How I Managed Perimenopause Night Sweats | ettitude

I wake up in a sweat in the middle of the night. But I'm not sick or scared. And I'm not worried; I know I'll be asleep again in no time. In minutes, my sheets will be dry again. How? The power of moisture-wicking CleanBamboo®.

My journey with perimenopause and menopause

I've been in perimenopause for the past three years, which coincided with the onset of COVID-19. At first, I thought the hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and weight gain were simply the result of work stress and the extraordinary volatility in the world at the time.

Then, one day, I received a newsletter from my healthcare provider that talked about the common symptoms of menopause. They matched exactly what I had been experiencing. I realized that I had officially entered the perimenopause stage.

So, I started researching this topic, being the nerdy entrepreneur that I am. I love learning and applying that new information, especially regarding female health and well-being.

I learned that during perimenopause and menopause, women experience a drop in progesterone and estrogen. The loss of these hormones can bring vasomotor symptoms (VMS), including hot flashes and night sweats. Around 80% of menopausal women experience hot flashes. Unfortunately, they can last a long time: the long-running SWAN study found a median of 7.4 years.

How menopause can affect sleep

Hot flashes and night sweats can make sleeping through the night difficult. According to the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 61% of menopausal women have sleep problems.

The research initially worried me because, as a busy CEO, I care greatly about my sleep quality. A restful night's sleep gives me more energy and helps me focus during the workday. Not to mention, my career is so heavily focused on helping others get the best night’s rest possible.

As an analytically minded person, I care about data almost as much as I care about sleep. That’s why I have been using an Oura ring to track my sleep since 2018.

I wondered if the hot flashes affected my sleep quality, so I compared the sleep data from before and after they began. I was pleased to find that my sleep score had stayed about the same. Even though I did experience hot flashes and night sweats and woke up at night, I could fall back to sleep quickly.

This is primarily thanks to the cooling bamboo sheets from my brand, ettitude. They're made from CleanBamboo® lyocell, produced using a patented process in a closed-loop system that recovers 98% of the water and organic solvent for reuse. The fabric is breathable by design and wicks moisture away from my skin, so I don't wake up in a pool of sweat and can fall back to sleep quickly.

Putting CleanBamboo® sheets to the test for managing night sweats

I was convinced my CleanBamboo® sheets were a big part of why I could fall back asleep, but I wanted independent confirmation. I know anecdotes aren't data, and some people will (naturally) think I'm biased toward my own product. So we had our sheets tested by Intertek, an independent testing lab.

Intertek compared our Signature sateen sheets with leading sateen sheets on the market. In that third-party testing (AATCC 197), our sheets wicked moisture 24% faster, and in separate Q-max testing, they were cooler to the touch. It was reassuring to see the numbers line up with what I'd felt night after night: when a night sweat hits, the sheets move the moisture away so I'm not lying in it.

The reviews are in: CleanBamboo® sheets help with menopause

I’m not alone in experiencing CleanBamboo®’s refreshingly cooling and sweat-wicking properties during menopause. Our CleanBamboo® bedding has helped many women undergoing this transition to sleep better, which makes me very proud.

Here are some touching reviews from them:

Best sheets for menopause

"No more sweaty mornings! Nice cooling fabric that’s great for menopause!" - Marlena U.

Much more cooling than other sheets

"I absolutely LOVE my sheets! I have been suffering from night sweats due to menopause; these sheets are my savior. I have tried everything and now only have these on my bed. The sheets don't get wet. Unlike the cotton and linen sheets, which seem to hold water. So, after a hot flash, I'm freezing cold with damp sheets. I cannot tell you how happy I am." - Colleen F.

Really helps with the hot flashes

"I love these! They are silky and drape perfectly. I'm in menopause, and these help me stay cool and comfortable, so now I rarely wake during the night." - Micaela L.

No longer need to kick off the sheets

"Love love love them. These are the softest, most gorgeous sheets ever, and they are so amazing. My body temperature changes as I'm going through menopause. But, since purchasing these beautiful sheets, my sleep has improved as I'm not kicking the bedding off me now." - Kathryn H.

Best cooling bedding for menopause and night sweats

From my own experience with menopause (and the kind words of our customers), I am confident ettitude can help you sleep more comfortably with your night sweats. These are some of the must-have products I rely on every night to stay cool and comfy:

Sateen Sheet Set

Light CleanBamboo® sheets that are cool to the touch, temperature regulating and moisture-wicking, for cooler, drier sleep.

Bamboo Mattress Protector

Provides a thin, soft layer between you and your mattress, with a TPU lining.

Down Alternative Comforter

Worried you can’t enjoy a fluffy, cozy comforter during menopause? Think again. Our Down Alternative Duvet feels luxurious and is breathable by design.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of CleanBamboo® for managing night sweats?

CleanBamboo®’s breathability allows for better air circulation, preventing heat buildup. Its moisture-wicking ability keeps sweat away from the body, keeping you dry and comfortable. The fabric's smooth texture creates a cooler and more comfortable sleep environment.

How can I manage night sweats during menopause?

Managing night sweats involves a mix of lifestyle adjustments and environmental changes. Wearing breathable, moisture-wicking sleepwear, maintaining a cool bedroom environment, and avoiding known triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can help. Furthermore, including calming practices like deep breathing exercises or meditation right before bed may reduce the frequency of night sweats.

What role does bedding play in alleviating night sweats?

Bedding made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials can significantly impact comfort during sleep. For instance, fabrics like bamboo lyocell are prized for their ability to regulate temperature and draw moisture away from your body, keeping you cool and dry throughout the night.

Can dietary choices influence the occurrence of night sweats?

Absolutely. Certain foods and beverages, including spicy dishes, caffeine, and alcohol, can trigger or exacerbate night sweats. Maintaining a nutritious diet and proper hydration can help manage symptoms.

When should I consult a healthcare professional about night sweats?

If night sweats are frequent, severe, or consistently disrupt your sleep, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can find out if the symptoms are related to menopause or another underlying condition and recommend appropriate treatments or interventions.