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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Experience night sweats? Don't ignore them, says sleep expert — here's why
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Any number of things can keep you from getting a good night's rest. Among common offenders, night sweats affect as much as 41 percent of primary care patients. While hormonal imbalances are well-known culprits, they're far from the only causes. Moreover, how can you tell if you're actually experiencing night sweats—or if you simply run hot or have a sub-optimal sleep environment? And if you are dealing with true night sweats, how can you pinpoint the cause? More importantly, can you stop them from sabotaging your sleep and well-being? We're asking a sleep medicine physician and digging deeper into the research to find out. What are night sweats Night sweats are recurring episodes of excessive sweating that occur while you sleep. They differ from infrequent bouts of overheating at night, which can happen now and then due to environmental factors. According to Andrea Matsumura, MD, MS, FACP, FAASM, board-certified sleep medicine physician at Sleep Goddess MD, running hot at night can occur if your room is too warm, your bedding is heavy, or you've consumed alcohol or spicy food before sweats, on the other hand, are often a sign of an underlying health condition. They tend to stand out with a few key traits: Frequency and severity. 'If you're waking up drenched in sweat multiple nights per week and needing to change your clothes or sheets, that's a red flag,' says Dr. Matsumura. Adverse symptoms. If you experience night sweats alongside other symptoms—including but not limited to weight loss, fever, menstrual irregularities, chronic fatigue, or mood swings—Dr. Matsumura says a bigger health issue may be at play. What causes night sweats? Hormone changes Hormonal fluctuations are among the most common causes of night sweats—especially for women. 'Fluctuating estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause are some of the most common triggers,' says Dr. Matsumura. Per a 2023 review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), approximately 50 to 75 percent of women experience night sweats, hot flashes or both during the menopausal transition. A lower percentage of women may also experience night sweats during pregnancy. 'Even menstrual cycle shifts can cause temporary night sweats for some women,' Dr. Matsumura adds. Medication Certain medications can also cause night sweats by affecting the nervous system, hormone levels, or body temperature regulation. According to Dr. Matsumura, medications that contribute to night sweats include but aren't limited to: Antidepressants Pain relievers Fever-reducing drugs Steroids Some blood pressure medications 'If your medication list has changed recently, it's worth consulting with your doctor,' she shares. Sleep disorders Sleep apnea is mainly associated with breathing issues while asleep. 'However, those with sleep apnea may also see an uptick in night sweats,' says Dr. Matsumura. In one Icelandic study, over 30 percent of males and 33 percent of females with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) reported nocturnal sweating three or more times per week, which was three times higher in untreated OSA patients than in the general population. Per an observational study published in the journal Sleep and Breathing, patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who had night sweats also had a higher hypoxic burden (which is essentially a measure of how severe and frequent oxygen drops are during sleep). Essentially, night sweats can result from not getting enough oxygen throughout the night. Health conditions A range of different health conditions can result in night sweats. Dr. Matsumura says these include but aren't limited to hyperthyroidism, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes, infections, and certain cancers. Reasons can involve a range of mechanisms, including those that overlap with medications—such as effects on the nervous system, hormones, and body temperature regulation—but also metabolic and immune responses. For instance, hyperthyroidism (i.e., a chronically overactive thyroid) increases metabolism and body temperature, leading to excess warmth and sweating that can occur both day and night. Mental health Mental health challenges often interfere with sleep, and night sweats are no exception. 'Anxiety, stress, and depression can activate the sympathetic nervous system at night,' says Dr. Matsumura. 'This essentially mimics the body's fight-or-flight response, which can lead to sweating.' But that's not all. 'Nightmares and night terrors caused by mental health issues can also lead to sweating episodes,' she adds. How to stop night sweats If you suspect that you're dealing with night sweats (potentially alongside other symptoms), be sure to consult your physician for guidance. They'll not only be able to help decipher if and why you're sweating through the night, but also help you achieve cooler, higher-quality sleep and support overall health. 