What causes night sweats. How to differentiate between normal and concerning night sweats. When should you see a doctor for night sweats. What treatments are available for night sweats. How do hormonal changes affect night sweats. Can medications cause night sweats. Are night sweats a sign of infection.

Understanding Night Sweats: More Than Just a Hot Night

Night sweats, medically known as sleep hyperhidrosis, are episodes of excessive sweating that occur during sleep. Unlike sweating caused by a warm environment, night sweats are often associated with underlying health conditions or bodily changes. These episodes can be disruptive, causing individuals to wake up drenched in sweat, potentially needing to change clothes or bedding.

Why do night sweats occur? The body’s temperature regulation system, controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain, can be affected by various factors. When this system is disrupted, it can lead to sudden increases in body temperature and subsequent sweating, even in a cool environment.

Menopause and Night Sweats: A Common Connection

One of the most frequent causes of night sweats in women is menopause. During this transitional period, hormonal fluctuations can wreak havoc on the body’s temperature control mechanisms. How prevalent are night sweats during menopause? Studies indicate that more than 80% of women in perimenopause and menopause experience hot flashes, which can manifest as night sweats when they occur during sleep.

What triggers menopausal night sweats? The primary culprit is the dramatic drop in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a crucial role in temperature regulation, and its decline can lead to sudden heat sensations followed by profuse sweating. These episodes can be particularly distressing when they occur at night, disrupting sleep patterns and overall quality of life.

Managing Menopausal Night Sweats

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Lifestyle modifications (e.g., avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine)
• Keeping the bedroom cool and well-ventilated
• Using moisture-wicking sleepwear and bedding
• Relaxation techniques to reduce stress

While menopausal night sweats are not typically a cause for medical concern, they can significantly impact quality of life. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help identify the most appropriate management strategies for individual cases.

Hormonal Disorders and Their Impact on Night Sweats

Beyond menopause, various hormonal disorders can disrupt the body’s temperature regulation and lead to night sweats. The hypothalamus, responsible for producing hormones that control body temperature, can be affected by these disorders, resulting in difficulty maintaining normal temperature levels.

Which hormonal disorders are commonly associated with night sweats? Several conditions can contribute to this symptom:

1. Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormone, leading to increased sweating, including night sweats.
2. Pheochromocytoma: This rare tumor of the adrenal gland can cause overproduction of hormones, resulting in symptoms like night sweats and elevated heart rate.
3. Carcinoid syndrome: A rare condition linked to tumors in the endocrine system, sometimes causing excessive production of serotonin and leading to symptoms including sweating.

How can you differentiate between normal night sweats and those caused by hormonal disorders? Night sweats associated with hormonal disorders are often accompanied by other symptoms such as unexplained weight changes, mood swings, or changes in appetite. If you experience persistent night sweats along with these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.

Infections and Night Sweats: When Your Body Fights Back

Night sweats can sometimes be a sign that your body is battling an infection. During an infection, the body may raise its internal temperature as a defense mechanism, leading to fever and associated sweating. This process can intensify during sleep, resulting in night sweats.

Which infections are commonly linked to night sweats? Several infections can cause this symptom:

• HIV
• Tuberculosis
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Endocarditis (infection of the heart valves)
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)

How do infections trigger night sweats? When the body fights an infection, it produces chemicals called cytokines. These cytokines play a crucial role in the immune response but can also induce fever and night sweats as side effects of their action.

Should you be concerned about infection-related night sweats? If you experience persistent night sweats accompanied by other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or fever, it’s important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Medications and Night Sweats: An Unexpected Side Effect

Many people are surprised to learn that certain medications can cause night sweats as a side effect. This occurrence is particularly common with some types of antidepressants, especially Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).

How prevalent are medication-induced night sweats? A 2018 study revealed that up to 14% of individuals taking SSRIs experience excessive sweating, including night sweats. The mechanism behind this side effect is thought to involve the medication’s impact on brain areas responsible for hormone production and temperature regulation.

Which medications are most commonly associated with night sweats? Besides antidepressants, several other types of medications can cause this side effect:

• Triptan migraine medications (e.g., Relpax, Frova)
• Hormone-blocking medications used in cancer treatment (e.g., Arimidex, Femara)
• Diabetes medications (e.g., Metformin, insulin)
• Some pain medications
• Certain antibiotics

If you suspect your medication is causing night sweats, should you stop taking it? It’s crucial not to discontinue any prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare provider. They can assess whether the night sweats are indeed a side effect of the medication and discuss potential alternatives or management strategies.

