Does Your Body Feel Like a Furnace at Night? Unraveling the Mystery of High Body Temperature in Females
Are you a female who is struggling consistently with being at high body temperatures at night, making you throw and turn in bed all night, sweating away? You are not an exception. A large number of women go through this annoying process, which is termed being ‘at night’ or a hot flush, and it can go a long way in disrupting the total quality of sleep and well-being.
But why does a female’s body temperature raise at night? The answer is embedded in this maze of hormonal changes and medical/lifestyle conditions.
Hormonal Rollercoaster: The Culprit Behind Night Sweats
One of the pivotal reasons that a female’s body temperature stays high at night is due to factors like hormonal fluctuations. Over the course of a woman’s life, her hormones, especially that of estrogen and progesterone, undergo significant shifts, in turn affecting body temperature regulation.
In the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels cycle up and down, often leading to night sweats and hot flashes. However, can occasionally disrupt the natural cooling mechanisms of the body and lead to unexpected ‘surges of heat and sweating’.
Approaching menopause- on average at the age of 40, these hormonal changes become even more pronounced. Ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, and the hormonal imbalances in the body can intensify hot flashes and night sweats even further. Menopausal symptoms can continue for several years, during this period, making it tough for a couple of good night’s sleep in females.
Medical Conditions: When Excessive Heat is a Warning Sign
While hormonal changes are a common culprit, certain medical conditions can also contribute to high body temperature at night in females. Conditions like hyperthyroidism, where your thyroid gland is producing excess thyroidal hormones can increase body metabolism and the body heat endurance.
In addition, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age, can impair temperature regulation, causing night sweats. Besides, infections, like urinary tract infections or respiratory infections, may provoke an immune response and elevate body temperature.
Lifestyle Factors: Habits that Fuel the Flames
In addition to the hormonal and medical causes of high body temperature at night in females, some lifestyle factors contribute to a worsening condition. The consumption of caffeine, alcohol, or spicy foods a few hours before bedtime can elevate the body temperature, further affecting sleep-wake cycles.
Exercising vigorously close to bedtime may also induce night sweats. This is possible because the body might be too warm to handle excess heat stress, leading to improper functioning of the thermoregulatory system.
Furthermore, using electronic devices before sleep may worsen the disruption of melatonin release. The blue light emitted from these devices may prevent the proper release of melatonin hormone, therefore, creating imbalances in the sleep-wake cycle and possibly temperature regulation.
Managing High Body Temperature at Night in Females: Recommendations for a Cooler Night’s Sleep
- It is clear that high body temperature at night may result in sleep disturbances. Nevertheless, several strategies can be of help in managing the issue:
- Keep your bedroom cool. Turning down the thermostat may be helpful, or air currents may just do the trick.
- Choose lightweight and breathable clothing. A good choice may be loose, natural fibers such as cotton or bamboo.
- Choose natural fibers in bed linen. The latter helps to let the skin breathe and lets the body temperature be evenly distributed.
- Substitute natural or organic oestrogen that can be used, such as black cohosh and evening primrose oil, following a doctor’s prescription.
- Control night sweats with relaxation methods. Activities and techniques that would help one in overcoming stress and anxiety are deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga.
- Hydrate your body system with water throughout the day.
An instance of natural treatment is with black cohosh and evening primrose oil, but it is important to consult a health care provider before starting any herbal therapy
When to Seek Help
Although occasional night sweats might be absolutely normal, persistent high body temperatures at night, accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained weight changes, irregular menstrual periods, mood swings, or fatigue, could show a symptom of an underlying medical condition. In such cases, medical attention should be sought for subsequent evaluation and management.
Embrace the Journey and Find Comfort
If high body temperature at night is an issue of discomfort and frustration for most females, an understanding of its underlying causes can help develop effective strategies. You can take control of this issue and have relief from night sweats that keep you awake, and spend the rest of the night more relaxed and replenishing.
Remember, every woman’s journey is personal, and there is no single guide that will fit everyone. Embrace the process, be patient, and never hesitate to seek professional advice when things get tougher. You can overcome high body temperatures at night and live comfortably and in good health.