yours.
Related Reading
- Sample sick leave email to boss
- Explanation letter for leave without medical certificate
- Leave letter to manager for hospital checkup
- Half-day leave application from office
Sources: 29 CFR 825.115, Definition of a serious health condition; Headaches.org, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA); Mayo Clinic, Headache: When to see a doctor. This page is general information, not legal or medical advice. All sample letters are fictional.