Put hot flashes and night sweats on pause during menopause

Four reasons why linen is a woman's best friend

Guest column by Katerina Rothman
Posted 2/25/21

In the United States, approximately 1.3 million women become menopausal each year. Menopause is the time marking the permanent end of menstruation, and typically occurs between the ages of 51 and 52. …

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Put hot flashes and night sweats on pause during menopause

Four reasons why linen is a woman's best friend

Posted

In the United States, approximately 1.3 million women become menopausal each year.

Menopause is the time marking the permanent end of menstruation, and typically occurs between the ages of 51 and 52. This natural biological process can be the beginning of a beautiful time in your life. Many women who go through menopause report feeling more intuitive, finding themselves and discovering their independent voice in new ways.

However, some of the symptoms that come with menopause can also leave you feeling pretty miserable. Research shows that 75% of women experience hot flashes and night sweats during menopause. But you can reduce the discomfort that comes with these symptoms, and get back to enjoying this stage of life.

And the good news is that reducing your symptoms is as easy as choosing the right type of natural sheets and bedding. Flax linen is your new best friend, and here is the truth behind this underutilized fabric that has tremendous value.

1. Linen calms the triggers of hot flashes and night sweats

Before we see how linen sheets can reduce night sweats — the term used to describe hot flashes that occur at night — let’s talk about the causes and some of the triggers.

Doctors are not 100 percent certain why hot flashes occur during menopause. One theory is that hot flashes happen because your blood vessels widen. Other experts think the rise in body temperature is caused by hormonal changes.

One reason this is such a mystery is because while some women barely notice body temperature fluctuations, many find hot flashes to be incredibly uncomfortable. In addition, many women find that certain triggers make their symptoms worse. Common triggers include stress, hot weather, being in a warm room, spicy foods and hot drinks.

The good news is that linen can actually calm these triggers and reduce night sweats. Because of its unique natural properties, linen fabric massages the skin relieving stress and fatigue so you wake up refreshed. Additionally, Beflax Linen’s unique weave pattern is specially crafted to offer a great balance of comfort and weight.

2. Linen resists moisture

If you are going through menopause and use regular sheets now, you probably find yourself waking up drenched with sweat. There’s almost nothing as unpleasant as waking up from a good dream to find you’re laying in a puddle of sweat.

Linen has lots of great qualities that help you feel cooler and sweat less at night. First, linen’s hygroscopic — aka highly absorbent — properties allow it to both absorb the moisture and wick it away from your skin. Linen is one of the most breathable textiles, and additionally, it is a high-thermal regulator meaning that it regulates the exchange of heat between the air and your skin. These properties reduce discomfort for you if you are prone to sweat heavily at night.

3. Linen regulates body temperature

Because linen has these amazing properties, you can use it year-round. Not only will linen sheets help you feel cooler when you sweat, they also have insulative properties that lock in warmth during the winter. This also means that if you’re having night sweats while your partner sleeps cool next to you in the bed, you can both be comfortable. This versatile fabric regulates your body temperature in any season.

4. Linen is hypoallergenic and durable

Linen is also a great choice for women with allergies or sensitive skin because it’s hypoallergenic. Did you know the chemicals added to certain fabrics to make the material softer can cause irritation and inflammation for people with sensitive skin? And if you’re menopausal with sensitive skin, the inflammation can make night sweats even worse.

However, using stone-washing and natural enzymes, it is possible to produce a soft, high-quality fabric without the toxins. The key here is to look for an Oeko-Tex certification. A global network of laboratories tests fabrics for harmful substances, color fading and acidity to guarantee health and safety. So linen’s hypoallergenic properties contribute to a good night’s sleep as well.

Finally, if you’re suffering from night sweats, you also probably wash your sheets and bedding more often. One of the greatest benefits of linen sheets is their durability. Flax fibers are naturally resilient. Because the fiber is taken out of the stem of the plant, flax linen makes some of the strongest, and softest, fabric possible. Additionally, anti-static properties help your sheets stay clean longer and extend your sheets’ lifespan.

Yes, menopause can come with some negative symptoms. But you don’t need to suffer through hot flashes and night sweats. Choose natural sheets and bedding that are light, calming and strong — just like you.

Katerina Rothman, of Denver, is the founder of Beflax Linen. She strives to help her customers sleep better, naturally, with her 100% all-natural, affordable linen. To learn more about Beflax Linen, visit https://beflaxlinen.com/.

Menopause, Linen, Katerina Rothman

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