Lifestyle Factors and Night Sweats: Hidden Triggers

While many cases of night sweats are related to medical conditions or medications, lifestyle factors can also play a significant role. Understanding these factors can help individuals make changes to reduce the frequency and intensity of night sweats.

Which lifestyle factors can contribute to night sweats?

1. Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol, especially close to bedtime, can cause vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and increased sweating.
2. Spicy foods: Consuming spicy meals, particularly in the evening, can raise body temperature and trigger sweating.
3. Caffeine: Like alcohol, caffeine can increase heart rate and body temperature, potentially leading to night sweats.
4. Smoking: Nicotine can affect the body’s temperature regulation and lead to increased sweating.
5. Exercise timing: Intense physical activity close to bedtime can elevate body temperature and contribute to night sweats.
6. Sleep environment: An overly warm bedroom or heavy bedding can exacerbate night sweats.

How can you modify your lifestyle to reduce night sweats? Consider the following strategies:

• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption, especially in the evening
• Avoid spicy foods close to bedtime
• Quit smoking or reduce tobacco use
• Schedule intense workouts earlier in the day
• Keep your bedroom cool and well-ventilated
• Use breathable, moisture-wicking sleepwear and bedding
• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises

By making these adjustments, many individuals find they can significantly reduce the occurrence of night sweats and improve their sleep quality.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Night Sweats

While occasional night sweats are usually not a cause for concern, certain situations warrant medical attention. Understanding when to consult a healthcare provider can help ensure any underlying conditions are promptly addressed.

In which cases should you see a doctor for night sweats?

• When night sweats are severe, frequent, or disruptive to your sleep
• If night sweats are accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, or fatigue
• When night sweats occur with other concerning symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing
• If you’re experiencing night sweats and are at risk for certain infections or conditions
• When night sweats persist despite lifestyle modifications

What can you expect during a medical evaluation for night sweats? Your healthcare provider may:

1. Take a detailed medical history, including information about medications and lifestyle factors
2. Perform a physical examination
3. Order blood tests to check hormone levels, thyroid function, or signs of infection
4. Recommend imaging studies if a tumor is suspected
5. Suggest a sleep study to rule out sleep disorders

Remember, while night sweats can be concerning, they are often manageable with proper diagnosis and treatment. Don’t hesitate to discuss this symptom with your healthcare provider, especially if it’s impacting your quality of life.

Treatment Options for Night Sweats: Finding Relief

The treatment for night sweats largely depends on the underlying cause. Once a healthcare provider has determined the reason for your night sweats, they can recommend appropriate interventions. Here are some common treatment approaches for various causes of night sweats:

Menopausal Night Sweats

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Non-hormonal medications like low-dose antidepressants or gabapentin
• Herbal remedies such as black cohosh (though efficacy varies)
• Acupuncture or cognitive behavioral therapy

Hormonal Disorders

• Medication to regulate thyroid function for hyperthyroidism
• Surgical removal of tumors in cases of pheochromocytoma or certain types of carcinoid syndrome
• Hormone replacement or suppression therapies as appropriate

Infections

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antiviral medications for viral infections
• Anti-tuberculosis drugs for TB
• Antiretroviral therapy for HIV

Medication-Induced Night Sweats

• Adjusting medication dosage
• Switching to an alternative medication
• Adding medications to counteract sweating side effects

How long does it take to see improvement in night sweats with treatment? The timeline can vary significantly depending on the cause and chosen treatment. Some individuals may experience relief within days or weeks, while others might require several months of treatment before noticing substantial improvement.

Are there any general strategies to manage night sweats regardless of the cause? Yes, several approaches can help minimize the impact of night sweats:

1. Keeping the bedroom cool and well-ventilated
2. Using breathable, moisture-wicking sleepwear and bedding
3. Avoiding triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine
4. Practicing relaxation techniques before bed
5. Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise routine
6. Staying hydrated throughout the day

Remember, while these general strategies can help manage symptoms, it’s crucial to address the underlying cause of night sweats for long-term relief. Always work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.

