night sweats
Night sweats are a very common symptom of menopause, often characterised by intense episodes of sweating around the chest and neck at night. In fact, up to 80% of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women experience night sweats.
These episodes can be more than just a little perspiration; they can cause intense sweating at night that can soak through clothing and bedding.
While experiencing sweating in the night can be frustrating and disruptive, it’s important to remember that it is a normal part of menopause and there are a number of ways to manage it.
What Causes
Night Sweats?
Night sweats are caused by the body's response to declining levels of oestrogen, a hormone that plays an important role in regulating body temperature.
This reduction in oestrogen affects the hypothalamus, the brain's thermostat, causing it to overreact to slight changes in body temperature. As a result, the body responds with intense sweating to cool down, which can disrupt sleep.
Night sweats are a vasomotor symptom of menopause, similar to but distinct from hot flushes, which can occur during the day or night.
How Long Do
Night Sweats Last?
A single night sweat episode can last anywhere from just a few seconds to several minutes. During this time, you may experience intense heat, sweating, and even chills as your body works to cool itself down.
Women often experience night sweats throughout perimenopause and postmenopause, which can span several years. A women’s health study has shown that women generally experience night sweats for an average of seven years during menopause, although for some women night sweats can continue for 11 years or more.
Tips For Managing Night Sweats
The good news is there’s a lot you can do to manage night sweats and minimise the disruption to sleep that they can cause. Start by keeping your bedroom cool and well-ventilated, using fans or air conditioning if necessary.
Wear lightweight, breathable pyjamas made from natural fabrics like cotton, and layer your bedding with sheets and blankets that can be easily removed during the night.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help regulate your body temperature. Avoid triggers such as spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
Treatments For Night Sweats
Supplements containing certain natural ingredients like Siberian rhubarb extract ERr 731® and Red clover can offer women relief from night sweats during peri- and postmenopause.
Siberian rhubarb extract ERr 731® has been shown to have phytoestrogenic activity and effectively relieves night sweats in perimenopausal women. See Promensil PERI that contains ERr 731® extract here.
Red clover is rich in phytoestrogens that can mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body. Red clover isoflavone extract has been shown to relieve night sweats in postmenopausal women. See Promensil Menopause Double Strength products that contains red clover extract here.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Learn more about other symptoms
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Hot Flushes
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Hot Flushes
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Mild Anxiety