“Don’t sweat it!” It’s a cute saying, but if you have night sweats, it can be hard advice to follow. What causes night sweats, and how can you stay cool and comfortable instead?
What Causes Night Sweats?
When we talk about things that can disrupt sleep, we often think of common sleep disorders like insomnia. However, it’s important to note that sleep disorders aren’t the only things that can cause an issue for a sleeper. Anything that makes sleeping uncomfortable can have a negative effect on your overall sleep. For example, have you ever had to deal with night sweats? A little sweat doesn’t sound like such a big deal, but night sweats can be an entirely different matter.
What Are Night Sweats?
Have you ever woken up and realized that you sweated through your sheets during the night? It’s unpleasant, but it happens to all of us. If it happens once or twice, you probably don’t need to worry, especially if it happens during a hot and humid time of year. However, if it’s a repeating condition, you may have night sweats.
According to the Mayo Clinic, night sweats are repeated episodes of sweating very heavily when you are asleep. If you often wake up with your bedclothes and pajamas soaked with sweat, night sweats are a likely culprit. Night sweats usually do not occur on their own, and instead are typically caused by an underlying illness or condition:
- Hormonal shifts such as menopause, or hormone-based medical treatments
- Substance abuse treatment and medications
- Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
- Mental health issues such as anxiety
- Physical ailments such as leukemia, thyroid disorders, or lymphoma
If you experience night sweats regularly and you aren’t sure why, it’s important to see a doctor and check for the underlying conditions that can cause them. However, if you know night sweats will be a part of your life for at least the immediate future, you’re probably wondering what you can do about it. How do people with night sweats stay comfortable throughout the night?
Beat the Heat by Hydrating, Cooling Down, and Staying Comfortable
The bad news about night sweats is that they can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but the good news is that there’s plenty a sleeper can do to help themselves deal with it:
- Do what you can to cool down your immediate sleeping environment. Consider trying some cooling accessories for your sleeping experience, like an adaptable cooling pillow.
- Natural fabrics can help you stay cool during the night. Purchase sleep clothes made of natural materials, and consider wearing layers you can remove if you overheat. You can also keep your bed cooler with natural sheets that have cooling properties, like bamboo sheets.
- Anxiety and stress can contribute to night sweats if they’re uncontrolled. Make your bedroom a calm space, and spend dedicated time relaxing before bed. Consider deep breathing exercises or meditation.
- Be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day, and keep a glass of cool water by your bed. The more you hydrate, the easier it is for your body to regulate its temperature.
- If you’re ready for a mattress upgrade, consider a mattress that has an innerspring system because it can be more breathable than options like memory foam.
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Do you need help finding the solution for your night sweat discomfort? Ask the experts at Beautyrest Sleep Gallery. We’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
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