The Psychological Impact of Night Sweats: Beyond Physical Discomfort

While the physical effects of night sweats are often the primary focus, it’s important to recognize the potential psychological impact of this condition. Persistent night sweats can significantly affect mental health and overall quality of life.

How do night sweats affect sleep quality? Night sweats can lead to frequent awakenings, making it difficult to achieve restful sleep. This disrupted sleep pattern can result in daytime fatigue, irritability, and decreased cognitive function.

What are the potential psychological consequences of chronic night sweats?

• Anxiety about going to sleep
• Embarrassment or self-consciousness, especially if sharing a bed with a partner
• Decreased self-esteem due to the physical discomfort and potential odor
• Mood swings and irritability from lack of quality sleep
• Depression, particularly if night sweats are severe or long-lasting
• Stress about potential underlying health conditions

How can individuals cope with the psychological impact of night sweats? Consider these strategies:

1. Practice good sleep hygiene to improve overall sleep quality
2. Engage in stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
3. Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
4. Consider cognitive behavioral therapy to address anxiety or depression related to night sweats
5. Maintain open communication with your partner about your experiences
6. Focus on self-care activities that boost confidence and well-being

Is it common to experience anxiety about night sweats? Yes, many individuals with chronic night sweats develop anxiety about their condition. This anxiety can stem from worry about the underlying cause, embarrassment about symptoms, or fear of disrupted sleep. If you’re experiencing anxiety related to night sweats, it’s important to discuss these feelings with your healthcare provider. They can offer strategies to manage both the physical symptoms and the associated anxiety.

Remember, addressing the psychological aspects of night sweats is just as important as treating the physical symptoms. A holistic approach that considers both physical and mental well-being is often the most effective way to manage this condition and improve overall quality of life.

4 Common Causes and How to Get Rid of Them

• Night sweats can be caused by hormonal fluctuations or disorders, infection, fever, and more.
• Many women will experience night sweats during menopause or perimenopause. 
• Occasional night sweats aren’t a cause for concern, but see a doctor if they are persistent. 

Ever wake up in the middle of the night dripping in sweat, like you just ran a marathon? Then you’re one of many people who have experienced night sweats, or sleep hyperhidrosis.

Night sweats aren’t related to your environment, like if your room is too hot. Rather, they’re usually caused by hormonal fluctuations in the body or are a side effect of medication. 

Either way, they can have a big impact on your sleep. Night sweats often wake you up, and you may have to change your clothes or sheets in order to comfortably fall back asleep.  

Here’s what you need to know about the common causes of night sweats and when to see a doctor. 

1. Menopause  

Night sweats are often linked to the hormonal fluctuations during menopause and perimenopause. 

More than 80% of women in perimenopause and menopause experience hot flashes — or sudden, intense feelings of warmth. When these happen at night, they can cause night sweats. 

Menopause occurs 12 months after a woman has her last menstrual period, usually between the ages of 45 and 55. Perimenopause occurs in the 7 to 14 years before menopause. 

Specifically, the drop in the hormone estrogen, which occurs during perimenopause, is linked to night sweats because it affects the body’s temperature regulation. 

“Women experience more night sweats related to hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause,” says Soma Mandal, MD, board-certified internist at Summit Medical Group, in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. 

Night sweats during menopause aren’t cause for concern, but they can be uncomfortable.  

If you’re experiencing night sweats during menopause, talk to your doctors about treating the symptoms with medications that help replace estrogen. 

2. Hormonal disorders

Hormonal disorders can make it difficult for your body to regulate its normal temperature, which can cause night sweats. 

Body temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus, an area in the brain that produces hormones. When your hormones are out of balance, it sometimes means that the hypothalamus isn’t able to regulate temperature correctly. 

Hormonal disorders that can affect body temperature and cause night sweats include: 

• Hyperthyroidism. This condition leads to overproduction of the thyroid hormone, which causes increased sweating, including night sweats. 
• Pheochromocytoma. This is a tumor on the adrenal gland which makes it produce too many hormones. Symptoms can include night sweats and elevated heart rate. 
• Carcinoid syndrome.  This is a rare disease linked to tumors in the endocrine system. In some cases, it can lead to excess production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. One of the symptoms is excess sweating. 

If you experience other symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, such as weight changes or headaches, talk with your doctor about these symptoms. 

3. Infection

If you’re sick with a viral or bacterial infection, your body raises its internal temperature to fight off the infection, which is what causes fever. 

