Baby Boomers U. S. (The Blog)

Posted: 03 Jun 2012 04:15 AM PDT

The real BBUS post can be found here… 5 Tips to Help with Night Sweats by Joe Hauckes © Baby Boomers U. S. (The Blog) . Not on Senior Zen!

This is a Guest Post by Jenny Ellis freelance writer. If you would like to Guest Post for Baby Boomers US, check out our Guest Post for Us page.

Going through menopause is no piece of cake. Some women have more difficulties than others, but the general consensus is that at some point we all suffer through the irritating symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats.

There is nothing quite as icky as waking up to sweat-soaked sheets and a serious case of bed head. All day long you fight the hot flashes, and then at night you end up shivering under a damp sheet and getting up for the fifth time to change clothes. But what can you do about it? Is there any way to fight it, or at least make it more tolerable?

Here are five tips that should help you deal with night sweats.

Black Cohosh

This herb is the main ingredient in most supplements that help with hot flashes, night sweats and mood changes during menopause. The reality of its effects on these symptoms has not been conclusively proven, but it seems to help most women. Try it and see if it works to lessen the severity of your night sweats. It might take a few days to really kick in, so be patient.

Moisture-wicking sheets

There are many different brands that offer different levels of cooling and drying ability. The good thing about these is that the cooler you feel, the less likely you are to sweat. They will also help you not wake up wet and chilled during the night.

Cooling pillows

Like the moisture-wicking sheets, having a cool, dry pillow is very important. Some types come with ice bag inserts or other cooling items to make it not just cool but actually cold. This can help if you frequently find yourself flipping the pillow over to find the cool side.

Exercise

Surprisingly, exercise and sweating more during the day can help you sweat less at night. The effects of exercise on your hormones and body's temperature regulation are well known. Just make sure not to exercise too late at night as it can make it harder to fall asleep.

Stress reduction

Much of menopause's effects are due to stress. Your body is under stress already from the hormone fluctuations, so don't add to that. Try to reduce your stress levels as much as possible. That may mean cutting down on your work load or activities, but is it better to be busy or healthy?

Some of these tips may not work for you, but they are all well worth trying. Menopause, thankfully, will not last forever (though sometimes it feels like it will). Don't let the symptoms keep you from living life to the fullest.

If the night sweats get particularly bad, talk to your doctor. They can offer alternate treatments that might be more effective for you.

About the Author: Jenny Ellis is a freelance writer, and a regular contributor for aupair jobs. She welcomes your comments at: ellisjenny728 @ gmail.com