What are the common causes of night sweats and unintentional weight loss. How can these symptoms be linked to various health conditions. What treatment options are available for managing night sweats and unexplained weight loss.

Understanding Night Sweats: More Than Just Feeling Hot

Night sweats, often described as episodes of excessive nocturnal perspiration, can be more than just an uncomfortable inconvenience. They occur when your body experiences intense sweating during sleep, often to the point where your bedding becomes damp. While occasional night sweats due to a warm room or heavy bedding are normal, persistent and severe night sweats may signal an underlying health issue.

What distinguishes night sweats from regular sweating? Night sweats typically involve:

• Drenching perspiration that soaks through nightclothes and bedding
• Sudden onset, often waking the individual from sleep
• Occurrence despite sleeping in a cool environment
• Frequent episodes over an extended period

Unintentional Weight Loss: When Shedding Pounds Becomes a Concern

Unintentional weight loss, often accompanying night sweats, can be a red flag for various health conditions. This type of weight loss occurs without deliberate changes to diet or exercise routines. Generally, losing more than 5% of your body weight over 6-12 months without trying is considered significant and warrants medical attention.

How can you identify unintentional weight loss? Look out for:

• Noticeable changes in how clothes fit
• Decreased appetite or changes in taste
• Unplanned reduction in portion sizes
• Gradual but consistent decline in weight over time

The Link Between Night Sweats and Weight Loss: Potential Causes

When night sweats and unintentional weight loss occur together, they can indicate several underlying health conditions. Understanding these potential causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal changes can significantly impact your body’s temperature regulation and metabolism. Conditions like hyperthyroidism, characterized by an overactive thyroid gland, can lead to both night sweats and weight loss. The excess thyroid hormones increase metabolism, resulting in weight loss, while also disrupting the body’s temperature control, causing night sweats.

Infections and Chronic Diseases

Certain infections and chronic diseases can manifest with night sweats and weight loss as primary symptoms. Tuberculosis, HIV, and some types of cancer, particularly lymphoma, are known to cause these symptoms. In these cases, the body’s immune response and the disease’s impact on metabolism can lead to night sweats and unintended weight loss.

Menopause and Night Sweats: A Common Connection

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It’s also one of the most common causes of night sweats in women. During menopause, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone fluctuates and eventually declines, leading to various symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats.

How does menopause contribute to night sweats? The hormonal changes during menopause affect the body’s temperature regulation center in the brain. This can lead to sudden feelings of intense heat (hot flashes), often followed by profuse sweating, especially at night. While menopause itself doesn’t typically cause significant weight loss, the hormonal changes can lead to weight redistribution and changes in body composition.

Cancer and Its Relationship to Night Sweats and Weight Loss

While not all cases of night sweats and weight loss indicate cancer, these symptoms can be associated with certain types of malignancies. Lymphoma, leukemia, and other cancers can cause night sweats as part of a cluster of symptoms known as “B symptoms.”

Why do some cancers cause night sweats and weight loss?

• The body’s immune response to cancer can trigger inflammatory reactions, leading to night sweats
• Cancer cells can release substances that affect the body’s temperature regulation
• Many cancers increase the body’s metabolism, leading to unintentional weight loss
• Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can also contribute to these symptoms

Medications and Substances: Hidden Culprits of Night Sweats

Sometimes, the cause of night sweats can be found in your medicine cabinet or daily habits. Certain medications and substances can trigger excessive sweating, especially at night.

Medications That May Cause Night Sweats

Various medications have been associated with night sweats as a side effect. These include:

• Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Hormone therapy drugs
• Some diabetes medications
• Certain pain relievers and fever reducers

Substance Use and Night Sweats

Consumption of certain substances can also lead to night sweats:

• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause night sweats, especially during withdrawal
• Caffeine: High caffeine intake can stimulate sweat glands and disrupt sleep patterns
• Tobacco and nicotine: These substances can affect the body’s temperature regulation
• Recreational drugs: Many illicit substances can cause sweating as a side effect or during withdrawal

Diagnostic Approaches for Night Sweats and Weight Loss

When experiencing persistent night sweats and unintentional weight loss, seeking medical attention is crucial. Diagnosing the underlying cause typically involves a comprehensive approach.

