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How to overcome night sweats during sleep?

30 czerwca 2023
Night sweats, menopause, how to fall asleep when stressed
Night sweating can be a troublesome problem that directly affects sleep quality and comfort. There are many potential causes of night sweating, such as various infections, hormonal changes, or an uncomfortable mattress in the bedroom.

Fortunately, there are effective methods to overcome night sweating and help you regain a peaceful and dry sleep. In this article, we will present the causes of this condition and provide practical tips for treatment and ways to truly improve sleep quality when night sweating becomes problematic.
Excessive sweating, treatment for night sweats, hormonal disorders

Causes of night sweats

Night sweating is a bothersome problem that can significantly and consistently disrupt sleep and lead to extremely uncomfortable awakenings in a damp bed. However, there are many different factors that contribute to this unpleasant phenomenon.

The main factor is excessive sweat gland activity. Everyone has millions of sweat glands on their body, but in some people, they may function more intensely than in others. This excessive production in sweat glands can lead to night sweating even when the bedroom temperature is relatively low.

Another cause of night sweating is hormones, which play an important role in the regulation of thermoregulatory processes in the body. Hormonal imbalances, including hyperthyroidism, as well as menopause in women, affect the ability to maintain a stable body temperature at night. This can lead to excessive perspiration during sleep.

Currently, stress and anxiety are also very strong in many people. Our minds and bodies are closely connected, and processes based on psychosomatics can cause strong emotions to trigger physical reactions, including frequent sweating. Therefore, excessive emotional tension can contribute to excessive night sweating. Our bodies can react to unpleasant emotions by releasing sweat.

For some individuals, certain foods and beverages such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy dishes, or sugar can trigger night sweating. They can affect our thermoregulation and increase susceptibility to night sweating, especially when consuming a lot of thermogenics. Additionally, consuming heavy meals before sleep can also increase our metabolism and lead to perspiration.

Some medications, such as antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs, or hormones, can also cause side effects such as excessive sweating at night. If you suspect that your problem with excessive perspiration is related to the medications you are taking, consult your doctor to confirm this cause and consider changing medications or dosages.

In addition to health and lifestyle-related causes, there are also less obvious reasons why we experience night sweating. Most commonly, it is related to the type of mattress, specifically a memory foam mattress that has a visco foam in the top layer. This foam is extremely temperature-sensitive, so it sinks under the body during the night. It then creates a surface that doesn't allow air circulation and absorbs the sleeper into the mattress. The result is excessive perspiration, as well as various spinal discomforts and sleep difficulties.
Night sweats, overnight antiperspirants, bedroom ventilation

Treatment for excessive sweating

Excessive sweating, especially at night, affects sleep quality and overall comfort in life. If it results from medical causes, there are several effective and proven treatment methods for this problem. They can potentially provide relief to individuals suffering from excessive night sweats.

One of the most obvious methods is the use of antiperspirant cosmetics. These are considered one of the basic remedies for excessive sweating for most of us. The most effective ones contain aluminum chloride or other aluminum salts, although many sources indicate that they can be unhealthy for humans. However, there are natural remedies such as alum or white clay that can also be effective. Antiperspirant should be applied half an hour before sleep to allow it time to take effect.

In some cases, doctors use antihistamine medication, which are antiallergic, as a therapy for night sweats. Some of them prevent excessive sweating. In addition, botulinum toxin therapy (Botox) is also used, which can block nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands. It is an effective and long-lasting solution, but it should also be consulted with a doctor due to safety procedures.

Individuals who experience night sweats due to psychological reasons, such as stress or anxiety, should consult with a psychologist who can implement therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is commonly used, which allows for addressing the underlying causes of the difficulties individuals face. Relaxation techniques based on meditation are also used as an adjunct. The Schultz autogenic training is also popular, as it helps reduce stress and improves the ability to regulate emotional responses to stress.

