What is Night Sweats?
Night sweats refer to excessive sweating during sleep. They involve sudden, heavy sweating that makes your bedding or sleepwear damp, even though the room temperature isn't too hot.
Night sweats can occur during menopause and in various medical conditions. Causes include:
- Infections: Night sweats sometimes signal an underlying infection, like tuberculosis, endocarditis (infection of the heart valves), or HIV. Night sweats are an early HIV symptom in women and can recur at night throughout the illness.
- Hormone disorders: Sweating often increases during menopause and perimenopause because of shifting hormone levels. People who have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may also get night sweats.
- Cancers: Lymphomas, leukemia, and other cancers can cause bouts of heavy sweating at night. The sweats may get worse as the cancer progresses.
- Medications: Antidepressants, steroids, and hormone therapies for prostate cancer or endometriosis may cause hot flashes and sweating at night.
- Neurologic conditions: Sweating commonly occurs during REM sleep behavior disorder, a condition where dream actions disrupt sleep. People with autonomic neuropathy affecting the nerves controlling sweat glands also tend to have increased night sweats.
In many cases, no specific cause can be found. Idiopathic hyperhidrosis refers to night sweats without a known reason.
When night sweats awaken you from sleep and are repetitive, consider seeing your doctor. They'll review your health history and medications and perform an exam to look for signs of infections or hormonal causes.
Are night sweats making you anxious? Remember that sweating at night is very common and usually harmless. Keeping your bedroom cool, dressing in breathable cotton pajamas, and avoiding spicy foods at dinner can help reduce sweating. OTC or prescription deodorants and antiperspirants may also provide relief in severe cases. Talk to your doctor if lifestyle adjustments don't decrease the night sweats.
Summary:
- Night sweats involve sudden heavy sweating during sleep, often without clear cause
- They have numerous possible causes like infections, cancers, or medications
- Symptoms are sweating that soaks bedsheets or sleepwear with dampness
- See a doctor for evaluation and testing if night sweats frequently disrupt sleep
Visit Renew Wellness for professional medical advice and treatment related to night sweats and other hormone-related conditions.