While night sweats are more common during menopause, many women begin to experience them during perimenopause.
Not surprisingly, night sweats can (also called "sleep hyperhidrosis") ruin a good night's sleep, and the sleep of your partner, too. And, a poor night’s sleep usually means a tough day ahead. Night sweats can make you tired, irritable, and anxious. When they’re frequent enough, they can make you feel run down and groggy.
What are night sweats?
Night sweats, like most symptoms, vary from woman to woman and from night to night. In some cases, it may mean a mild, wake up cold & clammy with your pajamas sticking to your skin feeling or - in some cases, they may be more severe and require a change of pajamas or sheets. During perimenopause you may start off having them mildly.
What causes night sweats?
The most likely cause of your night sweats is the hormone fluctuations taking place in your body. There are also a few triggers that can lead to night sweats including:
- Hot showers or baths prior to bed
- Smoking
- Emotional triggers
What can you do?
In addition to treatments such as Remifemin Good Night there are a few lifestyle approaches to managing night sweats:
- Wear loose, thinner cotton or wicking material tee shirts and shorts or “lounge pants” to bed.
- Keep a pitcher or bottle of water on your nightstand.
- Place a towel on your pillow to soak up perspiration and keep an extra towel on your bedside table.