10 Reasons You May Be Sweating at Night

Night sweats are those drenching episodes of sweating that leave your sheets and pajamas uncomfortably wet. Unlike regular sweating to control your body temperature, night sweats tend to be caused by something else. Though often harmless, persistent night sweats can also indicate a deeper medical concern. Let’s take a look at some of the possible reasons behind this sleep-disrupting experience.

Reasons You May Be Sweating at Night

1. Menopause

One of the most common culprits for night sweats, especially in women, is menopause. As estrogen levels decline during this natural transition, a woman’s internal thermostat can become dysregulated. This leads to hot flashes and excessive sweating that can happen day or night.

2. Medications

Multiple medications list sweating as a side effect. These include:

  • Antidepressants: Especially SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • Steroids: Corticosteroids such as prednisone
  • Pain Relievers: Some, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and aspirin
  • Hormone therapy: Used for various reasons, hormone treatments can contribute to night sweats

If you suspect medication is the cause of your sweating, never stop taking them without consulting your doctor. Your doctor may be able to recommend alternatives or manage the side effects.

3. Infections

Our bodies sometimes use perspiration to help fight off infections. Some common infections that trigger night sweats include:

Night sweats with other symptoms like fever, chills, or weight loss require a doctor’s assessment to rule out underlying infections.

4. Stress & Anxiety

When stressed or anxious, our bodies activate the ‘fight or flight’ response, which raises body temperature and leads to sweating. Chronic stress and anxiety disorders can exacerbate the problem, even during sleep.

5. Thyroid Issues

An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) causes your metabolism to work in overdrive all the time. This can make you hot and sweaty throughout the day and night. Conversely, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) may also contribute to night sweats, though this is less common.

6. Sleep Disorders

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes periods where you stop breathing throughout the night. These episodes cause stress that can lead to sweating as your body tries to catch its breath.

7. Idiopathic Hyperhidrosis

Sometimes, excessive sweating (which includes night sweats) occurs with no specific identifiable cause. This condition is termed idiopathic hyperhidrosis. It simply means your body produces too much sweat for no apparent reason.

8. Cancer

Night sweats can occasionally be a symptom of certain cancers, particularly:

  • Lymphoma: Cancer of the lymphatic system
  • Leukemia: Cancer of the blood-forming tissues

Always talk to your doctor if you experience unexplained, persistent night sweats, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, fever, or fatigue.

9. Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

While often associated with diabetes, low blood sugar can occur in anyone under specific circumstances. Sweating is one of the body’s early warning signs that blood sugar levels are dropping. This can happen during sleep and trigger night sweats.

10. Alcohol and Substance Use

Drinking alcohol, especially before bed, can increase your internal body temperature. Alcohol disrupts sleep and can potentially make night sweats worse. Additionally, withdrawal from substances like alcohol or opioids can induce severe sweating during sleep.

FAQs

  • When should I worry about night sweats? If night sweats are severe, happen regularly, or come with other symptoms (fever, weight loss), don’t hesitate to see a doctor.
  • Can diet changes prevent night sweats? Avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, particularly before bed, could help alleviate milder night sweats.
  • How can I keep cool at night when I have night sweats? Choose moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics, sleep in a cool room, and take a tepid shower before bed.

References:

Similar Posts