Night sweats refer to severe hot flashes and extreme sweating that occurs during sleep. They can soak your sleepwear and bedding and may disrupt your sleep.
Night sweats have several potential causes:
- Menopause is a common cause in middle-aged women as hormone levels change. Hot flashes and night sweats are typical menopause symptoms.
- Infections like tuberculosis, endocarditis (heart infection), and HIV can trigger night sweats. The body sweats to fight infection and fever.
- Cancers, especially lymphoma and leukemia, may cause drenching night sweats. The cancer cells may release chemicals that impact body temperature regulation.
- Medications like antidepressants and diabetes drugs can cause sweating as a side effect. Withdrawing from alcohol, opioids or antidepressants also prompts night sweats.
- Hormone disorders like low thyroid and pituitary tumors overproducing growth hormone can cause excessive sweating.
- Idiopathic hyperhidrosis is a condition of uncontrolled sweating without a known reason.
So in summary, night sweats have diverse causes from menopause to infections, cancer, medication effects, hormone issues, and primary hyperhidrosis.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have repeated episodes of severe night sweats. Keep track of any associated symptoms and possible triggers. Note your sweat-soaked bedclothes or pajamas.
Testing can detect infections, hormone imbalances, cancer, and other hidden medical conditions causing night sweats. Treatment will focus on the underlying cause.
For instance, menopausal women may get hormone therapy, while cancers are treated with chemotherapy drugs, radiation, or surgery. Medication adjustments can ease drug side effects.
Lifestyle changes help manage night sweats:
- Use layered bedding for easy sheet changes
- Wear breathable pajamas
- Keep the bedroom cool
- Stay hydrated and limit spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol
- Practice stress reduction techniques
In summary, see your doctor for evaluation of severe, repeated night sweats to identify any serious causes and get appropriate treatment. Getting to the root of the problem can alleviate this bothersome symptom!
Consider consulting with Harmonize Health for personalized care and management of hormone-related issues like menopausal night sweats.