What Are Night Sweats?
Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating that occur during sleep due to a sudden increase in body temperature.
The severity of night sweats can vary from person to person. Some people may only experience occasional night sweats, while others may have them every night.
When body temperature increases, the body tries to cool itself down by sweating. This is why people who experience night sweats often wake up with wet clothing and bedding.
What Causes Night Sweats?
Night sweats can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Menopause: Changes in hormone levels are one of the main causes of hot flashes and night sweats.
During menopause, women typically stop producing oestrogen, a hormone that helps regulate body temperature by keeping the body’s core temperature stable.
When oestrogen levels drop, the body’s thermostat (or hypothalamus) becomes more sensitive to slight changes in body temperature. When a slight increase in temperature is detected, the hypothalamus sends signals that cause blood vessels to dilate and sweat to be produced, resulting in a hot flash.
- Cancer: Some types of cancer, such as lymphoma, leukaemia, and breast cancer, can cause night sweats. This is because these cancers can increase the production of certain hormones that can raise body temperature.
- Infection: When your body is fighting an infection, the immune system releases substances that can cause fevers. These substances are called pyrogens, and they can be released by bacteria, viruses, or damaged cells in the body which bind to and are activated by immune cells (according to the National Library of Medicine, 2019).
Pyrogens cause fevers by acting on the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that controls body temperature).
An increase in body temperature makes it harder for the bacteria and viruses that cause infections to survive. This is because they are not adapted to survive in higher temperatures.
The fever also helps the immune system fight the infection by increasing the production of white blood cells and by improving the ability of the white blood cells to kill bacteria and viruses.
In other words, you get a fever because your body is trying to kill the virus or bacteria that caused the infection.
Fevers; however, can be dangerous and should be carefully monitored. Excessive sweating can increase your risk of dehydration. Furthermore, extreme fevers can result in seizures, brain damage and even death.
It is important to rest if you are experiencing a fever; but remember to ensure that your sleeping environment is a stable temperature (between 15.6 and 19.4°C as recommended by Healthline, 2020).
- Medications: Antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and pain medications, can cause night sweats as a side effect.
- Other medical conditions: Other medical conditions that can cause night sweats include hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and anxiety disorders.
Can a Mattress Cause Night Sweats?
Yes, a mattress can contribute to night sweats.
Night sweats often disrupt sleep, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating; however, many people are unaware of the link between night sweats and their mattress.
Memory Foam and Night Sweats
Mattresses made from materials that trap heat, such as memory foam, can cause night sweats or make them worse.
This is because urethane foam compresses due to the heat and moisture released by your body as you sleep, which in turn causes the mattress to lose its ability to offer you a breathable sleeping surface, thereby perpetuating the problem until you’re eventually sleeping on plastic!
Additionally, memory foam is a synthetic, non-breathable material that conforms to your body as you apply heat and pressure to it. Heat is an essential component because it helps soften the fibres in the mattress; thereby allowing the mattress to contour your body.
Due to these properties, the material is known to absorb your body heat and reflect it back at you, as it does not allow air to circulate well. This means that when you sleep on foam, you gradually heat up throughout the night.
It is also worth mentioning that we naturally move around while we sleep. Doctors suggest that this is a protective mechanism, as it prevents the body from experiencing prolonged pressure, which otherwise could disrupt blood flow to parts of the body (according to ABC Science, 2014).
On average, we toss and turn about 70 times during the night; and since memory foam conforms to the body, it physically restricts movement.
This means you require more energy to move, which can cause you to wake so that you can get comfortable, thereby disrupting your sleep cycle.
If you are predisposed to certain medical conditions, or if you are struggling with hormonal issues or an infection, then memory foam is not an ideal choice for your sleep health and may contribute to excessive night sweats.
What Mattress Materials are Best for Night Sweats?
When looking for a mattress that helps regulate your temperature while you sleep, it is best to avoid synthetic materials in general (even if you are considering alternatives to memory foam).
Mattresses that are made from materials that are breathable and wick away moisture are best for night sweats. These materials include organic latex, pure wool, and natural fabrics. Remember to watch out for chemicals hidden in adhesives, sealants and coatings. Manufacturers should be able to provide you with certifications that prove their adhesives do not contain chemicals.
