While menopause can result in many different symptoms it does appear that night sweats is one of the more annoying symptoms and tends to occur in almost 75% of menopausal women.
During menopause women produce less progesterone and estrogen.
This can result in the hypothalamus in the brain receiving mixed messages.
The pypothalamus is like a thermostat in our body which controls our body temperature.
When it receives mixed messages it causes the body to increase the blood flow which in turns triggers sweats.
While some women may perspire a little more than normally, other women can experience sweating so severe it can wet through your sheets.
Usually if you experience night sweats you will also experience hot flushes during the day.
Night Sweats can last anywhere from a 20 seconds up until 30 minutes for some women.
Other sympoms associated with night sweats during menopause include nausea, flushing, headaches, chills and irregular heartbeat.
If you are finding this is occurring often and impacting on your life there are several measures you can take to help you through this period.
Here are a few: Stick to cotton bedsheets as they tend to be much cooler.
If possible use a fan or leave a window slightly open to create a cool breeze Keep a sponge and bowl of water beside your bed so you can use this if you wake up with sweats.
There does seem to be a correlation between eating certain foods and nights sweats.
Do try and stay away from any foods high in sugar, salt and spice.
Eliminate any soft drinks and minimise your intake of coffee and alcohol.
Keep your evening meal as light as possible and if possible have your main meal at lunch.
Exercise is essential not only for good health but also for helping reduce the symptoms of menopause.
Some research does suggest that the more overweight you are the more severe your night sweats.
Try to include some form of exercise, even if it is only walking, as this will aid weight lose to.
There are many natural remedies on the market these days so do visit a chemist or health food store to discuss the best course of treatment.
While some women find natural products work very well others find they do need Hormone Replacement Therapy.
Whichever therapy you decide is right for you it pays to remember that hot flushes during menopause will eventually pass and periods will become a thing of the past.