The period of time before menopause can be filled with difficult symptoms, but one of the most dreaded is night sweats.
Night sweats can make sleeping difficult. And not sleeping well can leave you feeling fatigued and unable to concentrate, and it can even increase your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.
The highly trained providers at the practice of Daniel Esteves, MD, understand the problems that can come with menopause. In this blog, they explain some things you can do to help relieve night sweats.
It may seem simple, but one of the best ways to deal with night sweats is to sleep in a cool room. The best range is somewhere between 65-70°F.
If you have a memory foam mattress, you may want to think about using another option, because these mattresses can trap body heat. Consider getting a mattress or mattress topper that has heat absorbing gel or water that circulates.
Furthermore, taking a cool shower just before bed may help. And, sleeping nude or in a very light, natural fabric may also help you stay cool.
When you’re dealing with night sweats, you need to choose foods and drinks that will help your body function well. Make sure your diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. And eat lean protein, such as fish, beans, and poultry. You should also include foods that have healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
You also want to make sure to avoid certain substances, especially in the evening or at bedtime. For example, the caffeine in coffee can keep you stimulated long after you consume it, and alcohol can raise your body temperature. And, smoking, which can cause many health problems, can make night sweats worse.
One major reason why women experience symptoms when they get closer to menopause is due to the decrease in certain hormones, such as estrogen. Low estrogen levels can cause a variety of symptoms, such as the following:
Your doctor can check your hormone levels with a simple blood test. And if you're low in certain hormones, hormone replacement therapy may be an option for you. Restoring the hormones you’ve lost may be able to help you feel like yourself again.
If you have symptoms of menopause, we can help. To learn more, call 770-676-5878 or book an appointment online with the practice of Daniel Esteves, MD, today.
