Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating during sleep. They can occur in both women and men, and affect all age groups. While sweating during sleep is normal, it is considered excessive when it soaks through your clothes or bedsheets.
Some key facts about night sweats:
- They often lead to interrupted sleep as you may wake up feeling hot and damp. This can negatively impact your sleep quality.
- What causes night sweats? They can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition like menopause, infections, cancer or autoimmune disorders. Certain medications and substances can also trigger them.
- In women, perimenopause and menopause are common causes due to hormonal changes. Night sweats are one of the early symptoms of menopause transition.
- Infections like tuberculosis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis or HIV can induce drenching night sweats. Seek medical care if you have other symptoms like unexplained weight loss or fever.
- Cancers like lymphoma and leukemia may cause severe night sweats along with unexplained weight loss. Get evaluated by an oncologist if you have persistent night sweats.
- Idiopathic hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating without any underlying cause. It can begin in childhood or adulthood. See a dermatologist for treatment.
- Medications like antidepressants, pain relievers, steroids, anticancer drugs etc. can also cause sweating at night.
- Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels may trigger night sweats. This is common in diabetics.
If you experience drenching night sweats regularly, it's important to consult your doctor to evaluate for any underlying condition. Simple lifestyle measures can provide some relief:
- Sleep in a cool, well-ventilated room
- Use lightweight, breathable bedding and pajamas
- Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine before bedtime
- Take lukewarm showers before bed
- Practice relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety
- Use topical antiperspirants before bedtime
- Maintain optimal glucose levels if diabetic
For severe night sweats, medications or hormone therapy may be needed. The experts at
Human Antiaging Center can help diagnose the cause and provide effective treatment for night sweats and other hormonal imbalances. Contact us today to book an appointment! We provide customized care plans to help you sleep better and manage symptoms.