What is Night Sweats?
Night sweats refer to excessive sweating during sleep. They involve sweating to the point that your sleep clothes or bedding become soaked, even when the room temperature is cool.
Night sweats have several potential causes:
- Menopause is a common cause in middle-aged women. The hot flashes associated with menopause can lead to intense bouts of sweating at night.
- Infections like tuberculosis, endocarditis (infection of the heart valves), and HIV/AIDS can all trigger severe night sweats. Treating the underlying infection typically resolves them.
- Cancers, especially lymphoma and leukemia, are another possible cause. Night sweats are often an early sign of these cancers.
- Hormone disorders like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and thyroid conditions can also lead to excessive sweating while sleeping.
- Many medications list night sweats as a potential side effect, including antidepressants and hormone-blocking therapy.
- Anxiety and stress may contribute to sweatiness while you sleep. Managing stress and anxiety can help.
- For some people, idiopathic hyperhidrosis causes heavy sweating for no clear reason.
If you regularly wake up drenched in sweat, talk to your doctor. Describe how often it happens and when it started. Your doctor can check for infections and hormone issues via blood tests. They may also order imaging or biopsies to rule out cancer depending on your symptoms and risk factors.
Treatment depends on the cause but may include:
- Hormone therapy (for menopause or endocrine disorders)
- Treating underlying infections or cancer
- Switching medications that cause sweating
- Lifestyle changes like stress management
Alongside treatment, make sure your bedroom promotes quality rest by keeping it dark, quiet, and cool. Some people find success using cooling mattresses and bedding to offset night sweats. Absorbent sleepwear and layers can also save your sheets. Addressing the root causes offers the best relief, but managing lifestyle factors helps too.
If you experience persistent night sweats, consider visiting Balance Hormones Clinic for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.