'If night sweats are disrupting your sleep or quality of life, don't ignore them,' advises Dr. Matsumura. 'Sleep is when your body restores and regulates itself, and persistent disruption can have knock-on effects on your overall health.' On top of seeking professional guidance, these tips and tricks can help manage or reduce night sweats: Dietary and lifestyle changes While severe night sweats will likely require medical intervention, a few dietary and lifestyle tweaks can help avoid exacerbating the issue. Some expert-backed food for thought? 'Cut back on alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and heavy meals before bed,' Dr. Matsumura shares. On the lifestyle front, carving out time and space to wind down before sleeping can also elicit positive changes. Why not creative your own nighttime routine? For example, 'Guided relaxation and journaling before bed can help calm the nervous system,' says Dr. Matsumura. Create a cool bedroom environment Your bedroom environment can make or break your sleep quality—not to mention make a dent on how mild or severe your night sweats are. For starters, the best temperature for sleeping ranges from 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celcius). So set your thermostat with these temperatures in mind. Keeping your room dark via blackout shades, as well as running a fan, can also help with temperature regulation. In addition, Dr. Matsumura suggests that those with night sweats use breathable sheets and consider investing in a cooling mattress and/or topper. Exercise regularly Consistent exercise works wonders for just about every aspect of your health. It even has the potential to mitigate night sweats. 'Daily movement can help regulate hormones and improve sleep,' says Dr. Matsumura. There's just one catch: Aim to avoid intense workouts 2 to 3 hours before bedtime, as they can be too stimulating. If you prefer high-intensity workouts, aim to schedule them earlier in the day. If you only have time to move your body at night, aim for lower intensity forms of movement such as walking, yoga or gentle stretching. Use our guide on how to exercise for better sleep. Medical interventions Night sweats often indicate that an underlying health condition is at play. That said, it's important to discuss your symptoms in detail with a medical professional. Different causes may warrant diverse protocols—including but not limited to medications—to reduce not only night sweats but also other symptoms. 'If the root cause is thyroid dysfunction, sleep apnea, or a side effect of medication, treatment should target that specific issue,' Dr. Matsumura explains. Moreover, if perimenopause or menopause is driving your night sweats, your provider may suggest interventions tailored to your unique needs. 'For menopausal women, hormone therapy (estrogen) or non-hormonal options like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs), gabapentin, or clonidine can be prescribed depending on your health profile,' she concludes. Always ensure you consult with a physician before taking any new medication.
Vogue
17-07-2025
- Health
- Vogue
9 Dry Body Oils to Maximize Your Summer Glow
Think of dry body oil mists as the 2.0 version of regular body oils—maintaining the same nourishing benefits, while drying down at lightening speed to a weightless finish that leaves skin feeling silky smooth. That's right, you don't have to worry about ruining your clothes while getting dressed. 'Dry body oil mists are a better option if you don't like the feel of oily residue,' board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman tells Vogue, '[whereas] body oils tend to be thicker in consistency and take longer to absorb onto the skin.' Think of it this way: dry oils achieve radiance sans grease. Vogue's Favorite Dry Body Oil Mists In This Story So then, can't you dabble in DIY by pouring your favorite body oil into a spray bottle? Not quite! 'The distinction between body oils and dry body oil sprays comes down to texture, absorption rate, and finish," board-certified nurse practitioner Vanessa Coppola tells. "Traditional body oils tend to be richer (think coconut oil) for a longer-lasting occlusive barrier. Dry body oils, by contrast, are formulated with lighter, fast-absorbing esters, like caprylic/capric triglyceride or isopropyl myristate, that deliver hydration without weight, and almost no transfer.' Another perk? There's no slathering required when applying these formulas—just spritz and go to leave skin hydrated. With all that in mind, peruse our nine favorite dry body oil mists, for a convenient hydration and glow (so convenient, in fact you can even spray it on-the-go). Best French Pharmacy: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil $28 AMAZON
Medscape
15-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Should Primary Care Physicians Offer Cosmetic Procedures?
