If you’ve ever experienced a hormonal imbalance, whether that be through pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause or postmenopause, or like me, suffer from a health condition such as endometriosis or adenomyosis, you’ve most likely experienced night sweats. Estrogen is what helps our bodies to regulate temperature at night, so when this hormone is out of balance, our bodies lose control over their internal thermostats. Episodes of excessive sweating during the night can lead to insomnia, discomfort, interrupted sleep, but mostly, just feeling really rubbish the following day. Whilst changing the temperature of the room you sleep in will only go so far in solving this, there is something you can do to make these dreaded night’s much more bearable, and that is to make the switch to 100% linen and linen blend fabrics for your bedding and sleepwear, here’s why:
Thermoregulation
As you know, we’re huge fans of linen for lots of reasons, but perhaps one of its most impressive properties is that it is thermoregulating, meaning it can help the body maintain a stable temperature in varying conditions. Just as in cooler temperatures linen fibers work to trap heat in to keep you warm, in warmer temperatures, the fibers expand to help heat escape and, in turn, keep you cool. During the night, when you experience fluctuations in body temperature, linen bedding and sleepwear can help to mitigate these changes by providing a cool and breathable sleeping surface.
Absorbency
Linen has the ability to absorb moisture efficiently, quickly wicking away perspiration from the skin and absorbing up to 20% of its own weight before feeling damp. This moisture-wicking property helps to keep the body dry and prevents sweat from accumulating on the skin's surface, reducing the likelihood of discomfort and irritation. By absorbing excess moisture, linen helps to maintain a dry and comfortable sleeping environment, minimizing the impact of night sweats on your sleep quality.
Breathability
Unlike man-made fibers such as polyester, linen fibers are loose and breathable, allowing air to circulate freely and pass through the fibers much more easily. This means, you won’t feel stuffy and clinged to when sleeping amongst linen, instead the incredibly soft materials will billow around your skin, almost as if it’s not there at all.
Durability
If you’re experiencing hot flushes and sweats most nights, or during a particular time in your monthly menstrual cycle, you’ll likely be wanting to wash your linen bedding and pajamas more than usual. Luckily, linen is an incredibly durable and long-lasting material that only gets better with age, wear and wash. Refer to our linen care guide to ensure you’re washing your linen in a way which extends its lifespan and guarantees that supple softness for years to come.
Of course, we’re not doctors and can only prescribe linen bedding and sleepwear based on personal experience and backed up research. If hot flushes and night sweats continue to impact your sleep and life, it’s important to notify, and take advice from, your doctor.
Serene Bedroom Must-Haves
