Staying hydrated is a greater necessity for survivors, than it is for others (even though it's essential for anyone). Increased sweat production during sleep is a normal affect for nightmares and night terrors, as a survivor's serotonin levels are also different.
You don't need to have been on medications as part of the trauma, or the recovery. The "happiness endorphin" is also crucial for maintaining and regulating body temperature, as well as digestion and other physiological systems.
Dopamine's also crucial, but serotonin's the part that gets hit hardest by trauma. This kinda makes sense as a survival mechanism... happiness isn't a priority when the brain's facing a viable threat to it's existence. So after the dust settles, your brain's used to running on lower (or depleted) levels of it.
Some ways to help mitigate the nocturnal sweating are:
- eating foods that can help boost or supplement serotonin levels;
- don't drink caffeinated liquids (coffee, soda) after the late afternoon;
- get a bit more sunlight exposure, if possible, as the UVB rays are what your body needs to make D3 (a serotonin booster);
- stop using major electronic devices at least 1 hour before bedtime (such as the TV, computer, game systems, smartphones and tablets... clock radios don't produce enough EMF to mess with sleep, though);
- use a "white noise" machine, although a clock radio or ceiling fan works well, too;
- take a lukewarm or room-temperature shower before bed;
- turn your AC down, to about 74 degrees, before bedtime (this helps slow your body's metabolism down enough to make the brain "hibernate").
This isn't a complete list, but the night sweats are a common frustration for many folks with PTSD. Other members have found tricks to help handle it, and I'm interested in hearing what they use.
Wishing you a better night's sleep,
@shatter eyes ! :hug:
