8 Causes of Night Sweats: Menopause and More

Doctors often hear their patients complain of night sweats. Night sweats refer to excess sweating during the night. But if your bedroom is unusually hot or you are wearing too many bedclothes, you may sweat during sleep, and this is normal. True night sweats are severe hot flashes occurring at night that can drench your clothes and sheets and that are not related to an overheated environment.

It is important to note that flushing (a warmth and redness of the face or body) may be hard to distinguish from true night sweats.

There are many different causes of night sweats. To find the cause, a doctor must get a detailed medical history and order tests to decide what medical condition is responsible for the night sweats. Some of the known conditions that can cause night sweats are:

1. Menopause. The hot flashes that accompany menopause can occur at night and cause sweating. This is a very common cause of night sweats in women.
2. Idiopathic hyperhidrosis. Idiopathic hyperhidrosis is a condition in which the body chronically produces too much sweat without any identifiable medical cause.
3. Infections. Tuberculosis is the infection most commonly associated with night sweats. But bacterial infections, such as endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves), osteomyelitis (inflammation in the bones), and abscesses can cause night sweats. Night sweats are also a symptom of HIV infection.
4. Cancers. Night sweats are an early symptom of some cancers. The most common type of cancer associated with night sweats is lymphoma. However, people who have an undiagnosed cancer frequently have other symptoms as well, such as unexplained weight loss and fevers.
5. Medications. Taking certain medications can lead to night sweats. Antidepressant medications are a common type of drug that can lead to night sweats. From 8% to 22% of people taking antidepressant drugs have night sweats. Other psychiatric drugs have also been associated with night sweats. Medicines taken to lower fever, such as aspirin and acetaminophen, can sometimes lead to sweating. Many other drugs can cause night sweats or flushing.
6. Hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar can cause sweating. People who are taking insulin or oral diabetes medications may have hypoglycemia at night that is accompanied by sweating.
7. Hormone disorders. Sweating or flushing can be seen with several hormone disorders, including pheochromocytoma, carcinoid syndrome, and hyperthyroidism.
8. Neurologic conditions. Uncommonly, neurologic conditions including autonomic dysreflexia, posttraumatic syringomyelia, stroke, and autonomic neuropathy may cause increased sweating and may lead to night sweats.

Night Sweats In Women – 12 Reasons You Sweat While Sleeping

Picture it: You climb into your cozy bed, snuggle up under the comforter, and drift off to sleep…only to wake up a few hours later totally drenched in sweat.

Miserable? Yes. Also kind of scary? Yes to that, too.

Most of the time, your night sweats could be caused by something totally harmless—like the temperature of your bedroom or the fabric of your pajamas. But sometimes, your sweaty nights might be a sign of an underlying condition you need to get checked out ASAP, says Neomi Shah, MD, associate professor of pulmonary and sleep medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

It’s also important to keep in mind that your night sweats may really be hot flashes. “Hot flashes may be difficult to distinguish from night sweats,” says Juan J. Remos, MD, chief medical advisor and internist for Gentera Center for Regenerative Medicine. “Hot flashes may begin with an unpleasant heat sensation in the chest, neck, or abdomen. A sudden warmth and visible skin redness in the chest, head, and neck follows.”

With hot flashes, the sensation of warmth can last anywhere from three to four minutes to 20 or 30 minutes, and is typically followed by sweating in the same areas, he adds. Dr. Remos says that hot flashes at night are typically described by women as night sweats, but they are different—hot flashes can occur at any time and likely won’t only come on at night.

A general rule? If your night sweats persist for more than two or three months, get yourself checked out, says Dr. Shah—your doctor should be able to get to the bottom of it. But instead of jumping to the worst-case scenario, take a peek at what commonly causes night sweats in women, and what you can do about them.

1. Your room is just too damn hot.

What’s the temperature of your bedroom right now? If it’s anything other than 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s probably too hot, says W. Christopher Winter, MD, sleep specialist and author of The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How To Fix It.

Less-breathable fabrics (like your flannel pajamas) can also contribute to your sweaty sleep woes. Breathable cotton is a better option for both your PJs and sheets.

Feeling hot can also impede your ability to actually fall asleep. In the process of drifting off, your body temperature should drop one to two degrees below normal, and it can’t do that in a warm room.

2. You have hyperhidrosis, an excessive sweating disorder.

Yes, that’s a thing, and according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it essentially happens when a person sweats more than necessary (yes, including while they’re sleeping).

One big difference between hyperhidrosis and run-of-the-mill sweating: Hyperhidrosis typically affects specific body parts, per the AAD, like your palms, feet, underarms, and head. Keep in mind though, this is excessive sweating—the AAD describes hyperhidrosis as excessive sweating that interferes with daily activities (like opening doorknobs or using computers) in those who have it.

If you think you have hyperhidrosis, talk to your dermatologist—they can prescribe specific deodorants or other methods of treatment, like Botox injections to block sweat glands, per the AAD.

3. You’re having nightmares.

This is probably the simplest explanation for those sweats. “If the sweating is chronic…sometimes it can be that the patient is totally healthy and is actually running in a dream, or frightful in a dream,” says Harry Banshick, MD. “The sweat is the consequence of acting out the dream.”

Dr. Shah agrees, saying that anything that causes “a sympathetic surge” (also known as a fight-or-flight response) can lead to sweating. If you’re having ongoing, persistent nightmares, see your doctor to find out what might be causing it (stress is a big culprit).

4. Your body’s going through hormonal changes, like those related to menopause.

One of the most common causes of night sweats for women is fluctuating estrogen levels, Dr. Nandi says. “Menopause is associated with hot flashes, so it’s not uncommon for patients to report sweating even during their sleep,” Dr. Shah says. But again, these may occur at other times during the day as well.

If you’re pregnant or on your period, those hormone fluctuations could lead to night sweats, too. However, menopause tends to cause the most persistent sweats, and if it’s truly affecting your quality of life or sleep, Dr. Shah says it’s worth talking to your doctor about. “Sweating from menopause is unpredictable, but if you talk to your ob-gyn about hormone replacement therapy, it could help keep your temperatures under control.”

5. You’re taking antidepressants.

Patients taking antidepressants can definitely see an uptick in night sweats, Dr. Shah says, as certain classes of medications can cause an adrenergic reaction, which has to do with your adrenaline levels and leads to sweating. If you’re taking venlafaxine (or the brand-name Effexor) or bupropion (or its brand-named Wellbutrin, Zyban, or Aplenzin), you may experience more night sweats, Dr. Shah says.

But there’s good news if you don’t want to switch your antidepressant, as Dr. Shah says there are drugs docs can prescribe to calm down the adrenergic output, which won’t counteract your mental health care.

6. Your body’s fighting off an infection, like tuberculosis.

“Infections in general are related with changes in temperature because they come with fevers that will break, and that is obviously a common reason to sweat,” Dr. Shah says.

One rare infection that’s commonly associated with night sweats: tuberculosis, which can infect any part of your body but is well-known for its effect on your lungs. People with an immunocompromised condition, like HIV, can develop tuberculosis more easily, Dr. Shah says. You might start sweating in your sleep before you even start coughing or realize something is wrong, Dr. Shah says, so see a doc stat if the symptoms persist.

7. You have undiagnosed lymphoma.

Lymphoma—a cancer of part of the immune system, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM)—can cause multiple symptoms like fever, changes in weight loss, and, yes, night sweats, says Dr. Shah. Essentially, your body recognizes lymphoma as something it needs to fight off, and raises its temperature to try to do so, she adds.

While these “soaking sweats,” per the NLM, happen at night, heavy sweating might occur during the day for this, too, so get to your MD if you’re experiencing any other symptoms and they can test you for the condition, says Dr. Shah.

8. You’re experiencing hypoglycemia related to your diabetes medication.

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low, and can cause a variety of symptoms including confusion, dizziness, and in some cases, night sweats. When your blood sugar level drops below a certain point, your body will use hormones, like cortisol, to try to preserve normal blood glucose levels and organ function, therefore activating the autonomic nervous system, which is in charge of your glands, explains Dr. Remos.

That activation can cause profuse sweating. Sometimes these sweats can come on suddenly and when paired with confusion may require the administration of glucose orally or intravenously, says Dr. Remos.

9. You have undiagnosed hypothyroidism.

Those with hypothyroidism have an overactive thyroid that produces more thyroid hormone than the body needs. According to the NLM, thyroid hormone can affect the way the body uses energy, and some symptoms of it include muscle weakness, mood swings, and trouble tolerating heat.

If you’re experiencing night sweats related to hypothyroidism, they may happen on a consistent schedule as opposed to randomly and will usually appear with other symptoms of the condition, says Dr. Remos.

10. You have a rare tumor in the adrenal gland known as a pheochromocytoma.

Pheochromocytomas are rare, usually benign tumors that start in the cells of the adrenal gland, according to the NLM. The symptoms associated with these tumors are episodic headaches, sweating, and tachycardia, a condition that causes a rapid heartbeat, says Dr. Remos.

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These symptoms are usually caused by the excess release of hormones like adrenaline and epinephrine by the tumor, which in turn may be causing you to dampen your bedsheets at night, says Dr. Remos. “The night sweats are triggered by the excess adrenaline type hormones,” he says.

11. You’re experiencing a hormone disorder, like undiagnosed carcinoid syndrome.

Night sweats are a common symptom of hormone disorders, since they tend to throw the body’s functions out of wack. One hormone disorder which can cause night sweats is carcinoid syndrome, which refers to the group of symptoms experienced by people with carcinoid tumors, which can appear all over but tend to originate in the digestive tract.

“Getting flushed is the hallmark of the carcinoid syndrome, occurring in 84 percent of affected patients; sweating may occur concurrent with the flushing,” says Dr. Remos. “Flushing is an increased blood flow to the skin due to vasodilation and is experienced as a warmth and redness of the face and occasionally the trunk, which may be associated with sweating. “

Other symptoms related to this condition besides flushing and sweating are diarrhea and difficulty breathing or wheezing.

12. You’re dealing with an undiagnosed neurologic condition, like post-traumatic syringomyelia.

Like hormone conditions, neurologic conditions, particularly spinal cord injury and syringomyelia, says Dr. Remos, can also cause night sweats. “The autonomic nervous system exerts involuntary control over smooth muscle like the intestine or the pupil, and glands. Damage to the spinal cord causes it to malfunction and stimulate sweat glands inappropriately,” says Dr. Remos.

Post-traumatic syringomyelia, specifically, refers to the formation of cysts in the spinal cord and can cause episodes of increased sweating, says Dr. Remos.

Remedies for night sweats

If you’re symptoms are mild and do not interfere with normal activities, Dr. Remos recommends simple behavioral changes, like lowering room temperature, using fans, or dressing in layers of clothing that you can easily shed. You should also avoid things that may trigger sweating, like spicy foods, and try to keep stress to a minimum. Your derm can also help prevent the sweats themselves, either by recommending clinical strength antiperspirants or Botox injections.

If you’re dealing with moderate to more severe night sweats or hot flashes related to menopause, Dr. Remos says you may want to look into menopausal hormone therapy, which uses hormones to treat the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes. It isn’t a good treatment for everyone, as it can be risky to those with conditions like coronary heart disease or a history of breast cancer, so talk with your doctor about your options.

For certain conditions, taking medication that treats the condition may also treat some of the symptoms related to it, so always consult your doctor if you think there’s something new going on with your body and you need relief.

Emily Shiffer
Emily Shiffer is a former digital web producer for Men’s Health and Prevention, and is currently a freelancer writer specializing in health, weight loss, and fitness.

Jasmine Gomez
Associate Lifestyle editor
Jasmine Gomez is the associate lifestyle editor at Women’s Health and covers health, fitness, sex, culture and cool products.

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Spotting the difference: Night sweats in leukaemia VS normal night sweats

Although most people welcome the warm weather, for many, the arrival of summer can also mean welcoming the unpleasant feeling of night sweats.

