How well do you sleep? Recent research found that one in four of us struggle to sleep in the heat, which has subsequent effects on daily life. “A staggering 700 of the body’s genes, including those that control the immune system, are affected if you sleep less than six hours a night,” says health psychologist Professor Mark Cropley. And in the height of summer, it can be even harder to drift off. So what can be done?
Drink MORE
Hot flushes by day and night sweats in bed? It’s time to up your water intake. “When you’re asleep, your body temperature can fluctuate by between 1 and 2°C, meaning you can lose up to a litre of water in your sleep, making you prone to headaches upon waking,” says Dr Sarah Brewer.
“Women rarely think about increasing their water intake to counter the fluid loss, and it’s more pertinent for those with heavy night sweats that result in sleep deprivation,” says nutritional therapist Alison Cullen. “Dehydration can also cause heart palpitations – an extra source of draining stress.” Up your water intake to two litres a day and take a fresh herb extract of sage, such as A. Vogel Hot Flush and Night​ Sweat Remedy, R259,95 for 30 tablets, Dis-Chem, with 3 400mg of fresh-sage tincture per tablet. It has been shown to significantly reduce severe night sweats and hot flushes. “Menopausal women can also be prone to urinary tract infections, and the summer heat can increase the risk. Staying hydrated reduces this risk,” says Alison.
Eat RIGHT
Esta historia es de la edición December 2019 de woman & home South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 2019 de woman & home South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Till death do us part
It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages, said Nietzsche. He may be on to something, says Lorraine Kearney
Hit the ROAD
Ensure your vehicle is as ready as you are for your long-awaited summer road trip
Make a meal of it
There are two basic rules when it comes to wine and food pairing: acidic wine with acidic food, and low acid wine with savoury food, Lorraine Kearney learns
Update your GARDEN
Now's the time to refresh your outdoor space
the art of INTERIORS
Colour and texture are the stars of this apartment, writes MARGARET RAFFERTY
FALLING OFF THE DIET WAGON isn't a disaster
Changing your mindset is key when it comes to smashing your health and fitness goals, says Annie Deadman. Already let things slip? It's not over yet
LIFE after BETRAYAL
Broken trust can take on many forms, but there's always one common denominator - a feeling of hurt that can last for decades
The Ties That Bind
We're all humans, which means we all need relationships to survive. stands to reason that good relationships are the best kind to have. There are ways to get there, says Lorraine Kearney
A beauty REVELATION
The self-care sanctuary Nylde Hoffman and Riëtte Lategan introduced to Stellenbosch has become a sought-after location. We spoke to them about how clients and staff are equally important in their success
Love me, LOVE MY MONEY
Married people are generally wealthier than their single counterparts. But finding peace with your partner when it comes to finances can be a tall order