This increase in body temperature can lead to sweating — and night sweats are a common symptom associated with fevers. 

“Various infections such as HIV, tuberculosis, and infectious mononucleosis can cause night sweats,” Mandal says. “These conditions can produce chemicals called cytokines which combat infection. Cytokines can induce fever and night sweats.”

If you experience a fever in addition to night sweats, you may want to check in with your doctor about what type of infection you have.  

4. Medications

Certain medications can cause night sweats, including antidepressants for depression or anxiety.  

A 2018 study found that up to 14% of people on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) — the most common form of antidepressants — experience excessive sweating and night sweats. 

The study authors concluded that these medications likely affect the areas of the brain that produce hormones, which help control temperature and sweating. 

Other medications that may cause night sweats include:

• Triptan migraine medications, like Relpax or Frova
• Hormone-blocking medications, like Arimidex or Femara 
• Diabetes medications, like Metformin or insulin (if you’re taking these, check your blood sugar to ensure that it isn’t too low and causing the night sweats) 

If your medications are causing night sweats, you can try sleeping in lighter clothes or keeping the room cooler. If night sweats continue to interrupt your sleep, you should talk to your doctor about your concerns.  

When to be concerned about night sweats

According to Mandal, night sweats by themselves aren’t always a cause for concern. 

That’s especially true if they’re happening for a common reason — like if you’re going through menopause or taking SSRIs. However, if you’re experiencing other symptoms as well, your night sweats could indicate a bigger problem. 

“If they are accompanied by fever, weight loss, general malaise, or change in appetite, then it’s time to get checked out by your primary care physician,” Mandal says. 

Insider’s takeaway

Night sweats may be caused by a number of reasons including menopause, hormonal disorders, infection, and the side effects of certain medications like migraine medications and hormone-blocking medications. You shouldn’t be concerned if you have occasional night sweats, but you should see your doctor if it’s accompanied by fever, weight loss, or changes in appetite. 

Kelly Burch

Kelly Burch is a New Hampshire-based freelance journalist writing about finances, health, family, and more. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and Forbes, among others. Follow her on Facebook or Twitter, and or learn more here.   

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Night Sweats | Patient

We all sweat when we get hot. It’s one of our ‘homeostatic mechanisms’ – the ways our bodies are adapted to maintain the same constant internal environment. This is very important to allow all the processes going on inside our bodies to tick along smoothly.

Sweating helps your body lose heat by evaporation if your core temperature, deep inside your body, rises. In the same way, shivering or shutting down the circulation in your hands and feet helps warm your body up if you’re cold.

But sometimes sweating, especially if the outside temperature isn’t hot and you’re not wearing too many layers or exercising hard, can be a sign that there’s something going on.

Night Sweats

In this article

• What is a night sweat?
• What causes night sweats?
• When should you see a doctor about your night sweats?

What is a night sweat?

A night sweat is excess sweating at night. Although night sweats can occur if your bedroom is very hot or you have too many bedclothes on overnight, true night sweats occur at night. They can drench your nightclothes and are not related to being too warm in bed.

Night sweats are a symptom, not a medical condition in their own right. You can often get a clue to the underlying cause from other symptoms which go along with the sweats. For instance, if your night sweats have coincided with getting an infection like a nasty tummy bug or cough, the infection is usually the cause.

But you should see your doctor if you have persistent or very troublesome night sweats, partly to make sure there’s nothing serious going on. But finding out the underlying cause might also mean your doctor can offer effective treatment.

What causes night sweats?

There are many different causes of night sweats. Some of the conditions that can cause night sweats include:

Menopausal symptoms

Night sweats are often a very common symptom many women experience during their menopause. This is related to not having enough oestrogen in the body.

If you’re a woman in your late 40s or early 50s, your periods have stopped recently and you’re also getting hot flushes (episodes of flushing usually affecting your face, arms and neck) during the day, it’s highly likely that your night sweats are down to the menopause. Menopausal symptoms can also start below the age of 45 and before your periods have stopped completely.

If the night sweats are troublesome and you have other symptoms, there are several lifestyle changes which can help. If this isn’t enough, taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can really help to improve your menopausal symptoms. See the separate leaflet called Menopause (including HRT).

Medication

Some tablets and medicines can cause night sweats as a side-effect. For example, some antidepressants and aspirin can cause night sweats. See the separate leaflet called Antidepressants.

