Getting a good night’s sleep is important for lots of reasons, helping you maintain both physical and emotional health while improving your overall quality of life. Unfortunately, if you suffer from night sweats, a good night’s sleep can quickly turn into an uncomfortable, soggy mess.
The team at Jersey Integrative Health and Wellness is dedicated to providing patient-centered care for sleep-related issues, including night sweats due to menopause and other causes. Here, learn about some of the potential causes of night sweats and how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could provide a solution.
Possible causes of night sweats
Night sweats are more than just a little perspiration that comes from using too many blankets or wearing pajamas that are a bit too warm. If you have night sweats, you perspire so much at night that your pajamas and bedding become moist, and sweating and temperature fluctuations interfere with a good night’s sleep.
In fact, most of us have had night sweats at some point, often when we have a fever and that fever “breaks” or lowers while we sleep. But fever is just one possible cause of nighttime perspiration. Other potential causes include:
- Certain medications, including some cancer drugs
- Infections
- Thyroid disease
- Anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Alcohol or caffeine close to bedtime
It’s true that night sweats can have different causes, and before recommending any therapy, our team performs a comprehensive exam to diagnose the underlying trigger. But for many women, perspiration at night happens for one reason: the decline in estrogen that happens near and during menopause.
Night sweats and menopause
Many people think of estrogen and progesterone as the female “sex” hormones, but these chemicals affect a lot more than reproductive health and function. In fact, both affect your metabolism and your body temperature.
If you have night sweats due to menopause, these tips can help.
Swap out your pajamas
Forget pajamas made of polyester or other man-made materials. Instead, look for options made of cotton, bamboo, or other natural materials. These fabrics let your skin breathe so heat and moisture don’t become trapped.
Lower the thermostat
Your body temperature naturally lowers slightly at night, and keeping your thermostat lower helps your body adjust. Turn down the thermostat an hour or so before bed so your room is cooler and prepared for sleep.
Use a fan
Sometimes, all it takes is a little extra air circulation to whisk away excess heat that causes sweating. Bonus: The quiet whirr of a fan can help you sleep more deeply, too.
Invest in new sheets
Like your pajamas, your sheets and other bedding can trap heat, too. Look for sheets made of natural fiber, and top with a lightweight blanket instead of a comforter. Or look into bedding designed to help keep you cool at night. Having a variety of layers allows you to adjust your temperature during the night without a lot of effort on your part.
Consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy is a safe, effective way to improve night sweats and many other symptoms associated with menopause. HRT uses bioidentical hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones your body produces.
HRT is “dosed” according to your symptoms and other factors. During therapy, you’re monitored with regular visits to ensure your therapy stays optimized and on track for your needs.
Get the sleep your body needs
If you’re suffering from night sweats or other sleep-related issues, we can help you find a solution that works. To learn more, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Jersey Integrative Health and Wellness in Wayne and Jersey City, New Jersey, today.
