Night Sweats and Headaches

By Hannah R. | Updated: Jun 18, 2020

Ladies

Headaches can be just one potential consequence of psychological stress and pressure from work, home, or personal life. The sensation is commonly experienced throughout the night as an accompaniment to night sweats.

The experience of night sweats can be highly unpleasant, as in addition to its immediate effects, the phenomenon can disrupt sleep patterns and initiate lingering fatigue. Unfortunately, it is common for night sweats, and any accompanying headaches, to create a downward spiral that allows fatigue to snowball over consecutive nights.

Inflammation of arteries in the head causes night sweats and headaches

Women Suffering from Night Sweats and Headaches

It is common for women to encounter more mental and physical stress than normal during menopause. In consequence, menopausal women are much more likely to experience night sweats and other related symptoms, such as headaches, than men. Fluctuating hormones have been identified as the most likely cause of night sweats and headaches during the menopause transition.

While a woman progresses through menopause, perimenopause, or postmenopause, her body's hormone levels alter dramatically as they attempt to adjust to her changing reproductive system.

While fluctuating hormones are most commonly responsible for night sweats and headaches, these symptoms might also indicate the existence of an underlying health condition.

Which Medical Conditions Cause Night Sweats and Headaches?

Medical conditions that can cause night sweats include:

  • Sleep apnea. This is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing.
  • Giant cell arteritis. This refers to inflammation of the head's arteries.
  • Subdural hematoma. This serious condition is defined as bleeding across the surface of the brain.

In order to rule out the threat of serious conditions, talking to a doctor about your symptoms is vital.

Tips to Prevent Night Sweats and Headaches

As headaches and night sweats are often triggered by stress and anxiety, the most effective way of limiting these episode is to determine the root of your stress. Practices designed to alleviate stress and the experience of night sweats include:

  • Eating during early evening. While hunger and low blood sugar can provoke headaches, eating large meals late at night will also exacerbate the experience of headaches and night sweats.
  • Drink plenty of water. Replacing the water night sweats cause you to lose is essential to retaining a healthy level.
  • Exercise. Expending energy through engaging in regular exercise will help you to reduce stress levels and induce sleep.
  • Get enough sleep. Maintaining a regular bedtime schedule is vital to ensuring you get the recommended amount of sleep. If you experience frequent night sweats, make sure you get to bed early so that the body has time to relax before sleep.
  • Medications. Some medications can lead to headaches and night sweats. Discuss any possible side effects your medications could have with a doctor.

Treatment for Night Sweats and Headaches

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise schedule is vital to ensuring that the body is capable of coping with the changes menopause throws at it. Some women find that alternative medicines - such as aromatherapy, natural supplements, and herbal teas - can all be beneficial when accompanied by lifestyle changes. Follow the link for more information on night sweat treatments.

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