Hot flashes are typically associated with women. That’s because hormonal changes are the most common cause of hot flashes, and women are the most affected by hormonal fluctuations. 

But men can get hot flashes too. They can be hormonal, or have some other causes that we are going to discuss shortly. 

What Do Hot Flashes Feel Like in Men?

Hot flashes feel similar for both men and women. You get a sudden feeling of intense warmth on your upper body concentrated in your head, face and chest. If you have a light skin complexion, hot flashes are accompanied by redness. 

Most people also sweat when a hot flash hits, which causes them to feel chilly once it passes. Some men also experience heart palpitations and increased anxiety during a hot flash. A hot flash can last anywhere between 30 seconds to 5 minutes. 

Causes of Hot Flashes in Men

Similar to women, hot flashes in men are usually hormonal. But it’s not due to hormonal fluctuations such as those women experience during pregnancy and menopause. 

Hormonal hot flashes in men happen due to low testosterone. The normal decline of testosterone levels with age is not enough to cause hot flashes. It’s mostly men who are undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) that get hot flashes. 

ADT is a type treatment for prostate cancer that reduces the production of testosterone or blocks its action (testosterone can worsen prostate cancer). The resulting low T levels affect the brain's thermal control center, the hypothalamus, resulting in hot flashes and cold sweats. 

Hot flashes in men can be caused by other things as well. 

• Alcohol causes blood vessels to widen (dilate) which makes you feel warmer. This can occur as a mild hot flash. If you are already vulnerable to hot flashes, drinking alcohol can trigger them or make them worse. 
• Anxiety can increase body temperature, making it feel like you are experiencing a hot flash. This is usually accompanied by a faster heart rate and palpitations. 
• Any medical condition that causes testosterone levels to drop significantly can also cause hot flashes. This will usually be accompanied by other symptoms of low T like erectile dysfunction, low libido and abnormal fatigue. 

Treatments for Male Hot Flashes

It’s best to talk to a doctor to figure out why you are experiencing hot flashes. If it is related to cancer treatment, the doctor might prescribe medication to combat the symptoms. 

For other conditions that cause low testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy can help reduce the severity of hot flashes. Note that hormone replacement therapy is not recommended for prostate cancer patients as it can make cancer cells grow. 

For hot flashes linked to mental disorders like anxiety and depression, antidepressants can relieve hot flashes. 

A healthier lifestyle with more exercise, a better diet, no smoking and less or no alcohol can also prevent or reduce hot flashes in men. 

Also watch out for triggers that give you hot flashes like spicy foods, caffeine, high sleep temperatures and heavy clothing. 

How to Sleep Well if You Get Hot Flashes

Because hot flashes usually occur at night, they can be quite disruptive. They are linked to insomnia, poor sleep and sleep deprivation. 

So reducing the severity and frequency of hot flashes using the tips we’ve discussed above can help you sleep better. Here are a few more things you can do to sleep well if you get hot flashes. 

• Get breathable bedding that keeps you cool and absorbs sweat. The Hercleon Jax sheets are an excellent choice, and they are also antibacterial. Breathable bedding that keeps you cool can reduce the frequency of hot flashes and make them less severe. On the other hand, poor quality bedding that traps heat can make a hot flash feel twice as uncomfortable. 
• Keep your bedroom cool. We sleep better in cooler environments, and it can also make hot flashes less disruptive. Turn down the thermostat, get a portable or window AC, turn on the bedside fan or use a swamp cooler if you live in a hot and dry climate. 
• Get a bed cooling system like BedJet or ChiliPad. These systems chill your bed to your preferred temperature using air or water. Air-based systems like BedJet are especially good since they provide instant cooling and quickly dry sweat.