Night sweats is an uncomfortable condition which most of the woman face during their menopause. This article discusses some remedies to get relief from the same.
Most women in their menopausal phase experience excessive sweating along with hot flashes during the night which badly disturbs their sleep. It may last for just a few minutes; however, in that short period of time their clothing and bedding may get soaked up in sweat. One out of every five women, has experienced these symptoms. Other symptoms that often accompany this condition are nausea, irregular heartbeat, and headache.
Causes
The main cause of night sweats in women over 40 is hormonal changes that take place during this phase. In menopause, the ovarian function starts declining. As a result, the level of a vital female reproductive hormone, estrogen, drops down suddenly. This change affects the functioning of the hypothalamus present in the brain that controls the body temperature.
Therefore, a woman experiences excessive sweating during nighttime. The condition may get further aggravated by other hormonal problems like hyperthyroidism. Certain aspects of lifestyle like excessive consumption of caffeine or spicy foods, and lack of ventilation in the bedroom may also worsen the condition.
Treatment
The affected women should not neglect this condition, and therefore, they must consult a doctor. The doctor may study their lifestyle and medical history for proper diagnosis. A treatment method called hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also be recommended. In this treatment, low doses of female hormones are administered to restore the hormonal balance. It is mostly given in the form of pills, vaginal cream, or vaginal patch.
However, there are some severe side effects of this treatment. Therefore, women should always seek guidance from a doctor before opting for this treatment. Acupuncture, herbal supplements, homeopathy, and massage are some alternative forms of treatment which are quite popularly used for providing relief.
Home Remedies
Till the condition is not very bothersome, you may not feel the need of undergoing a medical treatment. Rather, some minor changes in lifestyle are enough for curing the problem. A few remedies are as follows:
- Make sure that the temperature inside your bedroom is low when you sleep. Try to keep the room well ventilated to ensure proper air circulation.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothes made from natural fabrics while sleeping. This will prevent the sweat from getting trapped in the clothes.
- Cool your body before going to bed. Taking a cold shower before sleeping may be also prove effective, or You may also have a glass of cold milk or juice after dinner to keep your body cool.
- Eat the right kind of foods to keep your body cool. It includes fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and dairy products. Stay away from alcohol and spicy foods and caffeine as they act as triggers for night sweats.
- As you experience excessive sweating at night, keep a towel and a few ice cubes near your bed. You can dry off the sweat with the help of a towel and apply ice to the body to have a soothing effect.
- Maintain a healthy body weight. If you are overweight, then it is likely that your body feels more heat. Therefore, you must lose some weight by following a proper diet and exercising regularly.
In some women, night sweating during menopause may last for a few months while in other cases it may continue for a few years. The condition may stop as soon as the estrogen levels in the body are stabilized. Therefore, lead a healthy and stress free life to reduce the frequency and intensity of night sweats.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