What steps might a healthcare provider take to diagnose the cause of night sweats and weight loss?

• Detailed medical history: This includes discussing the frequency and severity of symptoms, any recent lifestyle changes, and current medications
• Physical examination: A thorough check-up to look for any physical signs of underlying conditions
• Blood tests: These can help identify hormonal imbalances, infections, or other systemic issues
• Imaging studies: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be ordered to rule out certain conditions like cancer
• Sleep studies: In some cases, a sleep study might be recommended to evaluate for sleep disorders

Treatment Strategies for Managing Night Sweats and Weight Loss

The treatment for night sweats and unintentional weight loss depends on the underlying cause. Once a diagnosis is made, your healthcare provider will develop a targeted treatment plan.

Treating Hormonal Causes

For hormonal imbalances like hyperthyroidism or menopause-related symptoms:

• Hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed for menopausal women
• Antithyroid medications or radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism
• Lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms

Addressing Infections and Chronic Diseases

Treatment for infections or chronic diseases causing night sweats and weight loss may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections like tuberculosis
• Antiviral medications for conditions like HIV
• Targeted therapies for specific chronic diseases

Managing Medication-Induced Symptoms

If medications are the cause of night sweats:

• Adjusting dosage or timing of medication intake
• Switching to alternative medications with fewer side effects
• Gradual tapering off medications under medical supervision

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Regardless of the underlying cause, certain lifestyle changes can help manage night sweats:

• Maintaining a cool sleeping environment
• Wearing breathable, moisture-wicking sleepwear
• Avoiding triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine before bedtime
• Practicing relaxation techniques to reduce stress-induced sweating

When to Seek Medical Attention for Night Sweats and Weight Loss

While occasional night sweats or minor weight fluctuations are generally not cause for concern, certain situations warrant prompt medical attention. It’s important to recognize when these symptoms might indicate a more serious underlying condition.

When should you consult a healthcare provider about night sweats and weight loss?

• If night sweats are severe, frequent, or disruptive to your sleep
• When experiencing unexplained weight loss of 5% or more of your body weight over 6-12 months
• If night sweats are accompanied by fever, fatigue, or other concerning symptoms
• When symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes or home remedies
• If you have a history of cancer or are at high risk for certain health conditions

Early intervention can be key in identifying and treating any underlying health issues effectively. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about persistent night sweats and unintentional weight loss.

Long-Term Management and Prognosis

The long-term outlook for individuals experiencing night sweats and unintentional weight loss varies depending on the underlying cause. In many cases, once the root issue is identified and treated, symptoms can be effectively managed or resolved.

Follow-Up Care

After initial treatment, ongoing follow-up care is often necessary. This may include:

• Regular check-ups to monitor symptom improvement
• Adjustments to treatment plans as needed
• Continual assessment for any new or worsening symptoms
• Guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent recurrence

Potential Complications

If left untreated, persistent night sweats and weight loss can lead to various complications:

• Dehydration from excessive fluid loss
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Weakened immune system due to poor sleep quality
• Increased risk of falls or accidents due to fatigue
• Psychological impacts like anxiety or depression

Quality of Life Considerations

Managing chronic night sweats and weight issues can significantly impact quality of life. It’s important to address not just the physical symptoms but also the emotional and social aspects of living with these conditions. Support groups, counseling, and lifestyle adaptations can all play a role in improving overall well-being.

How can you maintain a good quality of life while managing these symptoms?

• Develop a consistent sleep routine to improve rest quality
• Engage in regular physical activity, as appropriate for your condition
• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
• Maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about any changes in symptoms
• Seek support from family, friends, or support groups

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Modifications

While not all causes of night sweats and unintentional weight loss can be prevented, certain lifestyle modifications can help reduce their frequency and severity. Implementing these changes can also contribute to overall health and well-being.

