You wake up drenched.
Even though your house isn’t hot and you slept with a light blanket, you’ve had night sweats – a condition when you repeatedly experience extreme perspiration at night due to severe hot flashes that may soak your pajamas or bedding.
Although they’re a common symptom of menopause, night sweats can happen for a wide variety of reasons, including conditions like cold, flu, fever, bacterial infections, hormonal diseases (like diabetes) and anxiety. They’re also a common side effect of excess caffeine, alcohol and tobacco as well as medications like antidepressants, diabetes drugs and hormone therapy to treat certain cancers.
Usually, night sweats aren’t serious cause for concern. In some cases, though, they may indicate an underlying medical condition, like a thyroid issue, that needs attention.
“If they’re bothersome enough that they’re affecting your lifestyle, then you need to see your primary care doctor or gynecologist,” says Hala Bunni, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist at Royal Palm OB/GYN in Coral Springs who is affiliated with Northwest Medical Center in Margate.
Because night sweats have many different causes, treating the condition isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, says Dr. Bunni. Your recommended treatment plan will depend on your specific diagnosis. For menopause-related night sweats, hormone therapy with estrogen and/or progestin is an option. If your night sweats are linked to medications, your doctor may adjust your dosage or recommend an alternate drug.
But there are some precautions you can take at home to prevent or at least limit night sweats. Before bed, avoid alcohol, spicy foods, exercise, warm drinks and caffeine. In your bedroom, maintain a comfortable temperature, and use a fan; replace plush or heavy blankets with breathable or moisture-wicking sheets or light quilts. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, cotton pajamas, and sip water throughout the night. Finally, place a cold pack under your pillow. When you get hot, you can turn your pillow over and enjoy the cool surface. O
Keep Your Cool
Meet the blanket taking the internet by storm: Buffy’s The Breeze is made of unbelievably soft eucalyptus fabric, which is breathable and temperature-regulating to keep you cool throughout the night. The company even offers a free trial – because sleeping with one is believing. Visit buffy.co.