Six items night sweat-sufferers can’t live without

For women nearing middle age, menopause is the next rite of passage. It is also a scary, lengthy, foreign transition that most people associate with mood swings, hot flashes, and chin hair. Though the mind probably conjures extreme cases of such symptoms, there are some unpleasant side effects that may accompany you menopausal transition. Night sweats are hot flashes that occur at a most inopportune time; while you are trying to get your shut eye. As if it isn’t difficult enough to sleep with the restless leg syndrome (RLS) and insomnia, night sweats are common disturbances of sleep for menopausal women.

In most cases, night sweats occur during menopause as a result of fallen estrogen levels. Estrogen is an integral hormone present in the human body and has many responsibilities including body temperature regulation. When estrogen levels decrease many of its responsibilities go undone or halfway done, and in the case of night sweats, a woman’s body temperature doesn’t receive adequate attention.

Although these waves of heat that rouse sweat-drenched women from sleep are unavoidable to some degree, there are a few handy tools that may lessen the frequency and severity of night sweats.

Six items to add to your shopping list

Next time you get a chance to have a shopping day, or even next time you are grocery shopping, stick this list in your purse as a reminder to be on the lookout for night sweat eliminators.

Cotton pajamas

Many women make the mistake of sleeping in clothing made form synthetic fibers; this is a crucial mistake. Natural fibers like cotton allow the skin to breathe and lessen the likelihood of a night sweat outbreak.

Sheets of natural fibers

The same goes for your bedding as your sleepwear. Inhibiting your skin from breathing does no favors for maintaining temperate body temperature. Though fabrics made of natural fibers may cost your wallet a little more, can you really put a price on sleep?

Black cohosh

Though few studies have proven the effectiveness of herbal menopause symptom relief, few have disproved it. Black cohosh is an herb that has been shown to relieve hot flashes and night sweats in some cases.

Herbal tea

Instead of having your nightly cup of coffee or glass of wine, try sticking with herbal tea. Alcohol and caffeine only exacerbate night sweats. Tea can help induce a restful sleep easier.

A water purifier

Hydration is so critical for maintaining not only over-all wellness, but preventing night sweats. However, some women complain about the taste of water. Try purified water; it tastes better and is freer from harmful additives in tap water.

Running shoes

Regular exercise is one of the most natural ways to balance hormones. Running is a cheap alternative to joining a gym. However, if it isn’t paired with a balanced diet, you are not doing everything in your power to avoid night sweats.

For more information

If you have more questions about the origin of your night sweats or if they are so unbearable you are considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT), talk with your doctor about your options. She may have information you have not considered. To read more on treatments for night sweats, click this link.