Dietary Considerations

Your diet can play a significant role in managing night sweats and maintaining a healthy weight. Consider the following dietary adjustments:

• Limit intake of spicy foods, which can trigger sweating
• Reduce consumption of caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Incorporate foods rich in phytoestrogens, which may help balance hormones
• Maintain a balanced diet to support overall health and weight management

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular exercise can help regulate body temperature, improve sleep quality, and maintain a healthy weight. However, it’s important to approach exercise thoughtfully:

• Engage in moderate exercise regularly, but avoid intense workouts close to bedtime
• Consider low-impact activities like yoga or swimming, which can be less likely to trigger sweating
• Practice relaxation exercises to reduce stress-induced sweating
• Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions

Sleep Environment Optimization

Creating an optimal sleep environment can significantly reduce night sweats and improve sleep quality:

• Keep your bedroom cool, ideally between 60-67°F (15-19°C)
• Use breathable, moisture-wicking bedding and sleepwear
• Consider using a fan or air conditioner to improve air circulation
• Avoid heavy blankets or comforters that can trap heat
• Establish a consistent sleep schedule to regulate your body’s internal clock

Stress Management Techniques

Stress can exacerbate night sweats and affect weight. Implementing stress-reduction strategies can be beneficial:

• Practice mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Engage in regular relaxation activities like reading or listening to calming music
• Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy to address anxiety or stress-related issues
• Maintain a balanced work-life schedule to reduce overall stress levels

By incorporating these preventive measures and lifestyle modifications, you can take proactive steps in managing night sweats and maintaining a healthy weight. Remember, what works best can vary from person to person, so it may take some trial and error to find the most effective combination for your individual needs.

Night Sweats: Causes and Treatment

Night Sweats: Causes and Treatment

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Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By David Heitz and Erika Klein — Updated on March 16, 2023

You may experience night sweats with some infections and other health conditions, including menopause and hyperthyroidism. Treatment can depend on the underlying cause.

Night sweats is another term for excessive perspiration, or sweating, at night. They’re an uncomfortable part of life for many people and may be associated with depression and difficulty sleeping.

While night sweats are a common symptom of menopause, they can also be caused by some medical conditions and certain medications.

In most cases, night sweats aren’t a serious symptom. Still, it’s important to know when to get checked if you have night sweats.

It’s normal to sweat at night if the temperature is too warm. However, some people experience drenching night sweats regularly. Many women experience hot flashes and night sweats during menopause.

Night sweats can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as:

• infections, like tuberculosis or HIV
• cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma
• anxiety disorders
• hyperthyroidism
• hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can result in night sweats as well. They can also happen in men who have their testicles removed to treat prostate cancer.

In some cases, you may experience night sweats as a side effect of a medication that you’re taking. This might include certain antidepressants, hormone treatments, and opioids.

Consuming too much caffeine or alcohol or using tobacco or drugs may also cause night sweats.

To treat night sweats, your doctor will take steps to identify and address their underlying cause. Your treatment plan will depend on your specific diagnosis. The following are common causes of night sweats with potential treatment options:

• Menopause. Lifestyle changes, like sleeping in cool rooms and avoiding alcohol, may help with hot flashes and night sweats. If these aren’t sufficient, hormone therapy may help reduce the number of hot flashes you experience and alleviate other symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications for hot flashes, such as paroxetine and gabapentin. Venlafaxine is also used off-label for night sweats.
• Underlying infection. Depending on the type of infection you have, antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or other medications may help treat it.
• Cancer. Your doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy drugs, surgery, or other treatments. Since these treatments can also cause night sweats, they may additionally be treated with hormone therapy or other medications.
• Anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe medications like anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants. They may also recommend therapy.
• Hyperthyroidism. Medications, radioiodine therapy, or sometimes surgery are used to treat overactive thyroid.
• Medications. Your doctor may adjust your dosage or recommend an alternative drug.
• Alcohol or caffeine consumption, or drug use. Limiting or avoiding these substances may help reduce night sweats. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications or recommend therapy to help you quit.

Your doctor may also advise you to adjust your sleeping habits. Removing blankets from your bed, wearing lighter pajamas, or opening a window in your bedroom may help prevent and alleviate night sweats. It may also help to use air conditioning or a fan, or find a cooler place to sleep.