It is certainly not unusual to sweat during the night, especially in the summer when your room or bedding becomes too hot. However, severe night sweats that occur to an extent that your bed sheets or pyjamas become soaking wet, despite sleeping in a cool environment, can sometimes be a sign of leukaemia. Out of over 2,000 leukaemia patients asked in our survey, 31% reported night sweats as a major symptom before their diagnosis.

It is all too easy to dismiss an increase in night sweats as just a harmless symptom of summer. Read on to spot the difference between harmless and harmful night sweats and stand a greater chance of diagnosing leukaemia earlier.

“In hindsight, the night sweats were a big give away. It wasn’t just a bit of a hot night, it was sheets drenched. Having a shower in the morning because you’re just sweating so badly… It’s an unnatural type of sweat at night.”

Spotting the difference

Sweating is the body’s natural way of cooling down. It happens to everyone throughout the day and most people will also sweat to some degree during the night. The key difference between harmful and harmless night sweats is the quantity of sweat, and the temperature at which they occur. Night sweats caused by illness are more than just breaking a light sweat because you have too many layers of bedding. Instead, they cause you and your bed sheets to become soaked to the extent that you can no longer sleep on them, often when your room is at a comfortably cool temperature.

It is important to visit your GP if:

• You regularly have night sweats that wake you up at night – You may wake up drenched in sweat, unable to cool down even if your room is cool. Many describe the feeling as if they had just got out of a swimming pool and laid down in bed.

“There were a couple of occasions where I woke up in the middle of the night drenched with sweat, feeling like I was in a sauna.”

• You have never experienced night sweats before – Night sweats that occur fairly consistently and constantly throughout the night and in small quantities are generally harmless. Unfamiliar night sweats that happen suddenly in hot flashes are more concerning.

“I had a few nights where I would get very bad night sweats – something that has never happened to me before.”

• You are having severe night sweats but can’t work out why, i.e. you are sleeping in a cool environment.

“My night sweats were transient, I’d end up experiencing a week of night sweats, and then nothing.”

• You also have a fever, a cough or diarrhoea – Generally, fevers and chesty coughs are caused by infections. If this is the problem, your doctor will be able to prescribe antibiotics. However, be sure to return if symptoms persist. Leukaemia can cause repeated infections by weakening your immune system.

“The night sweats were awful, and I had a temperature and felt like I had the flu a few days before diagnosis.”

• You are experiencing unexplained weight loss alongside your night sweats – Rapidly dividing leukaemia cells use up energy that your body would otherwise use or store as fat, causing weight loss.

“I also noticed a change in my weight and I lost my appetite.”

• You are also displaying other symptoms of leukaemia – As well as night sweats, you may be experiencing seemingly unrelated symptoms that when linked together could in fact be an indication of leukaemia. Other symptoms of leukaemia can include fever, bruising, breathlessness, bone pain, abdominal pain or frequent infections.

“I became bed bound with debilitating headaches, bruises, drenching night sweats, fatigue, no appetite, nausea, weight loss, nose bleeds and bone pain.”

What causes night sweats in leukaemia?

There are a few different ways that leukaemia can lead to night sweats:

1. Leukaemia puts you at a greater risk of developing infections because your body isn’t producing enough immune cells. During an infection, the body will automatically increase its temperature to help fight against infections, causing both fever and night sweats.
2. In the same way that your body naturally rises in temperature when fighting an infection, your body will rise in temperature in an attempt to kill the leukaemia cells. This is part of the “inflammatory response”.
3. After diagnosis, many treatments including chemotherapy can produce toxic by-products that can also lead to a raise in core body temperature.

Other causes of night sweats:

It is important to remember night sweats are rarely caused by leukaemia. Nearly always there is another explanation. For example, the most common cause of night sweats in women over 40 is menopause. Generally, leukaemia is only a worry if you present with other associated symptoms such as fatigue, bone pain, bruising or weight loss. By visiting a GP, your doctor will be able to gather a detailed medical history and order appropriate tests to confirm which of the following conditions is the cause of your night sweats:

Menopause (“hot flushes”)

Pregnancy – Both pregnancy and menopause can cause night sweats through hormonal changes that naturally occur in the body.

Anxiety

Infections

Medications – Antidepressants, for example, are a common cause of night sweats.

Hormone disorders e.g. hypothyroidism

Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) – Diabetics can often get night sweats if blood glucose levels fall during the night.

Drinking alcohol – Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to sweats.

Idiopathic hyperhidrosis – Sometimes, the cause of excessive sweating is unknown, but is harmless. This is called idiopathic hyperhidrosis.

When should I be concerned?

Since there are multiple other conditions that can cause night sweats, a full examination by your GP is necessary to accurately determine the cause and rule out any serious underlying issues. If you are regularly waking up with your bed sheets drenched in sweat, you should certainly get it checked by a GP.

Night sweats that occur due to leukaemia will usually be experienced alongside other symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss or excessive bruising. The night sweats may also present in the daytime as fever, or can lead to sleeping problems.

Knowing what other symptoms are typical of leukaemia is crucial for helping you to make the decision to visit your GP sooner for a blood test. Connect the dots between the symptoms of leukaemia and spot leukaemia sooner.

Pillow Sweat? How to Fix Head & Neck Sweats While Sleeping

Waking up with pillow sweat isn’t just unpleasant – it’s also detrimental to a good night’s sleep. And, it can prove extremely embarrassing (to you) if you sleep with a partner, as well as annoying (to them).

Most of us get a little pillow sweat during the night – it’s one of the ways our bodies discard toxins. But when we wake up with our pillow soaked with sweat, it’s time to do something about it. And that’s exactly what we’re going to help you within this article. We’ll outline why your pillow sweat occurs in the first place and what you can do to fix it 

Why does my head sweat so much when I sleep?

Fevers and other medical conditions can result in head sweats and neck sweats while sleeping. Menopause in women, low testosterone in men, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and certain types of drugs can all cause us to wake up with a drenched pillow in the morning. 

