Sleep, dream... perhaps sweat?
We all sweat at night. It’s a natural function the body performs to recover, clean and regenerate itself. In most cases night sweats happen when the body has to “regulate itself”.
But sometimes hot flashes result in sudden and profuse sweating, which can leave you with everything from a damp forehead to soaking pyjamas and sheets.
Unless it happens continuously with no explanation and is accompanied by another worrying symptom, you shouldn’t give it too much importance.
MOST COMMON REASONS
- Heat. Summer and sweat go hand-in-hand.
- Acrylic clothing. Try to ensure that your pyjamas or nightie and sheets are made from natural fibres.
- Too many clothes/blankets.
- Drugs. Fever-reducing drugs like aspirin and paracetamol can sometimes cause sweating. Anti-depressants can produce night sweats as a side effect.
- Too soft a mattress.
- Alcohol, heavy meals and spicy, strong or highly seasoned foods.
- Sugary desserts or ones with saturated fat at night.
- Anxiety, nightmares and stress.
“WHAT CAN I DO TO NOT SWEAT SO MUCH AT NIGHT?”
Have an early, light dinner, drink water, take a relaxing shower before bed, air out your bedroom, don’t wrap up too much and try to create a nightly ritual of peace and tranquillity. To do it you can turn down the lights, listen to relaxing music or have a warm herbal tea.
And above all, remember that sweating is normal. As natural as eating and breathing. Accepting your body, the way it works and its beauty will help you relax, love yourself more and be happier. #SmartAging Attitude.