For some individuals with night sweats, treatments based on electrotherapy are used. Among them, the most popular is iontophoresis, which involves the application of a weak electric current to the areas of the body that are prone to excessive sweating. Electrotherapy can be administered by professionals or sometimes used at home with the use of special devices. It should always be conducted under the supervision of an appropriate expert.

However, the simplest method for night sweats is to use a highly elastic mattress in the bedroom, which is primarily constructed with layers of open-cell foams. These allow for free air circulation within the mattress. The most functional of them is the Osaka Air mattress, which ventilation significantly exceeds the standards.
Optimal sleeping conditions, high-resilience mattresses, night sweats

Ways to manage night sweats

Remember that night sweats can be a symptom of certain conditions, so it's important to consult a doctor for a comprehensive and thorough diagnosis. Professional medical support is essential in finding effective ways to deal with this condition.

Creating suitable sleeping conditions is one of the factors that contribute to the success of any therapy. Make sure your bedroom is adequately ventilated and cooled. Also, promote airflow in the bedroom, which can be aided by opening windows, using air conditioning or a fan. Additionally, strive to choose light bedding and breathable mattress covers that actively assist in regulating temperature and moisture wicking.

The choice of the right mattress and pillow can significantly impact the body's temperature regulation during sleep. Therefore, opt for a mattress made of breathable materials that ensure proper air circulation. This also applies to using a sleeping pillow that should keep the head and neck in a physiological position throughout the night while allowing for airflow.

Choose lightweight, loose-fitting pajamas made of breathable knits or fabrics for sleep. Avoid garments made of materials such as cotton, which have a porous structure that can trap moisture and reduce comfort. It's also worth trying thermoregulatory clothing made of modern synthetic materials that help maintain a stable body temperature.

Furthermore, avoid potential triggers for sweating. Some foods, drinks, and substances we consume can increase the tendency to sweat at night. Therefore, before sleep, we should avoid spicy dishes, alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, as they can induce perspiration. Pay attention to a balanced diet and try to identify triggering factors for excessive sweating in your case.

Each person is similar in many aspects, but different in others. Therefore, what works for one person may not necessarily work for another person. It's worth experimenting with different methods and finding those that bring you relief, leading to an improvement in sleep hygiene on a personal level.
Relaxation techniques for sleep, ways to deal with insomnia, treatment for excessive sweating

Optimal bedroom temperature and humidity

In the process of reducing nighttime sweating and ensuring a fully comfortable sleep throughout the night, the climate in the bedroom plays an incredibly important role. Therefore, it is essential to remember that the ideal bedroom temperature for everyday sleep ranges from 18°C to 20°C. It is important to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the night. Temperature can also be regulated using air conditioning, a fan, or an open window, if possible. However, we should avoid excessively low temperatures that can lead to excessive cooling of the body.

The optimal air humidity in the bedroom usually ranges from 40% to 60%. Air dryness can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract and skin, which, in turn, can increase the tendency to sweat. To increase air humidity, it is worth having a humidifier or using a simple home method, such as placing damp towels on radiators.

Regular ventilation of the bedroom is also important to ensure fresh air circulation and humidity reduction. Therefore, in the morning, immediately after waking up, it is advisable to open the windows for a few minutes to allow the flow of fresh air into the bedroom. It is also important to ensure air circulation in the room to avoid moisture buildup.
Hyperhidrosis, night sweating, mattress for night sweats

Breathable mattress for night sweats

If you suffer from nighttime sweating, choosing the right mattress is crucial for a noticeable improvement in quality of life. A mattress that provides proper air circulation and moisture-wicking can help maintain a dry and comfortable sleep. It is worth investing in a functional mattress that possesses these qualities.

When deciding to purchase a mattress, always choose one made of breathable materials. Avoid both latex mattresses and those constructed with any layer of closed-cell foam labeled by manufacturers with the letter T (traditional). Similarly, mattresses containing memory foam in the top layer retain heat and moisture, which significantly affects not only individuals experiencing nighttime sweating.