If this is you then it might be an idea to let your doctor know you are regularly waking up with a wet pillow. But the good news is, most causes of heavy pillow sweat won’t be anything to worry about health-wise. It could be down to:

Menopause

Sweating (day and night) can be caused by women experiencing hot flashes when they are going through stages of menopause. This is due to hormone changes and can be mitigated by taking certain medications, such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Antidepressants 

One of the side effects of medication to treat the symptoms of depression and anxiety is sweating. Sometimes pain killers, such as aspirin, carry similar side effects. You can also add diabetes and hormone-blocking drugs to this list.

Stress 

Anxiety itself can produce pillow sweat. Many of us will experience anxiety before an important interview, or first date, causing us to sweat a little. So, imagine how much we sweat when continually anxious. And it can carry on through the night too because worrying and insomnia can result in an excess of the hormone cortisol. This increases our heart rate and metabolism, causing us to sweat.

Hypoglycaemia 

Low blood sugar can cause us to sweat unknowingly because, if our blood sugar drops too much during the night, our body responds by producing excess adrenaline and which, in turn, causes us to sweat.

Hyperthyroidism 

If left untreated this condition speeds up your metabolism, resulting in a wet pillow. The hormone thyroxine is usually prescribed to prevent this.

Idiopathic Hyperhidrosis 

This is an actual condition where the body sweats for no reason. Fortunately, only around three percent of the population suffers from it at any given time.

Lymphoma 

Night sweating can be a symptom of this form of blood cancer. However, it is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss and feeling feverish in general.

Infections 

Our body often attempts to ‘sweat out’ an infection, whether it’s bacterial or fungal or more serious illness such as TB or HIV.

Obesity 

The bigger our body is, the more heat we generate. That’s because our body is burning calories during the night, resulting in heat moving across our skin. The more skin surface we have, the hotter we’ll feel, and the more we sweat.

Pregnancy 

Hormonal changes can cause pregnant women to endure hot flashes similar to those experienced by peri-menopausal women.

Cancer treatment 

Both radiation therapy and chemotherapy can result in head and neck sweats while sleeping for those undergoing treatment for cancer.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) 

If you wake up with a sweaty pillow and feel sleepy during the day because you’re waking up regularly at night and perhaps even struggling to breathe during sleep, then OSA could be the cause. If this is you, pay a visit to your GP.

Low testosterone 

A condition that affects mostly men, the medical term for ‘Low T’ is Hypogonadism. Males, particularly as they age, can experience hormone imbalance too. And, like hot flashes in females, this can result in night sweats.

Other common reasons for sweating during the night

Ingesting substances such as caffeine, alcohol, and food too close to bedtime or at all (in the case of caffeine) can cause pillow sweat. Anxiety and stress are other factors to avoid, if possible. Exercising near bedtime won’t do you any favors either.

Alcohol 

It may be a depressant, but a couple of drinks before bedtime can also act as a stimulant, making our heart beat faster. This makes the body temperature rise and… you’ve guessed it… causes us to sweat during the night. The more alcohol we drink, the more our body fights to expel it through sweat.

Caffeine 

Taken in the evenings, a cup of coffee can still affect us when we go to bed. Caffeine is a stimulant and revs up our bloodstream. The result, like alcohol, is head sweats while sleeping.

Exercising near bedtime 

If you exercise intensely several hours before bedtime, such as pushing yourself harder each time for a marathon, then you will sweat in bed. That’s because it can cause your thyroid gland to release more hormones. This then triggers night sweats as your body struggles to acclimatize to the extra activity. 

What are the main causes of head and neck night sweats?

Our body sweats during the night to keep our body temperature down. This thermoregulation it performs can be triggered by heavy and manmade covers, a foam mattress, and wearing synthetic fibers for sleepwear. The good news is these are environmental factors we can control. 

Bedding

Heavy woolen blankets or a duvet during the cold winter months are great as they keep you warm but they’re no good for the summer months. Not only are they too heavy and prevent air circulation (the thicker the sheet the less surface your body has to cool down with) but they’re usually made from a material that isn’t conducive to keeping you cool. And if your body is hot, then your head will be too.

Even certain types of light bed linen can cause head sweats. Sheets produced from man-made material such as polyester or nylon won’t let your body breathe and tends to cling, making you feel even warmer.

Sleep wear 

The same goes for your sleepwear. Fleece pajamas and flannel nighties are great for winter but they don’t work for the hotter spring and summer months.

Bedroom

To drop off to sleep our body has to experience a fall in temperature of around two percent. Even before we go to bed our body is preparing us for sleep by starting to cool down as the evening goes on.

But we won’t fall asleep easily if our room is too hot, and makes us feel even warmer. As a result, our temperature increases as we try to drop off. 

Most people’s bedrooms are upstairs in their home and, because heat tends to rise, this leads to the bedroom being warmer than the sitting room in which they have spent the past couple of hours relaxing and preparing for bed in. 

Often, we don’t realize how warm our bedroom actually is until we’re in bed. And yet, to get a night of better sleep the temperature in our bedroom really needs to be lower than elsewhere in the house.

Mattress 

A mattress or pillow that doesn’t breathe is going to trap heat and make your body temperature rise. Some types of memory foam mattresses, in particular, can be bad for this. It’s why newer versions introduced on the market contain cooling gel foam. 

Tips to fix head and neck sweats while sleeping

Using a temperature-regulating cooling pillow, changing to bedding and sleepwear produced from natural fibers, and ensuring there is sufficient air circulation in the bedroom can all help with head sweats, allowing you to get a natural and full night’s sleep.

Cooling pillow

The best cooling pillows regulate your head and neck temperature to stop your heat from sweating. To get a good night’s sleep it helps to keep your pillow cool. Wondering how to keep your pillow cool? Well, you don’t have to with a cooling pillow-like Moona because it tailors the temperature of your pillow to your body. It can cool the pillow down to help you fall asleep faster, and then fluctuate the temperature slightly to make sure your body temperature remains stable through the night. It then warms up the pillow to wake you naturally in the morning.

