You have your suitcases packed, your tickets printed, and your hotel booked. You've prepared for travel hassles and medical emergencies, but have you included night sweats on your pre-departure checklist? Keep reading below for some quick tips for dealing with night sweats while traveling.
Night Sweats: Preparing for an Unexpected Episode
Traveling requires you to adapt in unexpected situations. No matter where you are or what situation you're in, you may experience a night sweat. You should be prepared for it at all times. Consider putting together a night sweat emergency kit so that you will have quick relief at hand. Make sure to include the following items in your suitcase for some fast and easy relief from night sweats.
Deodorant
Night sweats can leave you feeling sweaty and smelly, so it's always smart to carry a spare deodorant in your bag. Make sure to put liquid deodorant in a baggie that can be sealed.
Bottled water
When it comes to curbing hot flashes and night sweats, hydration is important. While on vacation, you'll deviate from your normal routine, which means you can easily lose track of your daily water intake. Keep a bottle of water in your purse at all times for some instant relief.
Moist towelettes
Cracking a window or blasting the air conditioning may not always be an option while you're on vacation. Keep some moist towelettes in your purse and toiletry bag for some cool relief.
Handheld fan
Even though most hotels are air conditioned, the air might not be cold enough while you are experiencing a night sweat. Tuck a handheld fan into your bag in case you can't open your window for fresh air or turn down the thermostat. This simple and convenient accessory could be a late-night lifesaver.
Wardrobe considerations
If you are traveling to a place with a cooler climate than what you are accustomed to, it's a good idea to dress in layers. When you have an episode, remove layers to help beat the heat. Make sure to pack fabrics that are breathable and lightweight to avoid triggering night sweats.
Recommendation
While night sweats are caused by hormonal imbalance during menopause, they can be triggered by an array of external factors, such as warm environments or hot beverages. Keep these triggers in mind when planning your vacation and always pack a night sweat emergency kit. Click on the links below for more information about night sweats and how to handle them.
Sources
- National Health Service UK. (2014). Menopause: five self-help tips. Retrieved February 9, 2016, from http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/menopause/Pages/Menopauseselfhelp.aspx
- National Institute on Aging. (2015). Signs of the Menopausal Transition. Retrieved February 9, 2016, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/menopause-time-change/signs-menopausal-transition