Perspiration is a normal part of life, regardless of where you live. After all, it’s how our body maintains our core temperature. If we go out for a run, we sweat. If we work out in the gym or spend some time in the sauna, we also sweat. And if you’re scared, nervous, or even excited, we still sweat. However, excessive sweating isn’t normal. If you often find yourself waking up drenched in sweat in the middle of the night, it could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Image by Klaus Hausmann
This condition, more popularly known as night sweats, affect women and men of all ages. Even if you’re sleeping or at rest, excessive sweating might occur. And it’s not because the blanket is too thick or the room is too warm. It can be caused by medications, neurological and hormonal problems, and menopause, among other things. If the reasons behind your night sweats are medical in nature, turning the thermostat down won’t solve anything.
That doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do, however. Small changes to your lifestyle can have a big effect on your quality of life. Night sweats can be uncomfortable, and there’s nothing more annoying than having to change the sheets every day. Here are a few tips and tricks to get you started.
One way to minimize excessive perspiration is to wear comfortable clothes, whether you’re in bed or out on the town. That means you need to start wearing natural fabrics such as silk and linen. Cotton is very light on the body, and silk is one of the most breathable fabrics available. It also helps that they are cool to the touch.
You also might want to remove synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon from your wardrobe. While synthetics can be affordable and durable, they’re not exactly the best when it comes to moisture. Sleep with your feet uncovered as well. Wearing socks can make you sweat, so make sure only to wear them when necessary.
There’s a direct correlation between sleep quality and the beddings you use. You’re not doing yourself any favors by sticking to low-quality linens. To keep your bedroom as cool and comfortable as possible, make sure to use linens and blankets made from natural materials such as silk. Silk is an especially popular choice since its structure makes for better airflow.
You also might want to strip your bed down to the essentials. Remove any extra layers of comforters and blankets and only keep what’s necessary. That way, you won’t have to kick anything off the bed if you get uncomfortable at night. It also helps to invest in gel pillows since they reduce heat buildup.
Stress can aggravate your sweating, so you need to find ways to unwind before you head for bed. However, it can be challenging to switch your brain off, especially if all you think about is what you’re going to do the following day. With so many things to do and not time to finish them all, no wonder many people are suffering from night sweats.
You need to make it a point to stop working and start relaxing at least two hours before bed. Anything that only adds to your stress, such as checking your emails, must be avoided. Now’s the time to allow your mind and body to relax. If you want to binge-watch your favorite show, go ahead. A long bath wouldn’t hurt either.
People with anxiety or insomnia usually sweat more at night. Erratic sleep cycle stages can compound your sweating problem, and your sleep quality suffers as a result. One effective method of reducing stress is to meditate right before bedtime. The goal is to create an environment that’s conducive to good sleep.
Basic yoga and guided meditation can be beneficial in calming your nerves down. You can also try some deep breathing exercises to relax your body. Don’t fixate on your form and technique. You need to relax, so don’t worry if you’re not doing things by the book.
A final word
Nighttime sweating can be a serious problem, and it can affect our relationships and self-confidence. These four strategies will help you create the right conditions for restful sleep. Implement these changes, and you won’t have anything to worry about.