Ventilation systems such as the modern Aero 3D mesh in combination with cross channels allow for free airflow within the mattress. This design helps dissipate heat and moisture from the mattress, aided by a mattress protector with three-dimensional mesh.

The functional Osaka Air mattress ensures air circulation at the lowest level, which helps to reduce sweating at night.

Pay attention when buying a mattress, especially if you sweat at night on a daily or frequent basis, hygiene aspects of the mattress should also be taken into account. It is worth choosing a hypoallergenic mattress that is resistant to the growth of bacteria, dust mites, and mold. The mattress should also be easy to keep clean, so it should have a removable cover that can be washed.

Choosing a mattress for people who sweat at night may seem very difficult, due to the tricks used by mattress stores eager for profit. However, you are on the website of the right manufacturer whose dream is to provide reasonable people with reliable knowledge to challenge the status quo. By thinking differently, together we create a new reality based on the functional and unparalleled products we create, such as our versatile Osaka Air mattress.

Thanks to the application of the design thinking methodology and following the philosophy of jobs to be done, we create the most functional orthopedic mattresses and pillows. They are designed to satisfy the needs and solve the problems of users for many years. At the same time, the airflow in the Osaka Air mattress ensures the highest comfort for people who sweat at night.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.

Night sweats, breathable mattress, bedroom air conditioning

FAQ: Night sweats during sleep

What is the reason for sweating at night?

Night sweats can be caused by infection or inflammation, which raises body temperature and leads to excessive sweating. Night sweats can also be caused by sleeping on a mattress that has a top layer of memory foam, which doesn't allow for proper airflow. This applies not only to mattresses but also to memory foam pillows. Additionally, during menopause, hormonal fluctuations, especially estrogen, can lead to night sweats, commonly referred to as hot flashes. Strong emotions, stress, or anxiety can also affect the activity of the nervous system and lead to sweating during sleep. However, it's important to note that some people have a natural tendency to sweat excessively, especially at night, which may be related to a sweating disorder such as hyperhidrosis.

Which cancers cause night sweats?

Night sweats can be a symptom of certain types of cancers, but it is not specific to just one type of cancer. Among the cancers that can cause night sweats, the most common is lymphoma, as well as kidney cancer and blood cancer. In the case of lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system, there is an enlargement of lymph nodes, which leads to night sweats. It is also a common symptom of kidney cancer and leukemia. However, it's worth noting that night sweats can also have many other causes that are not related to cancer. It's important to consult a doctor to evaluate the underlying cause and consider appropriate tests.

What tests should be done for night sweats?

If you're experiencing night sweats, it's worth consulting a doctor who can recommend appropriate tests based on your clinical situation. Initially, blood tests are performed, including a complete blood count and thyroid hormone level determination. It's also beneficial to check glucose levels, electrolytes, and liver enzymes. Urine tests are also common and can help rule out certain metabolic or kidney diseases. In some cases, the doctor may recommend imaging tests such as a chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Which hormone is responsible for sweating?

The main hormone responsible for regulating sweating is adrenaline, also known as epinephrine. Adrenaline is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, fear, physical exertion, or elevated body temperature. It affects the nervous system and increases the activity of sweat glands, leading to sweating.

What mattress should I choose if I sweat at night?

If you tend to sweat at night, choosing the right mattress and pillow is crucial for your overall comfort. Opt for a mattress made of breathable materials that allow for proper airflow. Materials such as latex or memory foam do not provide good air circulation, so the top layer of the mattress should be made of high-density foam. Additionally, pay attention to mattresses with ventilation systems, particularly those based on Aero 3D mesh, which provides maximum air circulation. It's also important to ensure proper body support to avoid uncomfortable positions that can lead to increased sweating. Therefore, consider the type of mattress and its firmness. The optimal firmness for a mattress is usually around 6,5.

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