Night sweats are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. As with hot flushes, it is a vasomotor symptom. In both cases, hormonal fluctuation and the decrease in oestrogen cause a change in temperature regulation in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, so small changes in the environment can trigger an extreme reaction. Stress, caffeine, hot drinks, sudden changes in temperature or embarrassing situations can act as triggers.
This symptom is considered to affect 3 out of 4 women during menopause, although it is more common for it to appear during the first year after the last period. It can also vary in frequency and duration, so some women suffer from it regularly, while others only experience it from time to time.
Treatments for night sweats
Changing some habits can help improve symptoms and reduce their effects. If they affect sleep and quality of life, hormone treatment or other supplementary therapies are an option.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): HRT is an oestrogen replacement therapy and is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms in most women that take it. The correct dose and duration of treatment will depend on the symptoms and how it affects sleep and quality of life.
- Relaxation techniques: You can practice yoga, conscious breathing, meditation or anything else that helps you slow down and relax. There are many videos and apps that can help you.
- Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI): Psychoneuroimmunology is a branch of medicine that studies the interaction between the brain and the systems that keep our body balanced: nervous system, immune system, and endocrine system. At our clinic we offer personalised sessions and also workshops.
FAQs
Why do you sweat?
The decrease in oestrogen affects thermoregulation mechanisms. As a result, our body understands that it is warmer and reacts by sweating to eliminate or combat body temperature increase.
Is there anything that can be done to prevent them?
No. But changing some habits can help in improving symptoms and reducing their effects, as well as allowing you to get a better rest at night and reducing anxiety: avoiding toxic substances (tobacco and alcohol consumption), exercising regularly and eating healthily are some useful tips. It is also recommended to regulate the room temperature, so that it is not excessively high, leave a window or room open at night and use pyjamas and bedding that are made of cotton or natural fibres to facilitate breathability.
How long can night sweats last?
In general, they are more frequent in the first year after menopause, but in some cases they may persist for up to 5 years or more. In any case, they are usually mild and transient episodes.
What is the recommended course of action if you wake up soaked at night?
You should change clothes and sheets, give yourself a few minutes to relax and wait for your body temperature to become regulated and ventilate the room a little.
Is it true that physical exercise can help?
Yes, it has been proven that doing or increasing physical exercise during menopause can be beneficial to general health and, in addition, can help alleviate some common symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, and also contribute to improving sleep and quality of life.