Night sweats aren’t usually a cause for concern. In some cases, though, they may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.

Night sweats are common in menopause, which usually starts around age 50. However, if you experience night sweats and other menopause symptoms before you turn 40, it’s important to talk with your doctor. This may indicate a condition called primary ovarian insufficiency.

It’s also important to seek medical attention if you develop night sweats that happen frequently, disturb your sleep, or are accompanied by other symptoms. Night sweats that occur with a high fever, cough, or unexplained weight loss may be a sign of a serious medical condition.

In those who have lymphoma or HIV, night sweats may indicate that the condition is progressing.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Lifestyle changes may help prevent some causes of night sweats. To lower your risk of experiencing night sweats:

• limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine
• avoid using tobacco and drugs
• sleep in a cooler environment
• consider getting a cooling mattress. Shop all Healthline-approved products for hot sleepers in our sleep shop.
• try to maintain a moderate weight
• avoid eating spicy food if you have menopause, as it can worsen symptoms

If you suspect your night sweats are related to an infection or other illness, get prompt medical attention. Ask your doctor for more information about your specific condition, treatment options, and strategies to prevent night sweats.

Night sweats can be uncomfortable and disrupt your sleep. In most cases, they’re not a cause for serious concern. But sometimes, they may be caused by an underlying condition that requires treatment.

Your doctor can help diagnose the cause of your night sweats. They can also recommend strategies to prevent or treat night sweats. Depending on the underlying cause, they might recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or other treatments.

Last medically reviewed on September 3, 2021

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Bryce C. (2020). Persistent night sweats: Diagnostic evaluation.
  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32996756/
• Hot flashes and night sweats (PDQ)–health professional version. (2021).
  cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/hot-flashes-hp-pdq
• Hot flashes and night sweats (PDQ)–patient version. (2021).
  cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/hot-flashes-pdq
• Hot flashes: What can I do? (2017).
  nia.nih.gov/health/hot-flashes-what-can-i-do
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). (2016).
  niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hyperthyroidism
• Newson LR. (2018). Premature ovarian insufficiency: Why is it not being diagnosed enough in primary care?
  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774949/
• Night sweats. (2021).
  nhs.uk/conditions/night-sweats/
• Rahmanian M, et al. (2015). A crossover study comparing gabapentin and fluoxetine for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms among postmenopausal women.
  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26160608
• Zhu Y. (2017). Diagnosis and treatment of rash fever with anxiety.
  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5609000

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Mar 16, 2023

Written By

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Edited By

Erika Klein

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Sep 3, 2021

Medically Reviewed By

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Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By David Heitz and Erika Klein — Updated on March 16, 2023

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7 Things Your Night Sweats Are Trying To Tell You

Your risk for heart disease may be elevated.

ANDRZEJ WOJCICKI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images

Middle-aged women who “often” experience night sweats may be at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, per a 2014 study in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The study found this increased risk for CVD even after its authors adjusted their data to account for menopause status, age, and lifestyle factors. Heavier women, women with high blood pressure, and women with diabetes are all more likely than others to experience night sweats. Those associated conditions could explain the uptick in cardiovascular disease risk, the study authors say.

Prevention Premium: If You Want An Energized, Pain-Free Body, Then It’s Time To Rethink Your Every Step

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You may be fighting off an infection.

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“If your body is fighting off an illness or infection, that can cause night sweats,” Danoff says. These night sweats can persist for days or even weeks after other symptoms have faded. So if you recently had a fever or some other bug, that could be the cause of your bedroom sweat sessions.

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You may have a genetic mutation.

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In another recent Menopause study, experts linked increased rates of “vasomotor symptoms”—night sweats, but also hot flashes—to a specific genetic variation in women. This gene variation is linked to a part of a woman’s brain that controls certain hormones, and may have some ties to infertility and delayed or absent puberty, says Carolyn Crandall, MD, first author of the study and a professor of medicine at UCLA. (Here are 6 weird things you can thank your hormones for.) She says it’s too early to connect the gene variation with any specific health issues or risks, but more research is coming.

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Your thyroid may be out of whack.

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Your medication is messing with you.

