Goodbye night sweats

What is the menopause?

The menopause is is a natural part of ageing that leads to changes in a woman's body as oestrogen levels decline. Previously something that was hushed up and shrouded in mystery, it is now something more openly discussed. It may not be all plain sailing, but embracing the change and celebrating the next chapter can make life a little more comfortable.

Why do we get night sweats?

Our body temperature naturally fluctuates throughout the night to preserve energy. During the menopause, oestrogen levels drastically decrease, this affects the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. This starts a series of physiological reactions resulting in night sweats and hot flushes. Up to 75% of women experience night sweats at some point during menopause. As many as 19% of women in their 40s and 50s develop night sweats before the cessation of their periods, in a stage know as perimenopause. Night sweats can disrupt your sleep, waking you up several times in the night.

How to stay cool at night

To help regulate your temperature and reduce the uncomfortable feeling of night sweats, try switching your bedding, pillowcases and pyjamas to bamboo. Bamboo fabric is naturally moisture wicking, meaning that if you experience a night sweat the moisture will be drawn away from your skin and the fabric will not feel damp. Bamboo is also highly breathable, creating a continuous air flow, naturally insulating in the winter and cooling in the summer. This ability to naturally regulate your sleep environment helps to minimise the discomfort during a night sweat.

Stress can also exasperate symptoms, add a spritz of a sleep inducing pillow mist to relax your mind, and try journaling to write down your worries and to dos before bed.