In 2005, a patient of mine dropped out of my weight-loss program. She returned a few weeks later and said, 'I'm ready to lose weight again. My face looked older after the weight loss, so I got someone to inject Restylane.' Her statement put me in an ethical dilemma. Here's why. I had worked to become board-certified as an internist, but during my training in Birmingham, Alabama, I traveled the state and had privileges in fourteen different emergency rooms. I loved the rush that came with working in the emergency department — the need for rapid diagnosis and the soul satisfaction of resolving life-threatening situations. So, after residency, I worked for 10 years as an emergency room physician in a busy, urban, underserved ER before finally opening my practice in 2000. At this point, I did not think you were a "real doctor" if you only saw patients in the office. Staying true to my beliefs, I made rounds at the hospital before and after heading to the office so I could take care of my own critical care patients in intensive care. To me, radiologists were just technicians who got paid to look at the radiograph the day after it matters (while drinking a cappuccino in their dimly lit pub), and plastic surgeons were wizards when putting a face back together after trauma but meretricious in the office setting. I thought Botox cosmetic (approved by the FDA around this time) was something that no real doctor would do. I was an asshole. But after my patient told me that she only felt comfortable proceeding with the weight loss that would lower her blood pressure and correct her hyperglycemia once her face was injected with a cosmetic filler, my ethics were challenged: Another physician's cosmetic injection helped my patient lose weight and improve her health. I decided I should learn to do cosmetic injections. So, I discovered the top cosmetic injector in the world at the time, Mark Baily, MD, in Toronto, Canada. He and his nurse practitioners were doing an astronomical number of injections across multiple locations. I visited him more than once to learn his techniques, and he showed me things that are still not widely known. And Dr Baily was a family practitioner. On both of my visits, he started his lectures with a photograph of a Canadian pediatrician who committed suicide. He said, 'This pediatrician was working night and day. He was a very devoted physician who was adored by many and prioritized patient care over paperwork. Then, he got his paperwork wrong. Following an audit, the Canadian government fined him $108,000. After this incident, he became despondent and committed suicide. If you are a primary care physician, you must offer cosmetic procedures to finance your bad habit of taking care of sick people.' I listened. I came home and, using his techniques, became the top Allergan account from New Orleans to Destin, Florida, within the first 18 months of administering these procedures. 'After you lose 30 pounds, reward yourself with a syringe of Restylane,' I would say. Of course, when the word was out, men and women who were not part of my weight loss program came to me for services. A Young Woman Schools Me Even though I was a high-volume injector, I still felt the need to justify my provision of cosmetic services by considering it "bait" to attract people to my office so that I could make them healthier. I was still mostly an asshole. Then, a woman in her 20s returned to my office about 3 months following a Juvéderm treatment. She said, 'I saved my money as a rent-a-maid to buy that Juvéderm syringe. I did not tell you then that 2 weeks before seeing you, I was raped. After you treated my face, it helped my confidence so much that I left an abusive relationship, got a new, higher-paying job, and have a side gig as a fitness model. I wanted to make my life match my face.' The lights came on. 'Oh, wow. I'm such an asshole,' I thought. 'Who am I to tell someone what their pain should be? If their pain is cosmetic, I can meet them there and relieve that pain, and in turn they might become interested in my internal medicine knowledge. But even if they aren't interested, it's still a good day's work.' After that day, I became fanatical, reading every book and attending every course I could find about cosmetic injections — and I still do. Plastic surgeons became my heroes, and to this day, I am a frequent referrer to the plastic surgeons in my area. The verdict is still out for radiologists. Not the Only One As I've confessed above, I had a bad attitude toward cosmetic procedures prior to 2005. But I wasn't alone in that sentiment. Initially, Allergan focused its marketing of cosmetic Botox to plastic surgeons and dermatologists, but those specialties wanted to do surgery and rejected lowly cosmetic injections. After seeing the slow adoption of Botox by the chosen few, the company eventually relented and started marketing it to primary care physicians around 2004. Simultaneously, Allergan started pioneering powerful direct-to-consumer marketing. Cosmetic