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“Night sweats are a common side-effect of many medications,” Danoff says. He puts antidepressants at the top of that list. “Some hormone treatments, especially those related to cancer treatments, can also cause night sweats,” he says. So can diabetes drugs, which can trigger night sweats if a person’s blood sugar drops too low, he explains.

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Your immune system is malfunctioning.

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Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which your immune system mistakenly identifies something normal or benign as a danger to your health. There are many of these conditions, and some—lupus, to name one—can cause night sweats, Danoff says. Rheumatoid arthritis and Celiac disease are two others. (Every woman should know about these 7 autoimmune diseases. ) 

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You may have cancer concerns.

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Several types of cancer can cause night sweats. “If we’re concerned about lymphoma, both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s, night sweats are something we may pay attention to,” Danoff says. If, along with your night sweats, you’re experiencing symptoms like weight loss, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes, lymphoma may be something your doctor will look for.

Markham Heid

Markham Heid is an experienced health reporter and writer, has contributed to outlets like TIME, Men’s Health, and Everyday Health, and has received reporting awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Maryland, Delaware, and D.C. Press Association.

Night sweats – General information, Causes. Tomsk

General Information

Night sweats (hyperhidrosis) can be a symptom of a variety of illnesses, ranging from the common cold to the much more serious sarcoidosis, brucellosis, or cancer. room. However, if you regularly sweat at night, then it is worth going to the doctor.

Taking medication. Night sweats can be caused by certain medications, especially antipyretics and diaphoretics. In addition, all types of antidepressants (tricyclics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), venlafaxine, and bupropion) can cause increased sweating during sleep. Also, steroid drugs can be the culprit.

Bacterial or viral infections. The most common causes of profuse night sweats are colds and illnesses accompanied by a fever (high temperature). However, there are more unusual infections that cause night sweats:

• tuberculosis;
• endocarditis – inflammation of a part of the heart that may be a symptom of another disease or caused by bacteria;
• osteomyelitis – inflammation of the bone marrow caused by infection;
• abscesses – purulent inflammation, most often caused by bacteria;
• Infection with certain viruses, such as HIV.

Cancer. Sweating at night can be an early symptom of some cancers, especially Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Associated symptoms that are observed in this case include: low-grade (long-lasting and low) temperature or fever, weight loss. If you notice these symptoms in yourself, do not delay the visit to the oncologist.

Hypoglycemia. Sometimes night sweats can be caused by low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). At risk are more people with diabetes and using drugs to lower sugar, as well as those who do not eat enough.

Idiopathic hyperhidrosis. Idiopathic hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating for which doctors are unable to find a cause. But excessive sweating is observed not only at night, but also during the day.

Neurological causes:

• autonomic (autonomic) dysreflexia is a nervous system disorder usually caused by spinal cord injury. The transmission of nerve impulses below the injury is disrupted, which can be accompanied by many symptoms, incl. night sweats;
• post-traumatic syringomyelia is a disease that, by its nature, has common features with the aforementioned autonomic dysreflexia, but is progressive. In most cases, there is a decrease in sweating, but sometimes increased reflex sweating is also possible.
• stroke. With a hemorrhage in the brain, the mechanism for regulating body temperature is disrupted, and sweating is one of its components;
• autonomic neuropathy is a disorder of the nervous system in people with diabetes caused by damage to small vessels. And in half of those who develop this disorder, there is a violation of the function of sweating, due to damage to certain nerve fibers.

Problems with the thyroid gland. Night sweats can be caused by hyperthyroidism, a syndrome in which there is an overactive thyroid gland, and hormones are produced more than normal. In addition to sweating, the following symptoms are observed: hand trembling, palpitations, nervousness, weight loss. To accurately determine violations, tests are given for hormones, the level of which may differ from the norm – TSH, T3 and T4. If necessary, you may also need to undergo other thyroid tests prescribed by your doctor.

Causes of night sweats in men

Night sweats are a fairly common problem. Women can also suffer from excessive nighttime sweating (hyperhidrosis), but men are more likely to experience it. In this article, we will talk about the possible causes of excessive sweating in men during a night’s sleep, prevention measures and methods of treatment.