We, at Naturelle, are proud to say that our mattresses do not contain synthetic chemical adhesives. In fact, all our products are free from synthetic chemicals and are supported by our many accreditations and certifications; which are proudly displayed on the footer of our website.
Tips for Preventing Night Sweats
In addition to choosing the right mattress, there are other things you can do to prevent night sweats:
- Keep your bedroom cool and well-ventilated.
- Invest in a pure wool duvet and organic latex pillow.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine before bed.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to bed.
- Take a cool shower before bed.
Why Choose a Pure Wool Duvet and an Organic Latex Pillow for a Better Night’s Sleep?
The unique combination of organic latex and pure wool is regarded as the complete sleep solution because together they keep you in the “Thermal Comfort Zone”. This is where your environment is conducive to falling asleep faster while allowing you to achieve a deeper, less fragmented sleep.
There are 4 main components of the Thermal Comfort Zone, mainly:
- Air temperature – the air surrounding the body.
- Radiant temperature – heat that radiates from a warm object.
- Air movement and speed – the transfer of heat from the body by convection.
- Humidity – High-humidity environments have a lot of moisture in the air, and the build-up of humidity reduces the movement of moisture away from the body.
Pure wool and organic latex support the Thermal Comfort Zone by optimising your body temperature while you sleep. This is because the breathability of organic latex is complimented by the inherent properties of pure wool.
Pure wool’s natural ability to wick away moisture and regulate temperature makes it a comfortable and healthy choice for bedding (according to studies by the International Wool Textile Organisation, 2021). Furthermore, wool helps to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter; and it can also help to prevent night sweats and other sleep disturbances.
Wool is a sustainable and renewable resource that is gentle on the skin. As with organic latex, it is also naturally resistant to dust mites and mould – perfect for reducing night allergies.
Pure wool combined with organic latex is a unique combination; but thanks to the incredible properties of each of these materials, we at Naturelle were able to create the perfect sleep solution for the entire family.
*If you are experiencing night sweats that are severe or frequent, you should see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Managing Night Sweats With an Organic Latex and Pure Wool Mattress
Organic latex and pure wool mattresses are the best choice for night sweats because they are naturally breathable and moisture-wicking.
Latex has an open cell structure that allows air to flow through, which helps to keep the sleeper cool and dry. Latex is also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mould and mildew, making it a good choice for people with allergies.
In addition to being breathable, organic latex mattresses are also naturally supportive and comfortable. This is important for people who experience night sweats, as they are more likely to wake up due to discomfort.
Sleep Better, Live Better, With Naturelle
Sleep is vital to your health and well-being.
When you sleep, your body repairs itself and your brain consolidates memories. Sleep also helps to regulate your mood and emotions.
When you don’t get enough sleep, you are more likely to experience: fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, mood swings, headaches, and an increased risk of accidents (just to name a few!).
Sleeping well can help strengthen your immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve your heart health. Furthermore, it improves your reaction time, coordination, and stamina.
The benefits of sleep are endless. Taking a more mindful approach to sleep can help you reap its full benefits; helping to improve all areas of your life, especially your physical and mental health.
It’s time to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day!
Naturally enhance the quality of your sleep with Naturelle. Our temperature-responsive beds and bedding will keep you cool and comfortable all night long.
REFERENCES:
ABC Science. 2014. “Why do we roll over when we’re asleep?”. Available from: <https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2014/01/28/3861788.htm>. [Accessed August 2023].
Healthline. 2020. “12 Ways to Get a Good Night’s Sleep with a Cold”. Available from: <https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-sleep-with-a-cold>. [Accessed August 2023].
International Wool Textile Organisation. 2021. “The Amazing Benefits of Sleeping in Wool”. Available from: <https://iwto.org/the-amazing-benefits-of-sleeping-in-wool/>. [Accessed August 2023].
National Library of Medicine. (2019). “Pathogenesis of Fever. Clinical Manual of Fever in Children”. Available from: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7122269/>. [Accessed August 2023].