injections were not considered standard training for plastic surgeons or dermatologists until sometime between 2015 and 2020. A 2014 report lamented the lack of standardized injection training for dermatologists, and a similar report in 2019 found that the training that was being offered was inconsistent and inadequate. Patient demand and expectations eventually triggered reformation of physician attitudes. In 2022, Objective Structured Assessment Tools were finally established for plastic surgery and dermatology residencies. Still, then and now, you will often find the physician extender (ie, nurse practitioner, RN, or PA) performing the cosmetic injections in the office of a plastic surgeon whose website states that only board-certified plastic surgeons should do cosmetic injections. Back to the Question & 10 Considerations As an internist who first picked up a Botox syringe 21 years ago, I will offer a few considerations about the question, 'Should primary care physicians offer cosmetic procedures?' 1. Toxins are safe. Give pause before fillers and energy sources . The LD50 for cosmetic botulinum toxin is about 100 times the dosages usually given with cosmetic injections. Stay away from pregnant women and those with neurologic disease (eg, Myasthenia gravis), and about the worst you can do is a droopy eyelid or a bruise. Hyaluronic acid fillers and energy (laser and radiofrequency) are trickier but can be performed safely with proper training. 2. Almost anyone can become an excellent cosmetic injector within a few weeks. For 15 years, I have been teaching monthly hands-on workshops regarding cosmetic injections. I also wrote a textbook and have an online course on this topic. I know that with the right curriculum — and a hand and eye steady enough to put a needle in a spot the size of a pea — just about anyone can be a very good injector within a few weeks. 3. Cosmetic injections are the best, cheapest, and safest way for a primary care physician to use cosmetic procedures to help finance their medical practice . If you are a physician, I hope the following facts disturb you: Medicare pays about $225 for a level 5 visit with a new patient and about $160 for a level 5 visit with an established patient — a visit that takes about 60 minutes and involves complicated problems where you may need to write prescriptions and you may be called in the middle of the night. Not to mention, half of what you make taking care of sick people goes to overhead. And if you make a mistake, someone could die. The top massage at the Marriott near my home costs $680. Becoming a licensed massage therapist takes as little as 6 months of school. Plus, nobody will call you in the middle of the night, and there's very little risk of anyone dying. When you consider that someone with a folding massage table is making 2-3 times what you make as a primary care physician, I hope you will decide that you really do need — and deserve — a way to help finance your noble practice of caring for the sick. And now that Amazon is selling doctor visits by video for $49, or a text-messaging doctor's visit for $29 , you really do need to offer something that requires a physical visit to your office if you hope to keep the doors unlocked. 4. Your patient can afford you — and her sister can, too. Most people want and expect their insurance to pay for illness but are prepared to pay out-of-pocket for cosmetic work, especially when the procedure costs the equivalent of a trip or two to the hair salon. 5. Offering cosmetic procedures will benefit your patients with hard-to-treat medical problems. For example, botulinum toxin is very well-supported as a treatment for bruxism. However, it is still off-label for that indication and therefore not covered by insurance. So, cosmetic injectors are typically the only providers offering this treatment. The same is true for depression and erectile dysfunction. 6 . Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is the safest of them all. I know, I am biased on this topic: I have developed several PRP-based procedures (ie, Vampire Facelift, O-Shot, P-Shot, Vampire Facial), trained thousands of physicians in over 50 countries, and started a supporting organization. Still, with over 18,000 papers referenced on PubMed regarding PRP, only a handful of serious sequelae are documented. It's an excellent way to get started and is a fabulous example of the overlap between medical and cosmetic care. 7. Your patients would rather see you. If you are a primary care physician who decides to offer cosmetic procedures, individuals outside your practice may come to you for cosmetic work. However, you will still primarily treat your current patients: They want to see you, not the plastic surgeon down the street. Just be well-trained, and these cosmetic offerings will be much safer than many of your other routine medical therapies. 