Temperature regulation

There are ways we can make ourselves and our environment more comfortable so that we don’t end up with our pillows drenched in sweat after a night’s sleep. From adopting a cooling pillow to choosing the correct fabric for our blankets and ensuring our room temperature is comfortable. 

Buy natural bedding 

To keep cooler at night, the best bedding for night sweats, are sheets made from natural fibers, such as linen, cotton, or bamboo. These wick away moisture and prevent sweating. 

Wear linen and cotton

The same goes for sleepwear when it comes to choosing fabrics. Always choose natural materials to make sure your body can breathe and which actually wick away sweat. 

Take B vitamins 

B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12 can help regulate hormones (particularly estrogen).

Circulate air 

If you can, keep a window open at night and have a fan nearby. Keeping your body cool prevents sweat from forming.

Change your mattress 

If your mattress is causing you to sweat during the night then it’s time to look for a non-foam alternative. 

Take a cool shower before bed 

If it’s not possible to lower the temperature in your bedroom (especially during the summer in warmer climes) then take a lukewarm shower before bed to lower your body temperature. 

It’s clear then that you don’t have to suffer pillow sweats any longer. Uncover what’s causing yours and then implement a change by choosing one – or some – of the preventative methods above, such as using the best cooling pillow you can find. You’ll get much better sleep – and your partner will love you for it.

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Hot flashes – Symptoms and causes

Overview

A hot flash is the sudden feeling of warmth in the upper body, which is usually most intense over the face, neck and chest. Your skin might redden, as if you’re blushing. A hot flash can also cause sweating. If you lose too much body heat, you might feel chilled afterward. Night sweats are hot flashes that happen at night, and they may disrupt your sleep.

Although other medical conditions can cause them, hot flashes most commonly are due to menopause — the time when menstrual periods become irregular and eventually stop. In fact, hot flashes are the most common symptom of the menopausal transition.

There are a variety of treatments for bothersome hot flashes.

Symptoms

During a hot flash, you might have:

• A sudden feeling of warmth spreading through your chest, neck and face
• A flushed appearance with red, blotchy skin
• Rapid heartbeat
• Perspiration, mostly on your upper body
• A chilled feeling as the hot flash lets up
• Feelings of anxiety

The frequency and intensity of hot flashes vary among women. A single episode may last a minute or two — or as long as 5 minutes.

Hot flashes may be mild or so intense that they disrupt daily activities. They can happen at any time of day or night. Nighttime hot flashes (night sweats) may wake you from sleep and can cause long-term sleep disruptions.

How often hot flashes occur varies among women, but most women who report having hot flashes experience them daily. On average, hot flash symptoms persist for more than seven years. Some women have them for more than 10 years.

When to see a doctor

If hot flashes affect your daily activities or nighttime sleep, consider seeing your doctor to discuss treatment options.

Causes

Hot flashes are most commonly caused by changing hormone levels before, during and after menopause. It’s not clear exactly how hormonal changes cause hot flashes. But most research suggests that hot flashes occur when decreased estrogen levels cause your body’s thermostat (hypothalamus) to become more sensitive to slight changes in body temperature. When the hypothalamus thinks your body is too warm, it starts a chain of events — a hot flash — to cool you down.

Rarely, hot flashes and nights sweats are caused by something other than menopause. Other potential causes include medication side effects, problems with your thyroid, certain cancers and side effects of cancer treatment.

Risk factors

Not all women who go through menopause have hot flashes, and it’s not clear why some women do have them. Factors that may increase your risk include:

• Smoking. Women who smoke are more likely to get hot flashes.
• Obesity. A high body mass index (BMI) is associated with a higher frequency of hot flashes.
• Race. More black women report having hot flashes during menopause than do women of other races. Hot flashes are reported least frequently in Asian women.

Complications

Hot flashes may impact your daily activities and quality of life. Nighttime hot flashes (night sweats) can wake you from sleep and, over time, can cause long-term sleep disruptions.

Research suggests that women who have hot flashes may have an increased risk of heart disease and greater bone loss than women who do not have hot flashes.

Aug. 31, 2021

What causes night sweats in men? 9 causes and 3 treatments

Sweating while you sleep is expected…in certain circumstances. In others, it can be a sign of a health problem.

Sweating is like the body’s thermostat, helping to regulate your temperature when it gets too high. It’s how your body cools off on a hot day, when you workout, or any other activity that causes a spike in temperature. 

Sweating while you sleep is expected when the room is too warm or your blanket is too heavy. But if you find yourself soaked and need to change your sheets or clothes, this is a sign of night sweats and a possible underlying health issue. Excessive sweating during sleep is also linked to other symptoms like fever, weight loss, pain, cough, and diarrhea, according to Mayo Clinic.

What causes night sweats in men?

Many underlying medical conditions can set off sweating while you sleep. Here’s a look at some common causes of night sweats in men, how to prevent them, and when to contact a healthcare provider.

1. Anxiety 

When worry grows out of control, one of the physical signs is sweating—during the day and at night. It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes, especially in stressful situations. But ongoing worry that affects your everyday life could be a condition called generalized anxiety disorder. Here are some other physical and emotional symptoms:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Tense or achy muscles
• Nausea, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome
• Trouble making decisions
• Restlessness and trouble relaxing
• Lack of concentration

2.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic acid reflux, is a common condition in which stomach acid regularly flows back into the esophagus—the tube that links the mouth and stomach. When food makes it to your stomach, a valve at the end of the esophagus has trouble closing well and allows acid backwash to stream back up through your throat and mouth. Night sweats are one symptom of GERD. Others include:

• Heartburn
• Swallowed food returns to your mouth (regurgitation) 
• A sensation of food stuck in your throat 
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Throwing up
• Sore throat and raspy voice

3. Hyperhidrosis

With this condition, overactive sweat glands cause excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis can happen any time of day, even during sleep. There are two forms: 

• Focal or primary idiopathic hyperhidrosis is the most common type and usually causes excessive sweating on the armpits, hands, feet, and head. It’s passed down through your genes. Stress, heat, and some foods and odors like citric acid, coffee, chocolate, and peanut butter trigger sweating. 
• Generalized or secondary hyperhidrosis happens along with another medical condition and affects any part of the body. Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses may cause more sweat than usual.

