Night Sweats
A hot flash at night is called a night sweat, and along with soaked bedding and sleepwear, night sweating may be accompanied by feelings of anxiety or terror. Not everyone experiences night sweats along with hot flashes, but many women do experience both. In addition to feeling chilled after a night sweat, it is also quite common to experience insomnia. In fact, most women initially experience disturbed sleep before the sweating begins, which points to the involvement of the nervous system which sometimes causes night sweats.
As night sweats can be symptomatic of other, more serious conditions, make certain yours are correctly diagnosed. If you are in any doubt about your symptoms, contact your doctor.
To Lessen the Severity of Night Sweating
If you wake up feeling feverish, try tepid sponging to help cool your face and chest. Simply soak a sponge or washcloth in cool water and then pat your body with it. Do not use cold water since it would cause the small blood vessels beneath your skin to constrict and preserve body heat.
Some naturopaths recommend a hydrotherapy treatment for night sweats in which you direct alternating hot and cold jets of water up and down your spine. This stimulates your circulation, cooling the blood nearest the surface of the skin, and leaves you with a pleasant, invigorating, tingling sensation.
Cures For Night Sweats
Along with the prescription and natural menopause remedies suggested for hot flashes, there are a few additional measures that can help to prevent night sweats or lessen their severity.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do make sure the temperature of your bedroom is only 65°F (18°C), which is sufficient for a comfortable sleep. If you have a fan or air conditioner; you may want to use it from time to time. Use a few lightweight blankets for flexibility.
- Do drink more water. You’ll need at least 12 glasses per day at room temperature to cool down your core temperature without shocking your system. Drink one glass before going to bed. Herbalists recommend adding 30 drops of sage tincture to a glass of water placed by your bedside. Simply take a sip or two as needed.
- Do wear sleepwear made of natural fibers only and make sure your bedding is also made of cotton or linen. Be prepared to abandon sleepwear, top sheets and blankets.
- Do shower or sponge with cool water just before going to bed.
- Do avoid all hot baths and showers.
- Don’t do any heavy physical activity before going to bed.
- Don’t eat before going to bed. Have your dinner several hours before going to bed.
- Don’t drink coffee or alcohol, or smoke late in the evening.
