25 Apr , 20:30
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Night sweats and waking up from heat may be explained by hidden processes within the body — this is the conclusion reached by dietitian Colleen Fogarty-Draper.
The specialist discussed the main reason people wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat in an interview with HuffPost.
According to the expert, such symptoms are significantly more common in women. The culprit is hormonal fluctuations that directly affect the thermoregulation system. As Fogarty-Draper explained, even minor spikes in estrogen and progesterone levels can "throw off the body's settings," triggering sensations of overheating and sudden bouts of sweating right during sleep.
The dietitian identified stress as an additional factor that exacerbates the problem. Elevated cortisol levels disrupt sleep quality and intensify the feeling of heat. To cope with this unpleasant symptom, the specialist recommended keeping the bedroom at a cool temperature, opting for lightweight sleepwear, and avoiding overheating the body before going to bed.
Fogarty-Draper separately emphasized that even during menopause, there is no need to endure hot flashes. If nighttime awakenings due to overheating interfere with proper rest, it is essential to inform your doctor about it.