Night sweats only happen with generalized hyperhidrosis, not the focal type.

RELATED: Hyperhidrosis treatments and medications

4. Medications

Night sweats are a side effect of many medications, including:

5. Sleep apnea

One of the most common signs of this sleep disorder is night sweats. Sleep apnea happens when breathing is disrupted while you sleep. Left untreated, the condition stops your breathing several, sometimes even hundreds of times a night. It affects about 25% of men and tends to happen more in people over 50 who carry extra weight. 

Sleep apnea happens when the tongue and soft tissue at the back of the throat block the airway (obstructive sleep apnea), and in people with disorders of the central nervous system such as a stroke or ALS (central sleep apnea). Besides night sweats, signs of sleep apnea include:

• Snoring
• Sleepiness during the day
• Restlessness and waking up many times a night
• Waking up choking or gasping
• Dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up
• Forgetfulness, irritability, and difficulty focusing 
• Depression or anxiety
• Waking up several times a night to use the bathroom
• Sexual dysfunction
• Headache

Sleep apnea is associated with other health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes, so talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any of these symptoms.

6. Low testosterone

While not a direct cause of night sweats, low testosterone levels are connected to other conditions like sleep apnea, which can set off excessive perspiration while you sleep.

One study found that men with severe sleep apnea had lower testosterone levels and a higher chance of erectile dysfunction than those who snored or had only mild sleep apnea. And, other research shows men with low testosterone get less restful sleep and tend to be overweight, which can make night sweats worse.   

7. Other hormone disorders

The endocrine system controls the body’s hormone levels, and changes to it can cause night sweating. Here are some medical conditions linked to hormone imbalances:

• Hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid gland becomes overactive
• Diabetes mellitus, or elevated blood sugar levels. Excessive sweating can also happen with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when you take too much insulin or other diabetes medications.
• Hypothalamic dysfunction involves the endocrine system and area of the brain that controls body temperature (called the hypothalamus)
• Pheochromocytoma, or an adrenal gland tumor
• Carcinoid syndrome, which is caused by a type of tumor that creates hormones

8.

Cancer and cancer treatment

In certain cases, night sweats could be a sign of cancer. “Certain malignancies such as lymphoma or solid organ cancers can lead to excessive night sweats,” says Anis Rehman, MD, the medical director at District Endocrine and a member of the SingleCare Review Board. “Hence, it is essential to pay attention and seek medical attention if one has drenching night sweats.”

Cancer treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy can also lead to night sweats. Men who have surgery to remove one or both testicles after a prostate cancer diagnosis may notice them. Hormone therapy to treat prostate cancer is also a trigger for this common symptom. 

Unfortunately, night sweats may be around long-term—those who have finished with treatment could still have them. 

9. Infection or infectious disease

An infection or infectious disease can cause night sweats. Some common culprits include:

• Tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection that usually attacks the lungs. Many people with the condition have night sweats several times a week. Your healthcare provider may ask if you’ve traveled to countries where the disease is more prevalent.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), or the virus that causes AIDS
• Endocarditis, or inflammation of the heart valves, typically from infection
• Osteomyelitis, or inflammation within the bones, typically from infection
• Pyogenic abscess, which is a pus pocket in the liver

How to prevent night sweats

Treating the underlying cause of night sweats is the best way to prevent them. “In some cases, patients will need prescription antiperspirants, creams, nerve-blocking medications, antidepressants, and botulinum toxin injections to help patients with night sweats,” Dr. Rehman says.

1. Lifestyle changes

There are also lifestyle changes you can make for better sleep.

• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods. Cut back on these things, particularly in the hours before your bedtime. They can elevate your temperature and cause night sweats. 
• Keep your bedroom cool. A warm bedroom could set off night sweats. “When I see [a patient] I’ll ask at what temperature they’re keeping their room or if they’re using a comforter every night, even in the summer,” says Praveen Rudraraju, MD, medical director, Center for Sleep Medicine at Northern Westchester Hospital. “Some people may be very sensitive and their body is trying to cool off, causing night sweats.” He suggests turning the thermostat down to a lower temperature, using lightweight blankets and sheets, turning on a fan, or opening a window to help circulate air. If night sweats seriously impact your sleep, think about trading in your mattress for one that’s more breathable.
• Wear breathable clothing. Material like cotton that allows more airflow is preferable over tight-fitting clothing that keeps in heat.  
• Sip cold water and take a cold shower. It can help bring down your body temperature before bed.

2. Medications

If none of these changes work, medication is an option for extreme cases of nighttime sweating. Doctors typically prescribe alpha-blockers to treat high blood pressure and prostate problems in men. An added benefit could be preventing night sweats caused by antidepressants. Commonly prescribed alpha-blockers include:

Alpha-blockers can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, and an increased risk of heart failure, so you should use them sparingly for night sweats.

3. Supplements

Scientists have studied the effects of some natural products and supplements like phytoestrogens, black cohosh, DHEA, dong quai, and vitamin E on menopause or perimenopause symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats. Still, there’s no clear evidence that they work on symptoms of menopause—or for men. These products may also cause side effects and interact with medications you’re already taking.

When should I be concerned about night sweats?

Contact a healthcare provider about night sweats if they:

• Happen regularly
• Disrupt your sleep
• Impact other parts of your everyday life
• Happen along with fever, weight loss, pain in one area, diarrhea, or other troubling symptoms

Based on your symptoms and general health, a healthcare provider can offer medical advice to help figure out what’s causing your night sweats and develop a treatment plan.

What causes night sweats and when should I be concerned?

You expect to sweat when you’re exercising or spending time outdoors on a hot summer day. But, waking up in the morning with damp pajamas and sheets can be disconcerting. Although night sweats are troubling, experts say they are also fairly common. In one study, 41% of participants reported night sweats.

