How to Calm Down a Hot Flash – 4 Cooling Must Haves
If you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat or felt that familiar wave of heat sneak up during the day, you know how real (and unpredictable!) hot flashes can be. Over the past few years, I’ve tested several cooling products and these four have truly made a difference in helping to calm down a hot flash. The last one might be quite a surprise. I happened upon it accidentally.
1. The Large Tower Fan — For Hot Flashes at Night
Let’s start with the big one. A quiet, high-powered tower fan has become my nighttime hero. I keep it at the foot of my bed angled slightly upward so the air flows over me without drying out my eyes. The steady breeze makes such a difference when a hot flash hits at 2 a.m. I throw the covers off so the fan and #4 below can cool me down, then I cover back up and go back to sleep. The fan also creates a soothing white noise that helps me fall back asleep faster. Look for one with multiple speed settings so you can choose what’s best for you. This is the one I use:
2. The Zippi Personal Fan — Compact and Travel-Friendly
When I’m away from home (or just need a smaller breeze by my side), I reach for my Zippi personal fan. It’s tiny but mighty with soft nylon blades so even if you accidentally get your fingers in it, it won’t hurt. It’s whisper-quiet, you an adjust the angle, and it’s perfectly sized for travel. I love that it fits easily in my suitcase or can sit right on my bedside table without taking up a ton of space. When visiting family or hotel stays, this little fan saves me.
3. The Battery-Operated Handheld Fan With Cool Blast — My Daytime Lifesaver
For daytime hot flashes, I discovered a handheld fan with a “cool blast” feature. This was a lifesaver when I went with the family to Disney World in 100 degree weather. This fan is lightweight, rechargeable, has adjustable speed, and fits in my purse, a tote bag, or even a large pocket (my husband’s when we were at Disney). When I felt a wave of heat coming on, I turned on the fan. Then a quick press of a button instantly turns the center circle or the ‘cooling zone’ cold. This is then supposed to chill the blowing air. I didn’t feel much of a difference in the air, but I placed that cooling zone against my skin and that definitely felt cold and helped cool me down. That was truly a lifesaver. Not sure how I would have survived Disney without it.
4. The Pet Cooling Mat — My Nighttime Hack for Cooling Down Quickly
This one might sound unexpected — but hear me out! I put a pet cooling mat at the end of my bed for my dog, and discovered it to be a total game-changer for me! When you put pressure on it, it naturally cools — no electricity or freezer time required. When a hot flash wakes me up, I lay on my back, bend my knees and rest the bottom of my feet on the mat. Within a short time, the cooling sensation spreads through my body and helps regulate my temperature so I can get back to sleep. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the smartest ones!
Final Thoughts
Hot flashes can be unpredictable, but they don’t have to control your comfort. These four items — my tower fan, trusty Zippi, handheld cool-blast fan, and genius cooling mat — have made the biggest difference in my life. If you’re going through this too, I hope one (or all!) of these cooling tools helps you find that sweet relief and maybe even a good night’s sleep.
