Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating that occur during sleep. They can affect anyone, but are especially common in women going through menopause and people with certain medical conditions.
Night sweats can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Hormonal changes: Women going through perimenopause and menopause often experience hot flashes and night sweats due to shifting estrogen levels. Men with low testosterone can also be affected.
- Medical conditions: Night sweats are a common symptom of conditions like lymphoma, tuberculosis, hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, and HIV/AIDS. They can also occur with cancer treatments.
- Medications: Drugs that affect temperature regulation, like antidepressants and blood pressure medications, may trigger night sweats.
- Infections: Fevers and sweating often accompany infectious diseases like the flu, COVID-19, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis.
- Anxiety disorders: Excess perspiration is a common sign of anxiety. Nightmares and stress can rouse the sympathetic nervous system and cause sweating while asleep.
- Environmental factors: Sweating at night can be exacerbated by a hot sleeping environment, heavy pajamas or bedding, alcohol consumption, spicy foods, and more.
Regardless of the cause, night sweats can negatively impact sleep quality and lead to fatigue or daytime sleepiness. Here are some tips for managing them:
- Keep the bedroom cool by using fans, opening windows, or adjusting the thermostat.
- Dress in breathable pajamas and use lightweight sheets and blankets.
- Stay well-hydrated during the daytime.
- Establish a relaxing pre-bed routine, like taking a warm bath or doing light yoga.
- Avoid triggers like alcohol, caffeinated beverages, or hot/spicy foods before bedtime.
- Practice stress management techniques, like mindfulness, meditation, or counseling.
If night sweats are frequent and interfering with your sleep, see your doctor. They can check for underlying conditions and offer treatment options. Hormone therapy may help relieve hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause or andropause. Medications are available to manage sweating from anxiety, infections, cancer treatments, and more.
At Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic, we specialize in effectively treating hormonal imbalances that lead to symptoms like night sweats. Our compassionate providers offer customized hormone therapy to help you find relief. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!