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Repeated instances of extreme night sweating can be incredibly uncomfortable and create obstacles to quality rest. After a poor night's sleep, most individuals feel moody, tired and experience lower productivity or a lack of concentration. Sleep is not only an essential factor in our health, it’s critical to our daily performance, making treatment paramount for our well-being.
Night sweats could be a side effect of certain medications, and in some circumstances, could be indicative of autoimmune disease, hormonal issues, or even cancer. If your night sweats are related to a severe underlying medical problem, identifying the issue could be life-changing.
Night sweats occur when we get too hot, and the blood vessels in our skin expand to increase blood flow to release heat. The body then transfers this energy from our bodies to the environment through sweat, which is then released and evaporated.
Hot flashes are periods of sudden, intense warmth that typically affect your face, neck, and chest area. Your skin may become sweaty and red, or appear as if you're blushing.
Night sweats and hot flashes can be related, but they can occur separately from one another as well. Hot flashes often arise due to menopause or other conditions that alter hormone production, and the hormonal shift can cause both of these issues. However, night sweats can happen due to various other conditions, too; so, while menopause and hot flashes are mutually exclusive, menopause and night sweats are not.
Many factors can cause night sweats, and identifying the root issue could be half the battle in getting better sleep.
Individuals who are overweight may experience night sweats due to their bodies working overtime to regulate temperature and blood pressure. Folks come in all shapes and sizes and we’re behind the body positivity movement, however, weight can still cause serious health concerns and may require adjustment to protect our health.
Some antidepressants or SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are known to induce night sweats. About 22% of individuals who take antidepressants report excessive sweating, particularly those on venlafaxine and sertraline; this occurs because SSRIs can change how your body regulates its internal core temperature.
However, some SSRI medications show decreased susceptibility to sweating, so discussing alternatives with your doctor could be an option.
Triptan medications are used to treat migraines and cluster headaches, but they can also induce sweating. Like SSRIs, these medications boost serotonin levels which change the way our bodies maintain temperature, and increase sweating as a result.
Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can also heighten perspiration. These medications function by dilating blood vessels to lower fevers, and as blood vessels dilate, they release heat from the skin, and, in turn, raise sweat levels.
Opioids like morphine can also cause excessive sweating because they stimulate mast cells which release histamine, the chemical involved in inflammation, leading to sweat.
Insulin and glipizide are common medications used to alter blood glucose levels, and sweating is a known side effect. Diabetes can go undetected, so if you're experiencing chills, sweating, drowsiness, or dizziness, be sure to check that your blood sugar is within a healthy range, as sweating could be a sign of low blood sugar.
Individuals on hormone replacement therapy medications (HRT) could experience night sweats due to hormone alterations. Estrogen and testosterone can both contribute to changes in our body, and affect the way we perspire. Hormones regulate crucial functions in our bodies, and shifts in hormone levels could be to blame for night sweats.
When individuals go through menopause, they typically experience a significant shift in their hormone levels. This can cause various symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, bodily shifts, and excessive sweating. Sweating can occur when hormonal changes happen, which is a central component of menopause.
Sleep disorders could be the root cause of night sweats. According to a study in the BMJ Open, night sweats are three times more likely to occur in individuals with untreated sleep apnea. Sleep apnea momentarily halts your breathing as your air passageways become blocked, typically waking you up. These moments could cause panic and raise your heart rate, leading to more sweat.
Night sweats are symptomatic of a myriad of autoimmune disorders and could even be indicative of infection. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, and Sjogren's Syndrome all count night sweats as symptoms.
Unfortunately, diagnosing an autoimmune disorder can be difficult as the signs overlap with various other health problems. Consulting a physician is paramount if you think you could be dealing with an autoimmune disease.
In some cases, night sweats can be early precursors to cancers, including lymphoma, bone cancer, liver cancer, mesothelioma, and leukemia. Experts aren't clear on why this is, but some believe it's because the body is busy fighting off the foreign invaders.
Cancer is known to cause fever in some instances, which can instigate more sweating. Further, treatments like chemotherapy and hormone-altering drugs are known to cause sweating as well.
According to research done by the University of Queensland in Australia, heart disease appears to be linked to night sweats. The study found that women are 70% more likely to have heart attacks, angina, or stokes if they experience hot flashes and night sweats after menopause.
