If you are going through menopause and are experiencing the night sweats, don’t be worried. Many women experience night sweats and hot flashes throughout their menopause journey. Night sweats are like hot flashes, but nocturnal and result in you waking up at night cold and clammy with drenched sheets and a pounding heart.
Why Do I Get Night Sweats?
Hot flashes are actually quite complex. They occur when our estrogen levels fluctuate. The hypothalamus (a region in our brain that regulates body temperature) is affected by these changes in hormones. The hypothalamus can act like like a faulty thermostat and interpret these hormonal changes as an increase in your body’s temperature. Because the hypothalamus becomes confused, it starts going to panic mode to calm your body down. It begins to dilate your blood vessels, causing a sudden hot flash that triggers your sweat glands and makes you perspire. The result is that you wake up in a cold sweat, confused and anxious.
According to Dr. JoAnn Manson, roughly 80 percent of women experience night sweats and hot flashes during menopause. If you feel like these episodes are very intense and getting out of hand, consult your medical professional for options.
What Can I Do to Prevent Night Sweats?
Breathe deeply: According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), slow, rhythmic and patterned breathing helps with hot flashes and night sweats.
Try to keep your bedroom cool: Try to keep a fan by your bed or sleep with lightweight sheets… anything to keep the temperature down and the air circulating so you can relax at night.
Exercise during the day: Exercising during the day can decrease stress as well as help you sleep better at night.
Click on this link to read more prevention tips on hot flashes → Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes.
Call OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch
We understand that menopause is a tough time on your body. You are going through a lot of changes. We want to be there for you every step of the way. For more information on menopause or various options to relieve symptoms, contact us today.
