For many of us, sleep is a precious thing (when we can get it). But if you’re struggling with the symptoms of menopause, your sleep may be interrupted throughout the night by uncomfortable night sweats. The good news is, you’re not alone!
Night sweats are a common occurrence for women experiencing menopause. Unlike the natural sweat that can occur from sleeping in a warm environment, menopausal night sweats are characterized as severe hot flashes occur regardless of the room temperature. Night sweats can make it difficult to get comfortable, robbing us of the few sacred hours we have set aside for sleep.
Night sweats are a frustrating symptom, and that they can leave you feeling helpless and exhausted. If you are experiencing uncomfortable night sweats, schedule an appointment with one of our concierge doctors. We’ll do a full assessment and help you develop a treatment plan so you can get back to getting a good night’s sleep!
In the meantime, here are our tips to help you manage them:
- Swap your coffee out for iced tea
Drinking coffee can exacerbate symptoms of menopause, including night sweats. This is true of other hot drinks, which can raise your internal temperature and make you feel even hotter. That’s why we recommend switching out your morning latte for a refreshing iced tea. Tea has the bonus of tons of antioxidants and ordering it iced will help prevent added overheating.
- Increase aerobic exercise
A study by Kaiser Permanente found that increasing your aerobic exercise levels can help to ease the intensity of hot flashes and night sweats. Incorporating a more intense workout into your routine can also ease other symptoms of menopause, improve your mood, and help to balance out your hormone levels. We recommend cardio exercises such as running or swimming for greatest impact.
- Eat More Fiber
The same study by Kaiser Permanente showed that eating more fiber can help patients to manage night sweats and other symptoms of menopause. A higher fiber diet may even help to reduce the frequency of these symptoms. We recommend incorporating fiber-rich foods into your diet. Try eating more fresh fruit or switching from white bread to whole grain for maximum impact.