Hot flashes caught up with me this summer. Night after night I’ve been waking up in the wee hours covered in sweat. I thought my new cotton sheets would make things better but no, when I woke in the morning I’d find them damp. I’d seen advertisements about wicking nighties, made from the same types of fabrics used for athletes and outdoors people. The nighties are pricey and I didn’t want to buy one without knowing they worked. So, I went on a quest for information and started a thread on Vibrant Nation (a social networking site for women over 50,) asking “Has anyone tried wicking nightgowns?” I received lots of replies and am now ready to report on what I learned.
First I learned why cotton doesn’t work (thank you Leslie Hanes of Discovery Trekking.) Yes, it is the fabric of our lives and all that but cotton fibers absorb moisture and hold it…lots of it. This explains why my wonderful, soft, 600-count, all-cotton sheets become damp and uncomfortable when the sweating starts, as does my Target all-cotton nightie (endearingly called “the sack” by my husband.) According to Leslie, “true wicking fabric pulls moisture ‘around’ the fibers and spreads it across the surface so it quickly evaporates.”
So, does it work? I ordered a wicking nightgown from Haralee and I am here to report, I love, love, love it. I’m still waking up hot, but with the nightgown, I’m not drenched anymore and my sheets stay dry. If I could get away with it I would wear my nightie all day. Alan says it looks like I’m wearing an evening gown, but I know that is mainly from the shock of seeing me in something other than “the sack.”
If you have a similar problem you should consider a nightie made from wicking fabric. For me, it’s just the right thing!
Exciting News! BlogHer has syndicated our article, The Practical Mom’s Guide to Outfitting Your Teen for College: Dorm Life
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I am so happy you are staying cool!
Hey Nancy – I’m currently on the hunt for king-sized sheets for our, soon to be delivered, king-sized mattress. You’re right, LL Bean, Lands End and others are quite pricey, but I want that brushed, pure cottony soft feel. I’m ready to order some Target sheets on your recommendation! Can you send me the link to the exact sheets you are so happy with? Thanks! Terry
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