Medication such as tamoxifen and even paracetamol can also cause night sweats.

If your night sweats are due to your medication it may be possible to take alternative medication. Your doctor will be able to discuss this with you.

Low blood sugar levels

Sometimes low blood glucose – called hypoglycaemia or ‘hypos’ – can cause sweating. If you are taking insulin or some types of oral diabetes medications such as sulfonylureas (for example, gliclazide or glipizide) then you may experience low sugar levels at night accompanied by sweating.

Hypos can also occur during the day, leading to:

• Feeling irritable or hungry.
• Poor concentration and irritability.
• Blurred vision.
• Confusion and problems with speaking.
• In severe cases, loss of consciousness.

It’s extremely important to speak with your doctor if you think you might be suffering from hypos. They can lead to severe complications and even death, as well as affecting your ability to drive safely. Your doctor may be able to change your medication or your insulin dose to reduce your risks.

See the separate leaflet called Dealing with Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar).

Infections

Most infections can cause a high temperature (fever) with some sweating, and therefore any infection can cause night sweats. However, a fever at night causing night sweats is more common with certain types of infections. Tuberculosis (TB) is the infection most commonly associated with night sweats. See the separate leaflet called Tuberculosis.

However, infections caused by germs (bacterial infections), such as inflammation of the heart valves (infective endocarditis), inflammation within your bones (osteomyelitis), and abscesses, all may result in night sweats. See the separate leaflets called Infective Endocarditis, Osteomyelitis and Abscess.

Night sweats can also be a symptom of HIV infection. See the separate leaflet called HIV and AIDS.

Flu (influenza) usually causes a fever that comes and goes – it is not specifically associated with night sweats.

Cancers

Night sweats can sometimes be an early symptom of some cancers. Although other causes of night sweats are much more likely as a reason for your night sweats, it is clearly very important to have cancer diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

The most common type of cancer associated with night sweats is lymphoma. It is likely that you experience other symptoms such as fevers and weight loss if this is the underlying cause. See the separate leaflets called Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)

Sweating or flushing can be seen with hyperthyroidism. In this condition your thyroid gland is overactive. Other symptoms may include weight loss, feeling warm and losing weight without an obvious reason. See the separate leaflet called Thyroid Gland (Hyperthyroidism).

Other conditions

There are many other conditions that may cause night sweats. For example, drinking too much alcohol or taking illegal drugs can cause night sweats. See the separate leaflets called Alcoholism and Problem Drinking and Recreational Drugs.

Other conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, stroke and anxiety can all cause night sweats. See the separate leaflets called Acid Reflux and Oesophagitis, Stroke and Anxiety.

A condition called hyperhidrosis causes too much sweating. People with this condition sweat too much in the day and also during the night. See the separate leaflet called Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis).

Can you treat night sweats?

The night sweats themselves can be reduced or prevented by some simple measures (see the section on ‘Prevention’ below). The night sweats may also improve if the underlying cause is treated, eg, treating the symptoms of menopause with HRT or changing a medicine that is causing night sweats.

Otherwise, there is no specific treatment, such as any particular medicine, that is helpful for night sweats.

When should you see a doctor about your night sweats?

You should see your doctor if you have regular night sweats. In addition, if you also have a high temperature (fever) or other symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, you should also go to your doctor. Your doctor may arrange for you to have some tests such as blood tests or X-rays to determine the cause of your night sweats. The treatment of your night sweats will depend on the underlying cause.

Preventing night sweats

There are number of ways of preventing or reducing night sweats such as:

• Avoid having hot and spicy foods, acidic foods, hot drinks, caffeine, and processed sugar.
• Avoid thick night wear, and wear light and breathable clothing.
• Reduce or avoid drinking alcohol and smoking. Both alcohol and tobacco can increase heat in the body and will make night sweats worse.
• Try to reduce stress; use relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga.
• Have a cooling air flow in the room, perhaps using a fan, air conditioning, and open windows.

• Bryce C; Persistent Night Sweats: Diagnostic Evaluation. Am Fam Physician. 2020 Oct 1102(7):427-433.

• Hot Flashes and Night Sweats (Patient Version); National Cancer Institute (US). July 2021.

