When the night turns into a sauna, sleeping better through menopause

It often starts in the middle of the night: from one second to the next, the bed becomes a sauna. Duvet off, window open, pillow turned and half an hour later you're freezing again. Night sweats are among the most common sleep thieves of menopause.

The culprit is the falling oestrogen level, which confuses the body's thermostat. The brain reports “too hot” although the temperature is normal, the body responds with sweating and flushed skin. Up to several times a night.

The good news: the bedroom can be equipped for these nights. The basic rule is layers instead of one thick duvet, so warmth can be readjusted without uncovering completely. Natural materials are worth gold now: wool and horsehair in the mattress regulate temperature and moisture, and bed linen in linen or cotton sateen cools noticeably better than synthetics.

Room temperature counts too: 16 to 18 degrees is considered ideal. A glass of cold water by the bed, breathable nightwear, and skipping alcohol and spicy food in the evening take the edge off the flushes.

And not least: be kind to yourself. Menopause is a transition, with the right equipment, it becomes considerably more bearable in the bedroom. Your bed can help more than you think; we're happy to advise.