Wake Up Sweating At 3am? This May Be Why

If you wake up sweating, this could be why.Try as I might (and believe me, I’ve tried), I constantly manage to wake up hot and sweaty at 3am. I’ve always attributed that to my insomnia. But hormone and sleep specialists have shared my issues might be partly down to my biology.We know it’s crucial to keep bedrooms cool (experts recommend 16-18°C) to be able to sleep well – and this is perhaps even more important for women. When a study found rising temperatures are impacting sleep globally, it also revealed women were impacted more than men. The Guardian noted “women’s bodies cool earlier in the evening than men’s when going to sleep, meaning higher night time temperatures may have a bigger impact on women”.Women’s slightly higher core body temperatures can also make us “feel” external cold and warmth more intensely, Dr Karan Rajan previously shared.Women appear to wake up overheated more often than men – but why?Dr Renee Young, an endocrinologist and founder of the Young Naturopathic Centre For Wellness, told Pretty You London that “hormones like oestrogen and progesterone play a central role in how the brain regulates body temperature”.She added: “Even slight fluctuations can confuse the body into thinking it needs to cool down. That often looks like a hot flush or a sudden sweat episode, especially at night.”These are not exclusive to menopause or perimenopause, though both of these can lead to similar symptoms.Clinical dietitian Dr Colleen Fogarty-Draper said it’s not just hormones, though. “Women in midlife often have a lower stress threshold... Higher cortisol levels, especially when they don’t follow their normal rhythm, can interfere with sleep and make overheating worse,” she shared.How can I stop overheating at night?Though you might be tempted to take a cooling shower before settling down, NHS GP Dr Hana Patel said this may not be the answer.“A cold shower can cause your body to generate more heat as a response,” she advised, while the cool-down period following a warm shower “tells your brain it’s time to sleep”.Wearing thinner pyjamas, avoiding heavy bedding, and even keeping your partner out of your bed (if needed) may help, The Sleep Foundation said.Whatever the cause, though, you should see your GP if your sleep is consistently interrupted.“Menopause and hormonal changes don’t have to steal your sleep,” Dr Fogarty-Draper stressed. “When we understand the cause, we can take back control.”Related...Here's Exactly How Late You Can Exercise Before It Ruins Your SleepI'm A Dermatologist – Here's How To Get To Sleep With A SunburnThe 15-Minute Habits A Sleep Expert Uses To Calm 3AM Thoughts

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