Is there anything more unpleasant than waking up in sweaty sheets, your hair stuck to your still damp forehead? While some people only experience it during heatwave times, others experience it night sweats more regularly. But what is it due to and how can the damage be limited?
Why do we sweat at night?
If there’s anything nicer than waking up to damp sheets, night sweats are usually benign.
Nathalie Barnett, doctor of genetics and vice president of baby monitor brand Nanit, explains to the magazine Byrdie :
Night sweating is most often a normal response of our body to reduce its internal temperature when it exceeds the so-called “thermo-neutral” zone, our body’s comfort zone (located between 36.5°C and 37.4 °C, note note).
If you experience night sweats occasionally, this shouldn’t be a cause for concern, and simple tweaks can fix it.
In some cases, however, night sweats can be indicative of a hormonal imbalance (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, etc.), a disorder of the hypothalamus (area of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature), an imbalance in sweating (hyperhidrosis), excessive production of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), or even GERD. It is also a common symptom ofSleep apneaa syndrome that causes the airways to relax and you temporarily stop breathing at night.
If in doubt, if you wake up short of breath or if the advice below doesn’t work, don’t hesitate to see a doctor.
How to limit sweating during the night?
Some measures can be put in place to avoid non-pathological night sweats:
- Choose pajamas and bedding made from natural materials such as linen, hemp, silk or lyocell and avoid polyester, nylon and fleece fibers.
- Adapt the duvet, mattress and pillows to the season.
- Keep the bedroom temperature between 18°C and 19°C.
- Avoid eating spicy, too heavy and drinking alcohol in the evening.
- Avoid practicing a sport activity before going to bed.
- Try meditation before sleep to combat stress.
Easy-to-follow tips for getting back to a light, dry sleep.
Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
