Just when you think you've put your wife's hot flashes to bed at night, they flare up once more in the form of night sweats; leaving your wife perspiring and you tossing and turning all night. How can you help support your wife through night sweats and get the rest you need? Read on to find out the main cause of night sweats.
What Causes Night Sweats?

During menopause, the body begins to slow its production of essential hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Hormones do more than regulate the menstrual cycle and fertility. In fact, they influence nearly every cell and organ in the human body, this includes body temperature.
When levels of estrogen and other hormones fluctuate, they can provoke hot flashes and night sweats. While you may not be able to stop a night sweat attack from occurring.
There are some things you can do to support your wife through those difficult moments.
Bring Her Water
It's always best to have a glass of water waiting near the bed in case she has a night sweat episode. Water will help provide your wife with valuable hydration, cool her down after a night sweat, and can help prevent another one from occurring.
Let Her Choose the Bedding

For your wife, one of the most uncomfortable parts about sleeping these days might be your bedding. Thick, woolen bedding is a sure-fire way to trigger night sweats. Let her choose something that allows for better air circulation and that does not cling to her body. It may even be a good idea to have separate bedding, or if necessary, sleep in separate beds.
Substitute Cuddling for Hand Holding

You and your wife both want to show your affection for one another, unfortunately, your body heat and proximity to her may actually trigger her night sweats. For the time being, show your intimacy by holding hands or trying to fall asleep facing one another. You can go back to cuddling when she stops having night sweats.
Give Her a Cool Massage
If your wife is prone to night sweats, she might appreciate a nice back rub with cool water just before bed. You can take advantage of the opportunity to show her how much you love and care about her.
Recommendation
The best way you can support your wife through her night sweats is to learn more about its causes and treatments. Click the following link to learn more about how to manage night sweats.
Sources
- The National Institute of Health. "Signs of the Menopausal Transition" www.nih.gov
- Boston Women's Health Collective. "Hot Flashes, Night Sweats and Sleep Disturbances". Our Bodies, Ourselves, 2006.
- Von Muhlen, DG, et al. "A community-based study of menopause symptoms and estrogen replacement in older women". Maturitas. Sept 1995; 22(2):71-8.