Activewear for POTS & Heat Intolerance: Managing the 'Temperature Roll

Activewear for POTS & Heat Intolerance: Managing the 'Temperature Rollercoaster'

For individuals living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and other forms of Dysautonomia, the simple act of "getting moving" isn't just a physical challenge—it’s a thermal one. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating everything from heart rate to body temperature, and when that system glitches, it creates what many in the community call the "temperature rollercoaster."

One moment, you are experiencing a sudden, intense surge of heat; the next, you are shivering as your body overcorrects. While medical-grade compression is often a non-negotiable tool for managing blood pooling, the fabric choice of your activewear for POTS can be the difference between a successful day and a total symptomatic "crash."

The "Plastic Wrap" Problem: Why Synthetics Fail Heat Intolerance

Most modern activewear is made from petroleum-based synthetics like polyester and nylon. These fabrics are marketed as "moisture-wicking," but for those with dysautonomia heat regulation issues, they often act like a plastic barrier. Polyester is hydrophobic—it doesn’t absorb moisture; it simply waits for you to turn into a puddle of liquid sweat before moving it to the surface.

By the time standard activewear begins "wicking," your core temperature has already spiked. This trapped heat can trigger tachycardia and dizziness, exacerbating POTS symptoms. Furthermore, many women find that activewear for hot flashes and autonomic heat spikes needs to be proactive, not reactive. You need a fabric that manages temperature before you start to sweat, not after you’re already overheating.

Merino Wool: The Biological Buffer for Dysautonomia

Lightweight Merino wool is the ideal best fabric for temperature regulation because it is a "bio-fabric." Unlike synthetic fibers, Merino is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture in its vapor state. It pulls humidity away from your skin and releases it into the atmosphere before it ever condenses into liquid sweat.

This creates a stable microclimate against your skin, helping to blunt the sharp peaks of the temperature rollercoaster. However, while 100% Merino is soft, it can lack the "snap-back" needed for active movement. This is why a performance blend is essential. Understanding the difference between 100% Merino vs 95/5 blends is key for POTS patients; the addition of 5% elastane provides the structural reinforcement and recovery needed for leggings and tanks without sacrificing the wool's natural cooling properties.

Managing the "Flash-Freeze" Effect

A common struggle with clothing for autonomic dysfunction is the rapid transition from hot to cold. When a heat spike subsides and you are left in damp synthetic clothing, the plastic fibers cool down almost instantly. This leads to a bone-chilling cold that can be just as disruptive as the initial heat.

Merino wool excels here through a process called "sorption heat." As the fibers absorb moisture, they actually release a tiny amount of heat, preventing that rapid drop in body temperature. This helps eliminate the common question of why do I get cold after a workout or a symptomatic episode. Merino keeps your temperature on a gentle wave rather than a vertical drop.

Layering Strategies for POTS & Sensory Comfort

Because Dysautonomia often comes with sensory processing sensitivities, the "feel" of the fabric is just as important as its function. Estroni’s ultra-fine Merino is non-itchy and soft against the skin, providing a "low-tox" environment that is free from the endocrine-disrupting chemicals often found in treated synthetics.

The Base Layer: A 95/5 Merino tank or tee should be your first layer. This manages the vapor phase of sweat and keeps your core stable.
The Compression Layer: If you use medical compression stockings, wear your Merino layers over or under them to provide a breathable buffer that prevents "sweat trapping" against the skin.
The Recovery Layer: Always have a long-sleeve Merino layer nearby to put on immediately after movement to prevent the "post-exertion chill."

A Sustainable, Health-First Choice

Choosing natural fibers isn't just about managing symptoms—it’s about long-term health. Synthetic clothes shed microplastics that can be absorbed through the skin, especially when pores are open during a heat spike. By opting for Merino-rich activewear, you are choosing a plastic-free alternative that supports both your autonomic nervous system and the environment.

Managing POTS is a full-time job. Your clothing should be a tool that works with your body’s natural cooling systems, not a barrier that works against them. It’s time to get off the temperature rollercoaster and into a fabric designed for the complexity of everyday movement.