What’s behind perspiration while you’re sleeping? “Night sweats can be caused by a wide variety of medical conditions, including infections, medications, hormones, stress, and anxiety,” says Cassie Majestic, MD, emergency medicine physician in Orange, California, founder of drmajestic. com.

What are night sweats?

 True night sweats are more than waking up hot when you accidentally leave the thermostat turned up too high. Also known as sleep hyperhidrosis, night sweats occur over the course of several weeks, even when the temperature in your bedroom is cool. It’s not just light perspiration—it’s feeling like your pajamas and sheets are drenched in moisture.

What causes night sweats? 

“Sometimes night sweats can be caused because your bedroom is hot or you have too many blankets on your bed,” says Saralyn Mark, MD, an endocrinologist, geriatrician, and women’s health specialist and founder of SolaMed Solutions. “Other times, it can be your body’s way of telling you that something is happening with your health.” Meaning, an underlying medical condition or certain medications could be potential causes of night sweats.

Some common causes of night sweats include:

Menopause

Up to 85% of women going through perimenopause and menopause experience hot flashes—sudden intense changes in body temperature (mainly bursts of body heat)—and often report their symptoms are worse at night.

“Hot flashes and night sweats occur due to changing hormone levels,” says Dr. Mark. If your doctor finds that night sweats are caused by hormonal changes, ask about hormone therapy, which can often relieve menopause symptoms—namely the hot flashes that cause night sweats.

Medications

According to Dr. Majestic, night sweats are a side effect of many common medications including:

• Steroids, such as prednisolone
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen
• Pain relievers (typically prescription narcotics), such as hydrocodone
• Psychiatric medications (such as antipsychotics and antidepressants), including trazodone and bupropion
• Diabetes medications, such as insulin, if you develop low blood sugar during the night
• Hormone-blocking drugs used to treat certain cancers, such as tamoxifen

Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you worry that night sweats could be a side effect of your medication.

Stress

Stress and anxiety can also cause night sweats, says Dr. Majestic. “Typically there will be other symptoms such as mood changes, trouble sleeping, extreme sadness or hyperactivity, or constant fatigue,” she says.

If stress or anxiety is the cause of your night sweats, your physician might recommend talk therapy, an antidepressant, or making lifestyle changes. 

Overactive thyroid

Night sweats can also be a symptom of hormone disorders, like a thyroid problem, according to Dr. Mark. An overactive thyroid (also known as hyperthyroidism), can cause night sweats, excessive sweating, anxiety, and sleep problems. A simple TSH blood test can determine if a thyroid disease could be causing your symptoms so your physician can prescribe medication to relieve symptoms.

Acid reflux

Some people with acid reflux or the more severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can experience both nighttime heartburn and excessive sweating.

“People with GERD experience heartburn at least twice a week for several weeks,” Dr. Mark says. “If you have GERD, and it’s not well-controlled, your doctor might recommend taking an h3 blocker such as Pepcid AC or Tagamet HB.”

Spicy foods

Certain spicy foods that contain capsaicin trigger the same nerves that make you feel warm, triggering sweating to cool down. Avoiding these too close to bedtime can help.

Alcohol

A night cap might seem like a good way to relax. But, if you’ve been waking up sweaty, it might make sense to switch to a seltzer. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels in the skin, which can lead to sweating.

Infections

Any infection that causes a fever can lead to night sweats—whether it’s the flu or a bacterial infection like osteomyelitis. Some people with tuberculosis and HIV may also experience night sweats.

Some cancers 

Night sweats can be a symptom of certain cancers, such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or leukemia. Lymphomas usually present with very severe night sweats. Though, Dr. Mark says other symptoms are typically also present such as loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss.

When should I be concerned about night sweats?

The good news, according to Dr. Majestic is that night sweats typically aren’t a symptom of a serious medical condition.

“Night sweats are most concerning when they have been ongoing for two weeks or longer, and are accompanied by other symptoms,” Dr. Majestic says. “Be aware of symptoms such as unintentional weight loss, fevers or chills, body aches and joint pain, or enlarged lymph nodes.

If you notice night sweats accompanied by any of these warning signs, Dr. Majestic recommends speaking with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to screen for certain conditions.

During your appointment, your physician will take a detailed medical history and may also order blood tests and determine the underlying cause.

What lifestyle changes can reduce night sweats?

Pay attention to your evening patterns

Are you eating, drinking alcohol, or exercising late into the evening? Dr. Majestic says each of these things could contribute to your night sweats.

“Also consider what you’re watching on television or reading before you go to bed,” Dr. Majestic says. “Is it anxiety provoking or scary? It may be a good idea to alter those behaviors. If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, seek the help of a therapist.” Try to remove potential triggers from the hours leading up to bedtime.

Practice good sleep hygiene

Dr. Mark notes that sleeping with a fan can keep your bedroom temperature comfortable and also provide white noise.

“If you experience night sweats, try to keep your bedroom cool, wear light clothing and use lighter blankets,” she says. 

Maintain a healthy weight

Carrying extra pounds can cause night sweats and also be a risk factor for developing obstructive sleep apnea, where the throat narrows, restricting your breathing. 

If you find that you have night sweats and wake up tired, ask your doctor for a sleep test to determine if you have a sleep disorder, like sleep apnea. Losing weight can help reduce night sweats and also your risk of developing sleep apnea.

“I encourage people with persistent night sweats to make an appointment with their doctor,” says Dr. Mark. “Keep a log of what’s going on in your life and what you eat or drink before bedtime. Your doctor can work with you on treatment to help you sleep comfortably through the night.”