Night sweats are a common problem in men.

Sweating is a normal physiological process

We sweat to lower our body temperature when it rises above a threshold called the thermoneutral zone. Overheating occurs due to a variety of factors. During daylight hours, the increased work of our sweat glands is provoked, for example, by intense physical exercise or the hot sun.

At night, our body reacts by sweating to certain stimuli. If the mechanisms of thermoregulation work normally and the increase in temperature at night is insignificant, sweating is short-term, not abundant and does not lead to sleep disturbance.

If, for one reason or another, the sweat glands at night have to work in “emergency mode”, releasing large amounts of fluid, then this can disrupt even the strongest sleep – bed and night clothes become wet, the person experiences discomfort and wakes up.

Due to the profuse sweating, the bed linen becomes wet and sticky, the person experiences discomfort and wakes up.

Understanding the causes of night sweats in men and how to deal with the problem helps you take the right steps to restore an uninterrupted, quality night’s sleep.

Why can men sweat a lot at night?

There are many causes of excessive night sweats in men, ranging from harmless to potentially life-threatening. At the same time, they can be divided into two groups:

• diseases that are infectious or have a stimulating effect on the sympathetic nervous system, as a result of which the body loses the ability to adequately regulate body temperature;
• undesirable habits and violation of sleep hygiene.

In the first case, competent treatment helps to eliminate or reduce night sweating, in the second case, correction of nutrition, daily routine and night rest conditions.

Below we will describe in detail the main causes of profuse night sweats in the stronger sex and effective ways to solve the problem.

External causes of night sweats

• Intense exercise, especially in the evening, in a synthetic or heavy wool tracksuit, in hot weather is one of the most common causes of night sweats in men.
• The wrong choice of mattress, blanket and bedding can provoke overheating during sleep and its consequence – increased work of the sweat glands.
• Bedroom temperatures above 18°C ​​prevent the body from cooling naturally and increase the rate of sweating during sleep.
• Eating spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeinated foods before bed also leads to increased night sweats.

Intense exercise in the evening can cause nocturnal hyperhidrosis

What health problems cause hyperhidrosis in men during the night?

Excessive night sweats in men can be a manifestation of a wide variety of diseases and conditions.

Low Testosterone

In the same way that hormonal imbalances in menopausal women can cause excessive night sweats, in men, similar symptoms can be caused by low levels of the hormone testosterone. In the male body, this hormone regulates sexual function, sperm production, and muscle mass. As we age, testosterone levels begin to drop. Its decline is due to the natural aging process and can lead to andropause, which in some medical circles is called male menopause (male menopause).

The amount of testosterone in men decreases with age

Low testosterone is a common cause of night sweats in men over 45 years of age. In this case, hyperhidrosis is usually accompanied by a decrease in sexual desire, depression, weight gain.

In addition to natural aging, testosterone levels may decrease in men with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea.

Do you have excessive night sweats and think that this is due to low testosterone levels? Talk to your doctor. If the laboratory blood test confirms your fears, you will be prescribed replacement therapy, the hormone levels in the blood will return to normal, and you will sweat less at night.

However, if hormonal disorders are associated with obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes, then one correction of the hormone level to combat hyperhidrosis will not be enough – treatment of concomitant diseases is necessary.

Stress and Anxiety

Active, successful men’s lifestyles and work often involve difficult decisions, dispute resolution, and other situations that cause stress and anxiety. The result is increased night sweats.

Stress and anxiety can cause excessive night sweats

A psychologist and a psychotherapist will help to cope with the problem. Psychotherapeutic assistance is usually combined with drug anti-stress therapy, psychological adaptation.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea can cause night sweats in men. Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing (its temporary stops), which can last from a few seconds to a minute or more, and occur up to 30 times per hour.

Apnea is a dangerous pathology that causes hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in the tissues of the brain, heart and other organs, disrupting the normal sleep process. Apnea has a significant negative impact on the quality of sleep at night, can cause daytime fatigue, and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Treatment includes lifestyle changes to reduce weight, use of special devices (oral mouthguards) to help with nighttime breathing, and CPAP therapy. If night sweats are associated with sleep apnea, they should stop after the disorder has been effectively treated.

