Lifestyle modification For hot flushes, the following may help: Avoiding triggers (eg, spicy food, bright lights, comforters, predictable emotional reactions) Cooling the environment (eg, lowering the thermostat, using fans, cooling gel mattress toppers [gel-filled layers that are placed over a mattress and dissipate body heat]) Wearing clothing in layers that can be removed as needed may help Exercise and weight loss (2, 3) Devices that cool skin receptors may help some women; they can be worn as wristbands or necklaces or placed on the back of the neck.