8. Your local plastic surgeon, if they are smart, wants you to do this . Many patients don't consider seeing a plastic surgeon until they've experienced the confidence boost that comes from a few simple cosmetic injections. These noninvasive treatments can allow patients to feel more comfortable exploring aesthetic medicine in an environment that is much more regulated than a "med-spa." Your practice can then refer patients to local plastic surgeons after these initial positive experiences. 9 . You will have fun. During my years as an ER doctor, a bad day could mean the death of a child. As an internist, it might involve delivering a life-altering diagnosis of breast cancer to a woman. But a bad day in your cosmetic injection practice is usually no worse than a patient getting an unsightly bruise. By offering these procedures, you get to see your patients more often when they are healthy and happy — not when they are burdened by chronic and painful conditions. 10. Do NOT buy an expensive laser or any other expensive machine . Until half of your day is filled with cosmetic injection patients, that pricey laser will sit in the corner gathering dust, eating the money in your bank, and serving — primarily — as a table for your coffee cup. The salesperson for the machine thinks you are gullible and not a good businessperson. Do not prove them right. Start with cosmetic injections; you need a bottle, a few syringes, a centrifuge, and a little practice. Take Care of Yourself So You Can Take Care of Others At one time, I was the medical director of a few nursing homes. I would tell people that my 30- and 50-year-old patients financed my joy in caring for my 90-year-old patients. When you consider that the so-called 'core' physicians who first snubbed cosmetic injections now want exclusive rights to them, you may feel a more comfortable with your own ethical dilemma and embrace my first teacher's axiom: If you practice primary care, you must learn cosmetic injections to finance your bad habit of taking care of sick people. You will change lives for the better while having fun.
Health Line
09-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
How to Get Better Skin with Less Effort, According to Experts
A simplified skin care routine can have a great effect on the health of your skin. We know more about how to care for our skin than ever before, but with a dizzying array of science-based options out there all vying for a spot on our bathroom counter, things can get overwhelming fast. If you've ever bailed on a shopping cart full of serums, moisturizers, exfoliants, and creams in a state of skin care routine overload, this guide is for you. Keep it simple — and smart. Instead of trying to maintain a 10-step routine every day, break down your regimen into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. What to do every day 1. Cleanse your skin every night Your skin may be fine with skipping a morning wash, or sticking to just water or a very quick wipe with cleansing (aka micellar) water. But when it comes to your nighttime routine, cleaning off the slurry of makeup, sunscreen, dirt, oil, and bacteria teeming in your pores is a must. Cleansing tip: David Lortscher, MD, board certified dermatologist, is in favor of micellar water: 'It cleanses, removes makeup, and moisturizes in one step by using tiny molecules — micelles — that pull the dirt and oil out of your skin.' Follow that step up with a gentle cleanser. If you'd rather double cleanse (without micellar water), use an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup and sunscreen, followed by a foaming cleanser. If your skin doesn't tolerate foaming cleansers, then use a gentle non-foaming product. This is a thorough but super gentle way to cleanse everything off of your skin without stripping it. 2. Wear sunscreen Yes, we've all heard the warnings and are still tempted to zip out for errands sans sunscreen, or to dodge that familiar greasy, heavy feeling — but sun damage goes far beyond just a tan: UV radiation is behind photoaging, inflammation, and skin cancer. Lortscher estimates that UV damage is responsible for 'up to 80% of skin aging' and recommends a minimum of SPF 30 UVA and UVB protection daily. SPF tip: Use a stand-alone sunscreen. Even if your daily moisturizer or makeup has a stated SPF, keep in mind that the SPF rating is based on a volume of sunscreen that's far more than people think — 2 milligrams per square centimeter of skin, to be exact. That's 1/4 teaspoon on average. You should apply 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to your face and body, which is about the size of a shot glass. For your face specifically, use a nickel-sized amount. You can't add up SPF Keep in mind that even if you're wearing multiple products with SPF, you can't 'add up' the SPFs to equal 30. You need to make sure that one of the products is SPF 30 on its own. 3. Think about your skin concerns Don't feel like you have to slather on everything every day. Instead, focus on what your skin needs. Does it need a moisturizer to fight dryness? Or is it dehydrated? Are you using a prescription that needs to be applied daily? Your skin's needs