Experts also noted that the risk of these events was correlated to the severity of the hot flashes and sweating rather than the frequency.
Night sweats could occur as a symptom of particular neurological conditions like stroke, autonomic neuropathy, syringomyelia, or autonomic dysreflexia. Neurological issues are associated with many symptoms, but some early potential precursors include appetite loss, loss of consciousness, urinary symptoms, trembling, dizziness, weakness, numbness, and more. If you're concerned about your health, it's critical to see a professional as soon as possible.
Night sweats can keep you up at night, but there are solutions to mitigate discomfort.
Linen sheets are well known for their temperature regulating abilities. Linen’s properties are great for keeping warm in winter and cool in summer, and its sweat-wicking capabilities are convenient for those who experience night sweats. Personally, I struggle with night sweats myself, and linen sheets have been a game-changer for sleeping comfortably.
For More Info: Best Cooling Sheets
Locking your doors and shutting your windows at night is a standard safety precaution. However, if you feel comfortable leaving your bedroom window open at night, it could help circulate air and keep you cool. Additionally, installing a bedroom fan could alleviate discomfort as well.
Keeping ice water nearby, an ice pack or a cool washcloth handy could help lower your body temperature during uncomfortable nights as well.
View Our Guide: Top Rated Fans for Sleeping
Going to bed in stifling clothing could exacerbate night sweats. Make sure you're wearing lightweight, breathable material to help keep you comfortable. Garments that are 100% cotton, linen, silk, or rayon could be better suited to sweaty nights.
Late-night exercise could be contributing to your discomfort. Night sweats can happen when your temperature rises above a certain thermo-neutral level, which adjusts with your circadian rhythm. According to the Center for Deployment Psychology, exercise raises your body temperature, which can set off a hypothalamic response, causing sweat.
Learn More: Exercise and Sleep – Target Your Workout Time
Smoking has been famous for being harmful to our health for decades, and it could exacerbate night sweating as well. According to research on cigarette smokers versus “never smokers,” cigarette smoking is connected to hot flashes and night sweating.
The reason appears to be related to higher androstenedione and androgen levels, particularly a higher androgen to estrogen ratio, so cutting back on cigarettes or quitting could help alleviate night sweats.
Alcohol can cause excessive sweating even days after consumption. When you ingest alcohol, your heart rate typically heightens, causing blood vessels to expand, triggering the release of sweat.
Individuals who drink regularly or heavily could experience alcohol withdrawal and night sweats as a result. The withdrawals and sweating may be temporary but could last for several days.
Enduring night sweats can affect your quality of sleep, and in turn, your daily life, so professional treatment may be required to treat the issue.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common technique in the psychological sphere, and it may help treat physical ailments like hot flashes and night sweats. According to a research study completed over six weeks, CBT could be effective at reducing night sweats. The technique worked primarily by altering the cognitive appraisal of night sweats and hot flashes, showing promise for CBT as a treatment for this issue.
In some instances, lifestyle changes may not help night sweats, in which case there are alternatives. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is when an individual takes medication to replace the estrogen the body is lacking. HRT can help with numerous issues but could improve the occurrence of night sweating as well.
Additionally, paroxetine, a low-dose SSRI, is used to treat night sweating and hot flashes. If you think you could benefit from medication, we recommend discussing your options with a qualified professional.
Those who experience night sweats frequently and persistently should speak to a doctor about their condition. Night sweats are not always indicative of a more significant issue, but they could be symptomatic of an underlying condition that requires medical attention.
Sleep is a critical component in living a healthy life, without which we could suffer just as we would if we were deprived of food or water. Consult a professional to discuss treatment options if you're experiencing inadequate rest or little sleep due to night sweats.
Noticing your night sweats have begun to appear alongside other issues like dizziness, fever, coughing, loss of appetite, or other unusual occurrences, could indicate a more extensive condition. If this is the case, it's essential to keep track of your experiences and seek medical attention.
In some instances, night sweats appear alongside other symptoms like weight loss. Some autoimmune disorders cause night sweating and other issues like unexplained weight loss or dizzy spells. Identifying the problem can be half the battle, so seeing a doctor is critical for help.
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