Hematologist named 7 main causes of night sweats

• Lifestyle
• Health

Wet pillow in the morning is not always a sign that the blanket was too warm or that the room was hot. Sometimes night sweats can indicate various diseases that are dangerous to your health to ignore. Hematologist Anastasia Goncharova named the main causes and diseases that are accompanied by heavy sweating at night.

May 18, 2022

Source:

iStockphoto

We can sweat at night for very obvious reasons – the blanket was too warm or the room was too hot, so the body, in order to prevent overheating, releases sweat, which cools the skin. To avoid nighttime overheating, keep an eye on the “weather”: the ideal temperature in the room is from 18 to 21 degrees. But if the bedroom is cool, and you are still sweating, it means that some disease may be hiding behind it.

For example, Cancer.org claims that night sweats can be one of the most common signs of lung cancer – it is one of the most aggressive types of cancer, it kills more people than colon, prostate and breast cancers combined.

According to experts, night sweats are a non-specific symptom that can indicate a variety of pathologies. Anastasia Goncharova, a hematologist at the National Research Center for Hematology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, told Doctor Peter about the main diseases that are accompanied by night sweats.

First rule out acute infections that are accompanied by high body temperature, the expert says. It can be, for example, SARS or flu , in which case sweating means a healthy immune response to infection. The doctor also mentioned diseases that are much less common, but you should not forget about them – these are infectious mononucleosis and even malaria.

Night sweats may also indicate infectious diseases that have already passed into the chronic stage (chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis).

Oncological diseases can also be accompanied by this unpleasant symptom. “Fever, weight loss can be added to it. Most often, sweating is accompanied by lymphoproliferative diseases, which are related to oncohematology (oncohematology is engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant diseases of the blood and lymphatic tissue – Note ed. ). In this case, the patient needs to consult an oncologist-hematologist. This also includes cytostatic therapy for tumor diseases,” Anastasia Goncharova explains.

Read also

Profuse night sweats can signal different hormonal disorders. These include thyroid disorders, most often it is hyperthyroidism (a syndrome characterized by an increased content of thyroid hormones in the blood plasma. That is, this condition is the opposite of hypothyroidism: with a decrease in the level of thyroid hormones, all processes in the body slow down, and with hyperthyroidism, the body works with increased intensity). Read more here. Another reason for sweating is menopausal disorders, they are associated with changes in sex hormones.

Occasionally, night sweats in women can be a symptom of PMS. This is due to changes in hormonal levels during the monthly cycle. Watch for its frequency: the hormone progesterone causes excessive sweating in the second phase of the cycle.

Impaired metabolism is another cause of a wet pillow in the morning. In this case, an unpleasant symptom may indicate, for example, diabetes mellitus, obesity, Itsenko-Cushing’s disease.

In some cases, a person may sweat at night due to severe or chronic stress. Various mental illnesses can also be accompanied by this symptom (depression, psychosis, nervous exhaustion).

Autoimmune diseases is another reason why a person will often sweat at night.

Help

Autoimmune diseases are complex and difficult to treat diseases caused by malfunctioning of the immune system. They occur when the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body. To date, scientists know about 80 types of autoimmune diseases. These include celiac disease, hemolytic anemia, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and others.

See also

If the patient suffers from night sweats, he needs to consult a specialist. Only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment if necessary.

One of the most common sleep problems is falling asleep itself. So, some lie awake for a long time, tossing and turning from side to side. If you’re having trouble falling asleep or waking up broken and unrested, it might be time to take an “inventory” of what you eat and when. Dietitians have named seven habits that can make you have a hard time falling asleep.

Many people also complain about constant daytime sleepiness. A person can be sleepy at lunchtime even when he had a good night’s sleep. Somnologist Mikhail Poluektov spoke about the causes of this condition and how to deal with it.

Text author: Tatyana Evseeva

Night sweats in women – causes, diagnosis and treatment

Night sweats in women (night hyperhidrosis) is an increase in sweating that worries women at night. The symptom may be accompanied by weakness, fever, a feeling of heat and redness of the face. The main causes of hyperhidrosis are menopause and other hormonal disruptions in the female body, night sweats also occur with infectious diseases, rheumatic diseases. To determine the etiological factor, laboratory tests, ultrasound, and a neurological examination are performed. To reduce or completely eliminate unpleasant manifestations, it is necessary to act on the cause of increased sweating.