may change wildly due to climate, season, weather, and age. If you wake up on a humid day and can't bear the thought of applying your usual rich moisturizer, swap it for a lighter pick. Don't feel like you have to do the same thing every day — your regimen should be enjoyable and relaxing. Routine tip: The best routine is a doable one. Once you've taken care of the basics, it's OK to stop there or add steps and products if you feel like it. You can pamper your winter-dry skin with an overnight sleeping pack or soothe summer skin with a refreshing sheet mask. What to do every week 1. Exfoliate with restraint Even with regular cleansing, layers of dead skin can build up on the surface, leaving your face feeling rough or dull. Exfoliating once a week can help your skin look and feel smoother, brighter, and will reduce the likelihood of clogged pores. Beware of manual exfoliants (aka scrubs) Scrubs featuring rough or sharp particles can cause microtears in the skin. Scrubs can also worsen acne, Lortscher explains, as the 'friction from aggressive scrubbing will backfire. This causes irritation, and irritation leads to more acne.' Instead of a scrub, consider a chemical exfoliant, such as an AHA or BHA. These dislodge excess dead skin, allowing it to be gently wiped away. Pro tip: Daily or weekly, not both. Some AHA/BHA chemical exfoliants are designed for daily use. If you're already using a daily exfoliant, you may want to avoid a more intense once-weekly exfoliation, as your skin will already be more sensitive. If not, your skin might benefit from a weekly exfoliant to slough off dead skin. 2. Declog your pores Check out the state of your pores: Is your nose teeming with blackheads and sebaceous filaments? Even though you shouldn't try to extract them yourself, congested pores are annoying at best and inviting acne at worst. A purifying face mask, such as a clay- or charcoal-based mask, or a gentle oil massage may help to loosen clogs and minimize the appearance of your pores. Just don't pick at your skin! What to do once a month 1. Check your expiry dates From face masks to serums, you may not use up products before they expire. Once a month, check the expiration dates of your products for anything that needs to be tossed. Even though the sweltering humidity may have you skipping your richer moisturizers, leftovers don't mean they're still good to use — especially if it's a product you scoop out with your fingers. This method could possibly introduce bacteria or contaminants, allowing them to thrive in the jar. Consider discarding these products after 6 months. 2. Skin self-check 1. Chemical peels Daily chemical exfoliation is one thing, but full-on chemical peels aren't something you should be trying at home. Glycolic acid, one of the most commonly used alpha-hydroxy acid exfoliants, can cause increased photosensitivity that can last up to a week even at a low daily concentration. Considering the high concentrations and increased risk of damage with chemical peels, it's best to have these procedures in the office of a professional who can guide you through post-peel care and precautions. 2. Squeezing and popping clogged pores We've all been there — you wake up the morning before a big event, and you've got an unwelcome blemish waving at you from every reflective surface. As tempting as it may be to squeeze that zit to oblivion — don't! See your dermatologist for something that will usually shrink this within 36 hours, like a cortisone shot. 3. Extractions Those eye-catching blackheads and bumpy whiteheads may look ripe for emptying. But restrain yourself from going on a search-and-destroy mission! Extractions are something that is best done by a professional. 4. Skin diagnosis and treatment As inviting as it is to look for solutions to serious skin troubles in over-the-counter products and popular remedies, self-diagnosis and DIY treatment can be frustrating at best. At worst, you may actually damage your skin. 'In the case of mild acne, over-the-counter medications along with aesthetician treatments may be sufficient,' says Lortscher, but for 'more inflamed, extensive, or unresponsive acne, prescription medications are usually indicated, and can only be obtained from a dermatologist or other licensed medical provider.' Also, don't forget to ask your dermatologist for a baseline skin cancer check once a year, or whenever you see a spot you're concerned about. Do you need a dermatologist or an aesthetician? 'If you want a facial treatment, need product recommendations, have some mild breakout or dry patches on your skin, you might call your aesthetician,' suggests Lortscher, but for 'stubborn acne, [and] other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or skin growths, you'll want to make an appointment with your dermatologist.' Pro tip See a derm for serious aesthetic concerns that might require surgery, especially if you're at higher risk for adverse side effects due to having a darker skin type or a propensity for scarring (such as keloids).