CPAP therapy is an effective way to combat obstructive sleep apnea and its manifestations

Side effects of certain foods and drugs

Antidepressants, hypertension medications, and chemotherapy drugs for cancer can cause night sweats in men. Talk to your doctor if you are taking drugs in these groups and sweat a lot at night. You may be prescribed another drug with a similar therapeutic effect that does not cause this side effect.

Hyperhidrosis may be one of the side effects of chemotherapy

If an alternative drug is not available or you cannot take it, your doctor will adjust your dose or change the timing of the nocturnal hyperhidrosis drug.

Some medications that do not cause excessive sweating on their own may interfere with your sleep due to side effects. One of the consequences of poor sleep is night sweats. It should stop if you find a drug that doesn’t cause these side effects.

Alcohol, drugs and caffeine can also have a similar effect. These stimulants increase the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, stimulating the sweat glands and increasing sweating at night.

Viral and bacterial infections

Even mild viral infections can lead to night sweats, not to mention serious infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, mononucleosis. If you are concerned about night sweats and have recently been ill, it is important to see a doctor to rule out an untreated infection or its complications as the cause.

Even a simple cold leads to an increase in temperature in the evening and at night and causes excessive sweating at night.

Treatment depends on the specific infection. Night sweats should stop after you treat the infection that caused them.

Incorrect dosage of drugs for diabetes

If blood sugar drops sharply at night, diabetic patients suffer from hypoglycemia, which may be accompanied by increased sweating. Patients with diabetes mellitus who are concerned about hyperhidrosis during sleep should monitor their sugar levels at night and adjust the dose of sugar-lowering drugs to rule out hypoglycemia.

A sharp decrease in blood sugar at night is one of the possible causes of increased sweating in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Cancer

More severe cases of excessive night sweats may be a sign of various forms of cancer or a side effect of it. For example, treating cancer with chemotherapy can lead to night sweats. If chemotherapy is causing night sweats, talk to your doctor – they can help you find ways to reduce the problem and make you feel more comfortable.

Excessive night sweats may be a symptom of cancer

Neurological disorders

Some neurological disorders can cause night sweats. These include, among others, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, cerebral palsy, attention deficit disorder. If you sweat a lot at night and suffer from a neurological disease, tell your doctor about your problem – he will find a way to reduce night sweats.

Progression of Parkinson’s disease is one of the causes of hyperhidrosis

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid-stimulating hormone. This is a relatively rare condition, but it can cause night sweats. Additional symptoms of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and anxiety.

Medical and surgical treatment. The disease responds well to treatment, and your night sweats will soon stop bothering you.

Wet skin due to excessive sweating is one of the manifestations of hyperthyroidism.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which acid from the stomach enters the esophagus. GERD is one possible cause of night sweats in men. The disease is relatively widespread. In addition to night sweats, such patients complain of heartburn and chest pain.

In GERD, the contents of the stomach in the supine position are thrown into the esophagus

Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medication, surgery. Sleep and GERD are closely related because the condition makes it difficult to fall asleep. Treatment for GERD should improve sleep quality and reduce the frequency and intensity of night sweats.

How to get rid of night sweats?

The solution to this issue is the task of the doctor, who will take into account all the symptoms and, if necessary, prescribe an examination. Thanks to this, the cause of profuse night sweating will be established and adequate measures will be taken to restore impaired thermoregulation or create favorable conditions for sleep.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of men do not tell the doctor that they are worried about excessive sweating at night. Hushing up an unpleasant, but seemingly insignificant problem, not only does not allow you to get rid of it, but can also make it difficult to diagnose diseases that destroy health in a timely manner.

Do you sweat profusely at night and wake up constantly in a wet bed? First of all, you need to find out what it is connected with. If you consider yourself completely healthy, try changing your behavior and habits, creating a favorable atmosphere and conditions for sleep:

• Take care of the cool air in the bedroom, breathable bed linen, change the blanket to a lighter one. Take a cool shower or bath before bed.
• Avoid spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine, especially in the evening.