The Cost of Night Sweats

A new study indicates that women who combat night sweats and  hot flashes during menopause may be less productive at work and have a lower quality of life.   The study Pfizer, Inc. researchers  was  based on a survey of  3,300 U.S. women ages 40 to 75.  It seems that  women who reported severe hot flashes and night sweats had a dimmer view of their overall mental well being. They also indicated that they often had problems at work compared to women with mild hot flashes and night sweats.

Researchers estimated that the cost of lack of lost productivity per worker was approximately $6,500 over a year, Additionally the survey indicated that  women with severe hot flashes spent more time and dollars on doctor visits --approximately $1,000 in menopause-related doctor's appointments. These results were  reported  online Feb. 11 in the journal  Menopause. The findings were based on nearly 3,300 women. Some said that they either had no hot flashes and night sweats, or mild symptoms. But almost 500 said they had moderate symptoms, while nearly 150 rated them as severe. The good news is there are ways to make your hot flashes less frequent or less intense.

For severe symptoms many doctors recommend  hormone therapy -- usually a combination of estrogen and progestin. For women who cannot or do not want to take hormones, there are other options. Some doctors recommend antidepressants. Other physicians prescribe certain blood pressure drugs and anti-seizure medications  to help hot flashes and night sweats. If you opt for a more natural treatment,  or need additional help to keep cool, the good news is that there are solutions. Women's work does not have to suffer due to night sweats and hot flashes. Many of the solutions are natural non-hormonal treatments.

Bottomline, when you don't sleep well you don't perform well the next day. Simple environmental changes can be made to improve sleep when you suffer from night sweats.

1. Start with you bed. Change the bedding to include temperature regulating sheets, cooling mattress pad and a temperature regulating pillows. Then make sure you sleepwear is conducive to cool sleeping. Menopause pajamas or microfiber wicking sleepwear is the best choice if you are combating night sweats. They'll keep you cool, dry and comfortable.
2. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and hot baths before bedtime.
3. Always keep a glass of water on your nightstand to cool you off quickly should the night sweats occur.