Nighttime hot flashes are impossible to ignore – the burst of intense heat, your pajamas and bed sheets soaked in sweat, uncomfortably flushed skin, and more. These startling episodes and the sleep-depriving symptoms that accompany them can leave you feeling extremely fatigued.
TopLine MD Alliance is here to shed light on the common yet often misunderstood experience of nighttime hot flashes and offer solutions to help you manage them effectively. Keep reading to learn what triggers nighttime hot flashes and how to minimize the impact they have on your sleep and quality of life.
What Causes Nighttime Hot Flashes?
Women who menstruate typically begin having symptoms of perimenopause, the hormonal transition that occurs before menopause, in their 40s. During this time, your body produces less estrogen, the hormone that regulates your menstrual cycle. These hormonal fluctuations also disrupt your body’s ability to regulate temperature.
An overwhelming majority of women – up to 75%, or three of every four – will experience hot flashes during this stage of life. When a hot flash begins, you will likely feel warmth spreading across your face, neck, and chest, followed by sudden sweating. You may also have symptoms like:
- Rapid, pounding, or fluttering heartbeat
- Red, blotchy skin
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Chills after the hot flash ends
Hot flashes are an unwelcome experience any time of day, but they can be extra problematic at night – especially when they interfere with your sleep.
From a medical perspective, nighttime hot flashes are no worse than daytime ones. However, they can certainly feel more disruptive when you wake up drenched in sweat. Hot flashes can wreak havoc on your sleep cycle, preventing the deep sleep you need to restore your body and stay healthy.
Common Triggers for Hot Flashes
In addition to hormonal changes, several triggers can increase your risk for hot flashes or make them worse when they occur. These include:
- Being overweight
- Eating spicy foods
- Drinking caffeine or alcohol
- Smoking
- Taking hot baths
- Overheating while exercising
- Feeling stressed or anxious
Your sleep environment can also play a major role in nighttime hot flashes. Follow these tips to turn your bedroom into a comfortable, sweat-free sanctuary:
- Wear lightweight pajamas made of cotton or another breathable fabric
- Turn down the temperature in your bedroom before you go to sleep
- Keep a fan on throughout the night
- Use lightweight sheets and blankets so you can bundle up and discard them as needed
- Use a cooling gel pillow or put an ice pack underneath
- Keep an insulated cup and/or spray bottle filled with cold water next to your bed for quick relief
Treatment Options for Nighttime Hot Flashes
While hot flashes can last for years, there are effective strategies and treatments available to help you reclaim restful sleep and feel more in control of your symptoms. There is a wide range of treatment options available for nighttime hot flashes, including medical treatments and therapies, natural remedies, and alternative approaches. Ask your TopLine MD Alliance affiliated provider to learn more.
- Hormone replacement therapy – Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) boosts your estrogen and progesterone levels to help relieve perimenopause and menopause symptoms, including hot flashes.
- Non-hormonal medications – The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two non-hormonal medications for hot flashes: fezolinetant (Veozah) and paroxetine (Brisdelle). Certain anti-depressants and blood pressure medications also have potential benefits.
- Sleep medication – Your provider may prescribe sleep medication to help you sleep through hot flashes.
- Herbal supplements – Soy, red clover, and flaxseed all contain phytoestrogens, which can help replenish your missing estrogen. Taking a combination of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acid supplements may reduce hot flashes as well.
- Alternative techniques – Mindfulness, yoga, acupuncture, and similar practices also show promise in reducing hot flashes.
When to Seek Medical Help
Here’s some not-so-good news: nighttime hot flashes can persist for several years. Some women report having them for 10 years or more. When these nighttime disturbances begin affecting your quality of life, it’s time to seek treatment.
Also, not all hot flashes are menopause-related. Frequent hot flashes can be a sign of other medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, viral or bacterial infections, sleep apnea, and many more.
The sooner we determine the root cause of your nighttime hot flashes, the sooner you can begin sleeping more soundly.
Find a TopLine MD Alliance Affiliated Provider Near You
The TopLine MD Alliance was created by physicians who came together to make healthcare experiences better for patients. We help patients navigate the healthcare system, connecting them with top-of-the-line healthcare providers, practices, diagnostic centers, and imaging centers we trust.
To find a TopLine MD Alliance affiliated provider near you, visit us online today.
The TopLine MD Alliance is an association of independent physicians and medical practice groups who are committed to providing a higher standard of healthcare services. The members of the TopLine MD Alliance have no legal or financial relationship with one another. The TopLine MD Alliance brand has no formal corporate, financial, or legal ties to any of the affiliated physicians or practice groups.