Hot flashes during night - how to decrease symptoms

Dear Positive Day,

Thank you for reaching out for information about how to manage the hot flashes that you are experiencing at night following your hormone treatment.

From the information you have shared, I’m not sure what cancer you are being treated for or the type of hormone treatment you are having. Therefore, I would suggest that for more tailored support you speak to your GP or cancer treatment team as there may be medication or treatment, they can prescribe that could help.

However, there are some simple but often effective self-care suggestions that some people find useful.

1. Wear layers of natural fibres such as cotton or silk, so you can easily strip off when you get a hot flush. At night, try wearing sports clothes that wick away sweat.

2. If you share a bed, think about 2 single duvets so you can have a lighter one and your partner a warmer one.

3. Gel pillows or “chillows” that stay icy cold are wonderful at night, they are found on Amazon and other internet sites.

4. Some foods and drinks can be trigger hot flashes for some people, these can include alcohol, caffeine, and spicy food. You could keep a diary to see if you can identify your triggers and then limit them.

5. It can be really difficult to stay calm when you are disturbed by a hot flush at night, but we know that anxiety rises our heart rate and releases hormones that can make us feel hotter. Trying to stay calm and reassuring ourselves that the hot flash will pass, can often help.

6. Some people find cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) useful, and your GP or treatment team might be able to refer you.

I hope this information has been useful, please contact us whenever we can help.

Take care.  

Liz 

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. Ref LZD/ UH