As a woman of a certain age (which I will not divulge), I’m in the thick of all things perimenopausal. I wake up every day to dry skin, frizzy hair, moodiness, and many more small changes as I await the big one. The two most irritating issues I’ve been dealing with are hot flashes and insomnia. Often one begets the other. Kate Cashman, Physician Assistant-Certified and Menopause Society-Certified Practitioner, helps me understand why exactly I’m in the hot seat lately.
“Women in menopause and perimenopause can experience a variety of changes in their body due to changing levels of hormones, particularly estrogen, progesterone and testosterone,” she explains. “The most commonly reported symptom by women is ‘vasomotor’ related to temperature dysregulation, or hot flashes. Hot flashes that occur at night during sleep are called night sweats [and] are often reported to be more disruptive.”
Even before menopause, I was a hot sleeper in my early 20s and 30s. I usually ended up swinging my leg over the side of the bed, trying to get some relief from the heat of the covers, even in the dead of winter. True story: One summer, I put the air conditioner down too low and blew our system. I needed hot sleeper relief — Nuuds Pajama Short Set to the rescue.
Nuuds Pajama Short Set
- Soft, lightweight material
- Very cooling
- Fabric doesn’t cling to skin
- May be very short on some
- No pockets
Colorways: 7 | Sizes: XS-3XL | Fabric: 95% rayon, 5% spandex
What is the Nuuds Pajama Short Set?
This matching set of a slightly cropped, boxy tee (don’t worry — it reaches the top of the shorts on most people) and high-waisted drawstring shorts set was created for comfort. According to the brand, the set allows you to feel “nuud” thanks to the 95% rayon, a fabric known for its smooth, silky texture and ability to mimic natural fibers (think silk, cotton, and linen).
The thin fibers allow it to breathe, preventing it from sticking to your body on hot nights (Nuuds’ soft draping doesn’t hurt either). The 5% spandex provides flexibility and a comfortable fit that stretches and moves with your body. The drawstring closure and wide leg openings also help with the “barely there” comfort. They’re available in seven neutral colors that flatter all skin tones, and the brand offers excellent sizing inclusivity up to XXXL.
Why would you need cooling pajamas?
Whether you’re dealing with extreme postpartum night sweats, menopause, or you’re just a hot sleeper, getting a good night’s sleep can be elusive.
“Women in midlife have a myriad of reasons why they’re having trouble sleeping. Insomnia related to hot flashes can be particularly bothersome,” says Cashman. “ Many women report waking up several times a night, resulting in disrupted sleep.” On average, women can experience hot flashes for seven to 10 years after menopause.
She continues: “In perimenopause and menopause, inconsistent hormonal signaling from the ovaries cause confusing messages for the brain. The brain will mistakenly sense an increase in temperature and begin a cooling process by sending cues to the superficial blood vessels in the skin, causing them to dilate.”
This results in increased blood flow to the skin in an attempt to disperse body heat, which causes flushing, sweating, and subsequently a cold chill. “Comfort-fitting clothing in a soft, breathable material may promote a better, more restful sleep than something that is ill-fitting, scratchy, or too hot,” explains Cashman.
How I tried it
I wore these pajamas during Mother Nature’s own transition from winter to spring, so I was already experiencing more warmth and less comfort (hello the sun, shining into my bedroom earlier and birds chirping through open windows). I chose the coffee color because I want all things coffee in the morning.
The fabric was instantly cool once I slipped them on, although it did warm to my skin shortly after. The breathable softness lasted throughout the wear. And no scandals here: The fabric is thick enough to handle a quick run to the store by just tossing on a hoodie and some slip-on sneakers.
Why I like the Nuuds Pajama Short Set
They’re super soft. The fabric is very touchable and feels great against your skin. It’s also a tagless set, which means you won’t have anything scratching your skin during sleep or lounging around the house. It feels like you’re, well, nude.
It’s in the name: If you suffer from itchy skin thanks to menopause, this set’s fabric is almost like liquid — cool and slinky. Were there times I woke up thinking I was naked? Yes.
The elastic waistband is two inches thick, so it stays in place and doesn’t roll down whether you’re tossing around during sleep, lying on the couch, or walking through the house.
You can wear them anywhere. The fully opaque fabric comes in several neutral colors, and the set is modest enough to be worn no matter who’s around. I even tossed on a sweatshirt over the set to head down to the store, and I didn’t give off a PJ vibe.
What to consider
These shorts are made to be worn high-waisted. Since I have a longer torso, when I wore them as suggested I found the shorts a bit too short. Also, I was sad to realize there was not a pocket in sight. If you’re the type of person who carries things around the house in your pajama pockets (*raises hand*), then you might be disappointed, too.
On a funny note — the pajama set is so comfortable that you actually might have trouble remembering they’re actually pajamas. I didn’t wake up to that fact until I was still wearing them two blocks away from the house with our dog. Luckily, the thick fabric just makes it look like a cute matching tee and shorts set, so I don’t think I alarmed anyone in the neighborhood.
The bottom line — don’t sleep on this set. They’re a potential friend during any time of life, especially when you’re hot-stepping through menopause.
More cooling pajamas to shop
Latuza V-Neck Short-Sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set
- Stretchy, breathable fabric
- Satin trim
- Don't tumble dry, says brand
Colorways: 20 | Sizes: XS-3XL | Fabric: 95% viscose made from bamboo, 5% spandex
This pajama set is made from bamboo, which the brand says is super soft and lightweight on the skin. Many Amazon reviewers say this set alleviated night sweats and kept them cool.
Soma Cool Nights Sleepshirt
- Lightweight fabric
- Fabric won't cling to body
- Runs large, per reviews
Colorways: 20 | Sizes: XS-2XL | Fabric: 93% rayon, 7% spandex
The brand says this "Cool Nights" line is specifically designed so the fabric doesn't cling to your skin, so you can expect this sleep shirt to be comfortable and breezy.
Quince 100% European Linen Pajama Set
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Hypoallergenic fabric
- Runs large, per reviews
Colorways: 8 | Sizes: XS-XL | Fabric: 100% linen
Made from breathable linen, the brand says this pajama set will wick away moisture, making it a great option for night sweaters. Many reviewers say the set is comfortable and "perfect for summer."
Meet the expert
- Kate Cashman is a PA-C, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, certified functional nutrition informed professional, and founder of Journey Health.
Why trust Shop TODAY?
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Cheryl Fenton is a freelance writer for Shop TODAY. She’s been a writer and editor with 25 years of experience on the lifestyle beat, and is co-host of Everything Hurts, a podcast for middle-aged women who want to laugh about getting older (menopause included).
Sealy Molded Bed Pillow
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