Night sweats are repeated episodes of heavy sweating during sleep, intense enough to soak your pajamas or bedding. These episodes are often triggered by an underlying condition or illness. However, not all instances of nighttime sweating are classified as night sweats. For example, suppose you wake up sweaty because your bedroom is too warm or you are covered in too many blankets. In that case, this discomfort is not typically associated with a medical condition.
Common Causes of Night Sweats
Other concerning symptoms, such as fever, weight loss, pain in a specific area, cough, or diarrhea usually accompany night sweats. If you wake up drenched in sweat when it’s not hot, you might be experiencing night sweats. This condition can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age.
Even without an underlying medical condition, other factors can contribute to night sweats. For example, a bedroom that’s too warm can cause sweating, as can heavy, thick bedding and certain mattress materials, like memory foam, which trap heat. Eating spicy, fatty, or sugary foods before bed can lead to indigestion and sweating, and alcohol is also known to trigger night sweats.
Night sweats involve heavy sweating during sleep, intense enough to soak your pajamas or bedding. These episodes are often triggered by an underlying condition or illness. However, not all instances of nighttime sweating are classified as night sweats; warm bedrooms or too many blankets typically don’t indicate a medical issue. Common causes include:
Hormonal Changes:
- Menopause (up to 80% affected)
- Pregnancy
- Thyroid disorders
Medical Conditions:
- Cancers
- Spinal cord injuries
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Mercury poisoning
Infections and fever also can induce body sweats to regulate temperature. Medications such as antidepressants, diabetes drugs, hormone-altering treatments, or cholinergic drugs also can be a root cause of night sweats.
Anxiety and Stress:
- Night sweats can be linked to mental health issues like anxiety and stress
- Symptoms may include persistent worry or fear, sleep disturbances, digestive issues, unexplained aches and pains, mood changes, and general fatigue
- Addressing anxiety or stress, possibly with a therapist, may alleviate symptoms
Tips to Manage and Minimize Night Sweats
A doctor can help determine the cause of your night sweats and develop an appropriate treatment plan. While night sweats can be uncomfortable, they are often manageable with the right approach and medical guidance.
- Wear loose-fitting pajamas made of natural fibers like cotton or linen
- Use lightweight, adjustable bedding
- Maintain a cool sleep environment with a fan or air conditioning
- Sip cold water throughout the night
- Exercise regularly during the day
- Avoid triggers before bed: alcohol, smoking, caffeine, spicy foods, late-night exercise
Occasional night sweats that don’t disrupt your sleep quality significantly are typically not a cause for concern. However, if you experience persistent night sweats, especially with other troubling symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Symptoms warranting medical attention include unexplained weight loss, persistent body aches, high fever and chills, chronic or bloody cough, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
A doctor can help determine the underlying cause of your night sweats and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs. While night sweats can be uncomfortable, they are often manageable with the right approach and medical guidance. Connect with the Alaska Sleep Clinic to schedule your consultation to help relieve your night sweats.
