Silk sheets can help regulate body temperature, which makes them a wonderful option for fighting the effects of hot flashes. This article discusses how silk sheets work to control body temperature for comfortable sleep.
Inside this Article:
Silk Sheets Regulate Temperature to Help With Hot Flashes
Silk sheets and pillowcases are a wonderful investment in beauty, health, and wellness. Pure silk sheets from Mulberry Park help hair and skin retain moisture; tame tangles and bed head; and minimize sleep wrinkles. Along with being absolutely luxurious in look and feel, our 22 momme silk sheets are also naturally hypoallergenic and gentle on even the most sensitive skin. Silk sheets are also temperature regulating, which makes them a secret weapon for menopausal women fighting the battle against night sweats and hot flashes.
Hot Flashes Demystified
If you've had one, you likely know it. But for the uninitiated, hot flashes are intense feelings of warmth and flushing through the face and body. Also known as “hot flushes,” they are one of the most common menopause symptoms and may be accompanied by increased body temperature, profuse sweating, and even a rapid heart rate. Hot flashes are usually triggered by fluctuating estrogen levels and other hormonal changes in menopause. As such, they are predictably unpredictable. Some last a few moments; others can continue for ten minutes or more. Some women never experience hot flashes; others get them for a decade or longer as they move slowly through perimenopause.
When a hot flash occurs during sleep, it's referred to as a "night sweat." The intense body heat and sweating can leave a woman feeling chilled when the hot flash lets up; this can be particularly uncomfortable and a disruption to sleep patterns.
Can Sleeping on Silk Sheets Help with Hot Flashes?
The short answer is a resounding "yes!" While a silk pillowcase or silk sheets won't cure or prevent hot flashes, they can absolutely help provide relief and comfort.
Mary, the founder of Mulberry Park, sheds light on why thousands of women have made the jump from cotton to silk sheets, saying, "It has to do with silk's unique ability to wick away moisture without getting damp. When cotton sheets get damp, they can no longer absorb the sweat your body produces during a hot flash and you get hot much faster."
In contrast, cotton shuts down the natural cooling process of your body. Silk keeps you cool and -- by wicking away moisture -- also dry. This helps your body return more quickly to normal temperature.
Mary adds, "Silk does things no other natural fiber can do. It really is remarkable and unique in these properties.”
Dermatologists agree that silk sheets are wonderful for regulating body temperature. Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, weighs in, saying, "No matter the season, the moisture-repelling properties and natural, breathable fibers will help avoid sleeping hot and remain cool and dry--both factors that contribute to regulating body temperature during sleep."
What About in Cold Weather? Will Silk Sheets Cool Me Down?
Actually, in cold weather, silk will keep you warm. Silk has a very low conductivity which results in an ability to create a thin air insulation layer that is capable of keeping you warm. When you sweat, silk wicks moisture and keeps you cool; when you're not, it maintains warmth. Silk keeps you cool, but when you aren't sweating, it keeps you warm. It's the perfect option for year-round comfort and luxury.
Silk Sheets: Manage Menopausal Symptoms and Get the Sleep you Deserve
As we said, silk won't stop hot flashes. But they're one of many lifestyle choices and interventions, all of which can help you manage symptoms from the natural changes of menopause:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Wear natural fabrics to better manage body temperature fluctuations
- Keep a cold beverage close by to sip when a hot flash strikes
- Manage stress through meditation, breathing exercises, and other forms of self-care
- Use multiple light layers and fewer blankets on your bed
Lastly, sleep on pure silk sheets and use a silk pillowcase. You'll get a good night's sleep and avoid waking through the night feeling uncomfortable in a pile of soaking sheets. For the greatest benefit, we recommend choosing high-grade sheets like these 22 momme charmeuse silk sheets.
Taking good care of your mulberry silk sheets will extend their beauty and comfort. There's more good news: your Mulberry Park pure silk sheets can be machine washed! Follow our silk linen care guidelines. To extend the life and beauty of your silk sheets, we recommend using a detergent specially formulated for silk and other protein-based natural fibers such as Fine Silk and Wool Detergent by Heritage Park Laundry Essentials.
