Sweating at night is a common occurrence for both men and women. In fact, it's estimated that around 75% of people will experience some form of sweating during their sleep in their lifetime. But what's the difference between night sweats and hot flashes?
Should you be worried, and what can you do about it? In this article, we'll discuss the differences between hot flashes and night sweats, their causes and possible treatments.
What is a hot flash?
A hot flash is a sudden, intense feeling of heat that spreads over your body. You may also experience sweating, a rapid heartbeat and dizziness.
A hot flash can last seconds to minutes and usually occurs during menopause or perimenopause. However, they can also occur in younger women undergoing hormonal changes.
What are night sweats?
Night sweats, also known as nocturnal hyperhidrosis, is a condition where you sweat excessively whilst sleeping. Night sweats can cause your sheets and clothes to be drenched in sweat, leading to discomfort and a lack of sleep.
The main difference between hot flashes and night sweats is that hot flashes are usually accompanied by a feeling of heat, while night sweats are more likely to be accompanied by excessive sweating. However, there can be some overlap – for example; some people may experience a hot flash that leads to sweating.
What causes night sweats?
The causes of night sweats vary from person to person. Some of the most common causes include:
Hormonal changes– Night sweats can be caused by hormonal changes, such as menopause or perimenopause.
Medications– Some medications can cause you to sweat more at night, including antidepressants, blood pressure medications and painkillers.
Infections– Several infections can cause night sweats, including tuberculosis, HIV and malaria.
Medical conditions– Certain medical conditions can lead to night sweats, including thyroid disorders, cancer and liver disease.
Are night sweats a sign of something serious?
In most cases, night sweats are not a sign of anything serious. However, it's essential to see your doctor if you're experiencing excessive sweating at night, as it could signify a medical condition.
If you're menopausal or perimenopausal and experiencing hot flashes, there's no need to worry. They're quite common and usually aren't a sign of anything serious. However, it's crucial to speak to your doctor if they become bothersome or are accompanied by other symptoms.
What can I do about night sweats?
A heat-trapping bed may keep you uncomfortably awake even in a chilly environment. Choosing bedsheets made for hot sleepers is the best approach to keeping your bed at the proper temperature. Breathable, absorbent, and moisture-wicking, the best cooling bed sheets drain sweat away from your body. Cotton, bamboo, and Tencel eucalyptus cooling sheets are all excellent options.
Also, the ideal temperature for a pleasant night's sleep is 18–23 degrees Celsius. You may have problems falling or staying asleep, or you may not sleep deeply if your bedroom is substantially warmer. It's not always necessary to use air conditioning to keep your bedroom cool.
During those days when air-conditioning is unavailable, uncooled air can be damp or stagnant, adding to the discomfort of the heat. Sleep might feel impossible when tossing and turning in a sweltering room. Here are some suggestions for lowering the temperature:
- Install a window fan or an air conditioner.
- Use heavy drapes to keep the sun out during the day.
- Close the bedroom door at night to keep cooler air from circulating in the rest of your house.
- Place ice on your forehead or use a cold pack on other areas of your body that tend to sweat more at night.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, as they can contribute to dehydration and make you feel even hotter.
- Take a cool bath or shower before bedtime.
Final Thoughts
Hot flashes and night sweats are common problems that many people experience. However, it's important to see your doctor if you're experiencing excessive sweating at night, as it could be a sign of a medical condition.
You can do several things to help reduce the occurrence of night sweats, including using cooling bed sheets, keeping your bedroom cool, and drinking plenty of fluids.
For the best eucalyptus cooling sheets, visit Sloomy.com today. Sloomy also offers pillowcase and duvet covers, all made from eucalyptus fibre. This complete bedding collection will keep you cool and comfortable all night long.