Are you curious about menopause and the symptoms that come with it? One common symptom is night sweats, which can disrupt sleep and leave you feeling exhausted. But did you know that certain factors can make menopausal night sweats even worse?
Lifestyle habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming too much caffeine can exacerbate hot flashes at night. Read on to learn more about what makes menopause night sweats worse and how to manage them.
Hot flashes at night
Hot flashes at night or night sweats are sudden and intense feelings of heat that can cause sweating and skin flushing. They can occur during sleep and may cause restlessness or wakefulness. Hot flashes at night can disrupt sleep and daily activities.
Why are Hot Flashes worse at night?
Are you bothered by night sweats that disturb your sleep? Hot flashes at night can be more severe as they interfere with the body’s innate cooling mechanism while sleeping.
Let’s have a look at some more crucial factors that make the night sweats even worse:
Disrupted temperature control :
The body’s temperature control system can be disrupted during sleep, making hot flashes worse at night. As the body naturally cools down during sleep, the sudden rush of heat can cause more significant discomfort and disrupt sleep more than during the day.
Menopause and Perimenopause :
Menopause and perimenopause are the most common causes of night sweats in women. During perimenopause, the body’s levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones fluctuate, causing changes in the body’s temperature control system. As a result, women may experience hot flashes and night sweats.
The discontinuance of menstruation, typically 12 months after your last menstrual period, is called menopause. After menopause, night sweats and hot flashes may continue for a few years but become less severe. To manage these symptoms, involve lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy, or other medications.
Pregnancy causes night sweats :
Pregnancy can cause night sweats in some women and may worsen pre-existing night sweats. Night sweats during pregnancy are usually due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume, which can lead to hot flashes and sweating.
Pregnant women may also experience night sweats due to the body’s increased metabolic rate, which generates more heat. Additionally, stress and anxiety associated with pregnancy can exacerbate night sweats.
Stress and anxiety :
Stress and anxiety can exacerbate hot flashes; many women may experience higher pressure and anxiety levels at night. It can trigger hot flashes and make them more intense and disruptive.
Lifestyle factors:
Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, caffeine and smoking can also worsen hot flashes at night. For example, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can all trigger hot flashes and should be avoided.
Some more factors that worsen hot flashes at night
In addition to the previously discussed factors, other causes can worsen hot flashes at night.
Infectious diseases :
Infectious diseases can cause night sweats and hot flashes. Some infections can cause fevers, leading to sweating and feeling hot. In particular, conditions such as tuberculosis, endocarditis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been known to cause night sweats.
Cancer and its treatment :
Cancer and its treatment can cause hot flashes at night. Hormonal therapies used in breast cancer, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery are also some important causes. Certain types of cancer, like leukaemia and lymphoma, can also affect hormone levels and cause hot flashes.
Neurological disorders :
Autonomic neuropathy is a condition that impacts the autonomic nervous system responsible for regulating heart rate and body temperature, resulting in a neurological disorder. Damage to this system can cause sweating and changes in body temperature regulation, leading to hot flashes at night.
Sleep Disorders :
Sleep apnea can cause sleep disturbances, such as frequent awakenings during the night and sweating, which may indirectly lead to night sweats or hot flashes.
Certain Medications :
Medications that can cause hot flashes at night include certain antidepressants, hormone therapy medications, blood pressure medications, and opioids. These medications can interfere with the body’s temperature regulation system, causing hot flashes that can be particularly disruptive at night. If you are experiencing hot flashes as a side effect of medication, it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider.
How to deal with hot flashes at night?
Hot flashes at night can be uncomfortable and disruptive to sleep. Here are some tips for dealing with night sweats:
Keep your bedroom cool :
Use air conditioning, a fan, or open a window to keep the temperature in your bedroom cool for hot flashes at night.
Use moisture-wicking bedding :
Look for sheets and pillowcases made from materials that wick away moisture, such as bamboo or moisture-wicking fabrics.
Dress in layers :
Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing to bed, and keep extra layers nearby to put on or take off as needed. It will help you avoid hot flashes at night.
Stay hydrated :
Drink plenty of water to help regulate body temperature and prevent dehydration. It will help you with night sweats.
Avoid triggers :
Certain foods, drinks, and activities, such as alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods, can trigger hot flashes. Avoiding these triggers may help reduce the frequency and severity of night sweats.
Practice relaxation techniques :
Hot flashes can be relieved by practising relaxation techniques such as meditation which can effectively lower stress levels and decrease body temperature.
Talk to your healthcare provider :
If you are experiencing severe or frequent night sweats, talk to your healthcare provider about other treatment options, such as medications or alternative therapies. They may also want to investigate whether an underlying medical condition could be causing your night sweats.
Nowadays, hot flashes at night pose a significant problem. Many women experience discomfort and sleeplessness as a result of night sweats. The factors listed above contribute to the occurrence of hot flashes at night. Identifying which factor is responsible for your symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment without delay is crucial.
Dong Quai, also known as Angelica sinensis, is a herb that has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine. This herb is believed to improve circulation and balance hormones. It is commonly used to alleviate hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other menopause symptoms.