Causes of night sweats in women

Climax

Increased sweating is one of the symptoms of “hot flashes”, which are observed in 85% of women after 45-50 years. Night sweats are caused by changes in the brain center of thermoregulation due to inhibition of ovarian function and a decrease in the concentration of sex hormones in the blood. Patients may wake up due to profuse sweating, wetting of bed and underwear. After waking up, there is an agonizing feeling of heat that rises from the chest to the neck and face. With severe hyperhidrosis, drops of sweat flow down the face, the scalp sweats heavily.

In severe menopause, the number of attacks of sweating and fever reaches 5-7 times during the night. In the morning, one feels tired and weak, with chronic lack of sleep, concentration and working capacity decrease. Some patients report having hot flashes associated with spicy food or alcohol the night before. If such manifestations are disturbing several times a night, combined with severe headaches or clouding of consciousness, you should consult a doctor to rule out other causes of the painful condition.

Physiological fluctuations of sex hormones

Women begin to sweat during sleep a couple of days before menstruation, because during this period the concentration of progesterone rapidly decreases, and the level of estrogen is still low. With severe hyperhidrosis, patients are forced to change clothes or bedding in the middle of the night, in case of moderate sweating, the woman continues to sleep, but in the morning she notices stains on the pillowcase or sheet. Increased sweating, as a rule, is accompanied by a change in the smell of sweat – it becomes stronger and sharper due to the increased work of the apocrine sweat glands.

Hormonal changes in pregnant women cause disruption of the thermoregulation center in the hypothalamus, which is manifested by increased sweat formation. The symptom is especially pronounced in the first trimester. Profuse sweating forces women to wake up at night to air the room and change clothes. Normally, unpleasant manifestations decrease as we approach childbirth, and then completely disappear. If the disorder persists even after the elimination of the provoking cause (after childbirth, with the onset of menstruation), a specialist consultation is necessary.

Endocrine disorders

Common causes of nocturnal hyperhidrosis in middle-aged and older women are disorders of the peripheral endocrine glands, which are accompanied by general autonomic disorders and increased sweating. Night sweats are more often expressed moderately, sleep disorders are usually absent. Sometimes profuse sweating at night is the cause of awakening and is combined with a deterioration in well-being, palpitations, and weakness. Sweating at night in women is caused by such endocrine diseases as:

• Thyrotoxicosis . The disease is characterized by profuse night sweats that cause bed linen and clothing to get wet. Patients often wake up from a feeling of heat and stuffiness, there may be an increased heartbeat, tremor of the fingers.
• Diabetes mellitus . Severe night sweats are the first sign of a decrease in blood glucose concentration, which often occurs at night with an inadequate insulin regimen. A combination of a symptom with restless sleep, throwing in bed is typical.
• Itsenko-Cushing syndrome . An increase in the level of hormones of the adrenal cortex causes moderate sweating at night. The disorder is accompanied by a change in metabolic reactions, cardiac and vascular pathology, and accumulation of fat on the abdomen.

Connective tissue diseases

Systemic inflammatory processes are more common in women, due to the peculiarities of the immunological response of the female body and increased production of autoantibodies. Chronic inflammation in the joints, soft tissues and skin causes various autonomic reactions, one of which is increased night sweats. Collagenosis is characterized by complaints of restless sleep and frequent awakenings. In the morning sweat stains are clearly visible on the bed linen, the hair looks greasy and stuck together due to the increased sweat separation.

Neuropsychiatric diseases

Psychogenic causes of increased sweating at night in women are psychosis, depression, somatoform disorder. With these pathologies, nocturnal hyperhidrosis is accompanied by depression of mood, loss of interest in life and habitual activities. There is severe drowsiness, weakness and fatigue. Often night sweats are associated with disturbing dreams, nightmares. In addition to hyperhidrosis, patients present with many other complaints – abdominal pain, dyspepsia, feelings of “fading” of the heart, shortness of breath and a feeling of lack of air.

Infections

When a pathogen enters the body, fever appears, various toxins accumulate in the blood, which is the reason for night sweats. In the evening, body temperature may rise, and at night, when it decreases, sweat is plentiful. Hyperhidrosis occurs against the background of other nonspecific signs: arthralgia and myalgia, headaches, loss of appetite. The most common infectious causes of night sweats in women:

• Acute viral processes : influenza, SARS, infectious mononucleosis.
• Bacterial and protozoan invasions : malaria, brucellosis, purulent tonsillitis.
• Indolent infections : tuberculosis, herpes simplex, HIV.

