Night sweats are excessive sweating that occurs during sleep. They can affect anyone, but are especially common in women during menopause and in people with certain medical conditions like cancer or tuberculosis.
Night sweats can come on suddenly and drench your nightclothes and bedding. They can make it hard to get a good night's sleep and leave you feeling cold, clammy, and tired the next day. So what exactly causes night sweats and what can you do about them?
What Causes Night Sweats?
There are a few potential causes of night sweats including:
- Hormone changes- Women going through menopause often experience hot flashes and night sweats due to shifting estrogen levels. Menopause officially starts when a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual cycle. Perimenopause is the transition time leading up to menopause, and this is when many women first notice night sweats.
- Medical conditions- Night sweats can be a sign of infection, cancer, or other illnesses. Tuberculosis, endocarditis (infection of the heart valves), and lymphoma are some examples. Low blood sugar and hormone disorders like hyperthyroidism can also cause excessive sweating at night.
- Medications- Certain prescription drugs and medicines can trigger increased sweating including medications for depression, hormone therapy, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
- Stress and anxiety- High stress levels can overactivate your sympathetic nervous system, causing more perspiration including at night.
- Environmental factors- Sleeping in a room that is too hot or having too many blankets on your bed can make you sweat more during sleep. Pregnancy, alcohol, spicy foods, and other triggers can also play a role.
Managing and Preventing Night Sweats
The best way to figure out what's causing your night sweats is to talk to your doctor. They can check for any underlying illness and help adjust medications if needed. For menopausal women, hormone therapy is an option for relieving hot flashes.
Some other tips for managing night sweats include:
- Keep your bedroom cool at night - set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature
- Use lightweight, breathable bedding - cotton sheets and blankets work best
- Wear loose, absorbent nightclothes - avoid silk or synthetic fabrics that trap heat
- Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Exercise regularly - physical activity can regulate temperature control
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or counseling
- Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime
- Take a cool shower or bath before going to sleep
- Use a bedside fan or open windows to promote air circulation
- Change sweat-soaked nightclothes and bedding promptly in the middle of the night
For relief from menopausal symptoms, consider contacting Hormone Harmony Clinic about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Our comprehensive treatment plans are tailored to your unique hormone needs and can help you find relief from night sweats and feel like yourself again. Schedule a consultation today to learn more!
In most cases, night sweats are treatable with simple lifestyle measures or by addressing an underlying medical condition. Be sure to see your doctor if you experience repeated episodes of drenching night sweats to determine the cause and get proper treatment. With the right plan, you can sleep peacefully and wake up feeling refreshed.