Night sweats in women and what the wardrobe can do

Short answer: With night sweats, it is often the moisture against your skin that wakes you, more than the heat itself. Thin sleepwear and bedding that move moisture away can make the night less broken.

The moisture wakes you

It is not the heat alone but the clammy layer against your skin that makes you wake up. When the fabric turns wet and cold, the body reacts. That is why a thin layer that takes moisture away from the skin often helps more than sleeping with nothing on.

Sleepwear rather than nothing

Many people sleep without clothes to stay cool. But without a layer to absorb moisture, the skin turns clammy and the sweat stays in the sheet. Thin, loose sleepwear gives the sweat somewhere to go. See the styles in bamboo sleepwear for women.

The bedding

Bedding that absorbs moisture does the rest. The sheet and duvet cover take up the moisture the sleepwear cannot reach and let it evaporate during the night. A smooth fabric is also less likely to stick to the skin. See the sets in bamboo bedding.

Changing in the night

If you keep a spare set of sleepwear by the bed, changing takes one minute instead of ten. You do not need to turn on the light or search the cupboard. A dry pillowcase next to it can also make it easier to fall asleep again afterwards.

Bedroom temperature

A bedroom temperature of 16 to 18 degrees is often recommended. A cool room does more than any textile, because the body can lose heat more easily. Air the room before bedtime and turn down the radiator in the bedroom if you can.

The duvet

A heavy winter duvet holds on to heat even when you do not need it. During periods of night sweats, a lighter duvet or a thin summer duvet may be better. Some people choose two light duvets, so one is easy to remove during the night.

Wash more often

Sleepwear and bedding need washing more often during periods of night sweats. Wash at 40 degrees without fabric softener, so the fabric keeps its ability to absorb moisture. Hang things up to dry rather than using a tumble dryer. More tips are in the washing guide.

Sleepwear for the cold spells

Night sweats often alternate with spells of feeling cold in the same night. A thin layer that gives a little warmth and moves moisture covers both better than a thick one. A thin top can be paired with shorts or long trousers. See the styles in bamboo sleep tops for women.

When to talk to your doctor

Night sweats can have many causes, and clothing or bedding does not change the cause. If the night sweats are new, heavy or persistent, talk to your doctor. Textiles can make the night more comfortable, but they do not replace an assessment of what lies behind it.

Many women experience night sweats during the menopause, and the same everyday advice applies. Thin layers, a cool room and a spare set by the bed are the simple steps that keep coming back. Read more in bamboo clothing for the menopause.