Complications of pharmacotherapy

Most often, profuse night sweats develop after excessive intake of antipyretic drugs, due to which there is a sharp decrease in body temperature to normal or subnormal. This is accompanied by great weakness and drowsiness, so that the patient does not wake up at night, even if the bed linen gets wet. Other medications can also cause hyperhidrosis:

• Psychotropic drugs : tranquilizers, neuroleptics, sedatives.
• Antihypertensive drugs : beta-blockers, calcium antagonists.
• Hormones : corticosteroids, levothyroxine.

Rare causes

• Idiopathic hyperhidrosis .
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system : endocarditis, rheumatic heart disease, myocardial dystrophy.
• Oncological diseases : lymphogranulomatosis, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic leukemia.
• Sleep apnea .

Diagnosis

To identify the causes of heavy sweating at night, women most often turn to a general practitioner. The specialist organizes an initial examination, which includes laboratory tests and instrumental imaging methods in the presence of specific complaints. Diagnostic search is aimed at detecting the underlying pathology that causes night sweats. The most informative are:

• Laboratory tests . Determine the levels of estrogen and progesterone on different days of the cycle. In case of deviations from the norm, an additional assessment of the tropic hormones of the pituitary gland is prescribed – FSH and LH. To exclude another endocrine cause of sweating, the level of thyroid-stimulating hormones, glucocorticoids, and blood glucose is studied.
• Bacteriological examination . With nocturnal hyperhidrosis occurring against a background of elevated body temperature, it is necessary to carry out a bacterioscopy of a smear from the throat, collect sputum for bakposev. Sometimes they examine the blood for hemoculture. Serological tests (RIF, ELISA, PCR) are performed for express diagnostics of infectious diseases.
• Sonography . Ultrasound of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands, a study of the reproductive system are shown. During an ultrasound examination, the structural features of organs, the presence of cysts, and volumetric formations are studied. With complaints of palpitations and shortness of breath, ultrasound of the heart and main vessels is informative.
• Neurological examination. To assess the autonomic nervous system, standard tests are used (orthostatic, Danini-Ashner), dermographism is assessed. Reflexes, muscle tone and coordination of movements are checked. Additionally, a psychiatric evaluation is recommended.

If ultrasound shows signs of organic lesions of internal organs, a CT scan of the abdominal cavity and cervical region is prescribed. To assess the state of the thyroid gland, radioisotope scintigraphy is performed. In case of detection of suspicious enlarged lymph nodes, a puncture is made under ultrasound control, then a cytomorphological analysis of biopsy specimens is performed. Usually, a consultation with a gynecologist is required with an examination of the genital organs in the mirrors.

Treatment

Help before diagnosis

To determine the cause of profuse sweating at night, a woman needs to see a doctor. To reduce discomfort until the diagnosis is verified, you should follow a few rules: ventilate the room before going to bed so that the temperature does not exceed 22 ° C, choose bed linen and pajamas made from natural fabrics, refuse strong coffee and tea in the evening. Impressive patients are advised to avoid watching horror films in the evening, heavy psychological dramas. Before going to bed, it is advisable to drink a cup of herbal tea (with chamomile, lemon balm, thyme).

Treatment of excessive sweating in women is carried out with the help of drug and non-drug methods

Conservative therapy

Hyperhidrosis caused by physiological fluctuations in hormones or emotional reactions is successfully treated with the use of psychotherapy, physiotherapy methods aimed at strengthening the body, stimulating the nervous system. In other situations, the appointment of medications is required, which are selected according to an individual scheme, based on the cause of night sweats. Typically, treatment includes the following groups of drugs:

• Hormonal products . Tableted estrogens are recommended for severe manifestations of menopause to reduce the frequency of hot flashes. In insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, insulin replacement therapy is performed.
• NSAIDs . They are used for infectious pathologies to eliminate fever. They also have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, therefore they are used as part of pathogenetic therapy.
• Tranquilizers . The drugs are indicated for depression, psychosis to normalize the mental state, eliminate anxiety and psychomotor agitation. Means are combined with sedative drugs.
• Antibiotics . With bacterial infections, etiotropic therapy is effective, aimed at destroying the pathogen.