How can I manage night sweats?
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Managing Night Sweats: Effective Strategies and Treatments
Night sweats can be a distressing symptom, often associated with menopause, infections, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions. Managing this symptom effectively can significantly improve quality of life. Here, we explore various strategies and treatments for managing night sweats, based on recent research findings.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Night Sweats
Self-Help Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (SH-CBT)
Self-help cognitive behavioral therapy (SH-CBT) has shown promising results in managing night sweats, particularly among working women. A study involving women aged 45 to 60 years demonstrated that an unguided SH-CBT booklet significantly reduced the problem rating of hot flushes and night sweats (HFNS) at both 6 and 20 weeks. Additionally, SH-CBT improved work and social adjustment, sleep, and overall well-being, while reducing work impairment due to menopause-related presenteeism.
Nurse-Led Group CBT
For women with breast cancer experiencing HFNS, nurse-led group CBT has also proven effective. This approach, delivered by breast care nurses, significantly alleviated the impact of HFNS, improving sleep and quality of life. This suggests that CBT, whether self-administered or facilitated by healthcare professionals, can be a valuable tool in managing night sweats.
Pharmacological Interventions
Alpha Adrenergic Blockers and Other Medications
Pharmacological treatments can also be effective in managing night sweats. Alpha adrenergic blockers have been found to reduce night sweats in patients taking serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Additionally, medications like thalidomide and thioridazine may benefit terminal cancer patients experiencing night sweats. These findings highlight the potential of targeted pharmacological interventions in specific patient populations.
Dietary Adjustments
Evening Carbohydrate Intake
For patients with long COVID experiencing persistent night sweats, dietary adjustments, particularly incorporating carbohydrates before bedtime, have shown remarkable results. A case series reported that after one week of this dietary intervention, patients experienced a complete resolution of night sweats. This suggests that carbohydrate supplementation could be an affordable and effective solution for managing night sweats in long COVID patients.
Traditional Acupuncture
Acupuncture for Breast Cancer Survivors
Traditional acupuncture has been explored as a non-pharmaceutical method for managing HFNS in women taking tamoxifen for breast cancer. A study involving 50 participants found that acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency of HFNS and improved physical and emotional well-being. These benefits were observed both at the end of treatment and in the longer term, indicating the potential of acupuncture as a sustainable management option.
Conclusion
Managing night sweats effectively requires a multifaceted approach. Cognitive behavioral therapy, whether self-administered or nurse-led, has shown significant benefits. Pharmacological treatments and dietary adjustments also offer promising results for specific patient groups. Additionally, traditional acupuncture provides a non-pharmaceutical alternative with long-term benefits. By exploring and combining these strategies, individuals can find effective relief from night sweats and improve their overall quality of life.
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