90,000 Causes of Sweat in Women | Rexona

Sweating helps the body avoid overheating. This function is automatically activated during physical activity, in stressful situations, in heat and during illness. As they stand out on the surface of the skin, the sweat droplets quickly evaporate – this helps to cool the surface of the body, muscles and internal organs. In “neutral mode” the skin produces over 500 ml of sweat daily. They evaporate almost imperceptibly, since the sweat glands are scattered over the entire surface of the body.But if you put a load on the muscles, get nervous, ride in a packed vehicle or stay in a hot room – and we can get off to 2-4 liters of sweat per hour. At the same time, the absolute record is 14.5 liters per day. Sometimes we consciously decide how to sweat: we go to the sauna, wrap ourselves in a warm blanket for colds, put on a special “fat burning” suit before jogging. But this is rather an exception. The last stronghold where you can drive off seven sweats without a twinge of conscience and sidelong glances at wet armpits is the fitness room.But what if you are actively sweating and there is no apparent reason for this?

Heavy sweating in women: causes and effects

Before talking about increased sweating, you should exclude the influence of external factors. Overweight, spicy and fatty foods, coffee, hot tea, alcohol, medication, and wearing synthetic clothing make the sweat glands work harder. Nervous tension, panic attacks, and other psychological problems also increase sweating. Hyperhidrosis, a pathology of the sweat glands, accompanied by increased secretion, occurs in pure form in only 2-3% of people.2 For its treatment, surgery, Botox injections, laser therapy or pills are used. In most cases, the disease is inherited, but the exact mechanisms are not yet understood. If you are experiencing excessive sweating, it does not hurt to see a doctor. With a more common secondary hyperhidrosis, the causes of severe sweating should be sought in infectious, endocrine, cardiovascular or oncological diseases. Short-term bouts of hyperhidrosis often accompany poisoning and gastrointestinal disorders.Do not write off the features of the female body. Changes in hormonal levels may well provoke increased sweating in women. The reasons can be different: puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause.

Sweating during pregnancy

When carrying a baby, metabolic processes in the female body are accelerated. This affects the work of all systems, including the skin. In the first trimester, the work of the sebaceous and sweat glands is often disrupted: dry and normal skin can become oily.And vice versa. Still, hormones play the first fiddle. The hypothalamus is in charge of thermoregulation of the body. With a decrease in estrogen levels, this part of the brain reacts to temperature changes with less accuracy – therefore, pregnant women are often thrown into a fever, especially in the early stages. Over time, night sweats are less of a hassle, but it can finally go away only a few weeks after the birth of the baby – with the normalization of hormone levels. An additional stimulus for sweating can be colds and endocrine disorders.To rule out these causes, do not hesitate to inform your doctor about the increased level of sweating.

Increased sweating with menopause

The climacteric period and accompanying symptoms are individual for each woman. Menopause can occur at the age of 35-65 years and last from a couple of months to 1-2 years. Hormonal changes in 80-90% of cases are accompanied by hot flashes – sudden attacks of fever with increased heart rate and intense sweating. This condition lasts from 30 seconds to 3 minutes (in rare cases, up to half an hour) and may be accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, and anxiety. Often, hot flashes are taught at night: sheets wet with sweat and insomnia are faithful companions of menopause. The same estrogen is to blame – the less it is, the more likely it is to malfunction in the thermoregulation system. The frequency and intensity of hot flashes can be reduced:

• Consult a physician regarding hormonal support for the body;
• Cut back on coffee, tea, alcohol, spicy and pickled foods;
• Try to avoid heat outdoors and indoors;
• Work on extra pounds;
• Try to worry less.

Cosmetics for high sweating

To begin with, let’s define the enemy: deodorant cosmetics are aimed at combating unpleasant odors, while antiperspirants reduce the very secretion of sweat.

Which is more effective: deodorant or antiperspirant

The source of the unpleasant odor is not the sweat itself, but the microorganisms feeding on it. They feel best under the armpits. The secret secreted by the apocrine glands is rich in fats, enzymes and particles of dead cells. In combination with poor ventilation and elevated temperatures, it is practically a resort for bacteria. Deodorants are meant to disrupt their plans. The principle of work of deodorants is antibacterial. Alcohol and / or triclosan in their composition disinfect the skin and create a film on the surface with a pH unsuitable for bacterial growth. This will help prevent unpleasant odors, but will not protect against wet stains. Antiperspirants similarly prevent the growth of microorganisms, and special antibacterial series do it even 10 times better.But their main task is to reduce the secretion of sweat. The salts of aluminum and zirconium are taken to work: they penetrate deep into the sweat channels, react with the liquid and bind it in the form of a viscous gel of a protein nature – albuminate. It acts in a complex way: it reduces the activity of the glands and partially blocks their ducts. For people with hyperhidrosis, special clinical antiperspirants are produced. The amount of aluminum in them can reach 25%, and before use, consultation with your doctor is required.

Which type of protection to choose

• Solid or gel antiperspirant sticks are preferred over aerosols for active perspiration.They guarantee better contact during application and a tighter protective film.
• Roll-on antiperspirants also do a good job, but require complete drying. To save time and not worry about white marks on your clothes, choose the “invisible” Rexona products.
• Sensitive skin requires a delicate approach. Scientifically proven – Rexona Clinical Protection is 3 times more effective than conventional antiperspirant. The unique Defense + technology with an antibacterial effect protects against bacteria that cause unpleasant odors and also prevents sweating.
• Another know-how is Rexona antiperspirant wipes with strawberry, apricot and summer flowers scent, or more neutral – with aloe and bamboo. They are compact, easy to use and leave no residue. Suitable for underarms, palms and feet.

It is believed that we sweat most actively during the summer months. But in terms of thermoregulation, winter turns out to be just as stressful for the body. Warm sweaters and down jackets, frost on the street and hot batteries – all this stimulates the work of the sweat glands.Rexona Thermoprotection antiperspirants are designed just for this case – their formula helps to quickly adapt to temperature extremes and sweat much less. In addition to hygiene products, adherence to simple rules will help to cope with active sweating. Cut back on coffee, spicy foods, spices, and other tonic foods. Focus on loose fit and natural fabrics: cotton and linen allow you to create many interesting looks, while improving skin breathing and absorbing excess moisture

* better sweat protection hot room test 24h Unilever, United Kingdom, 2009.Regular – antiperspirant effective against sweat with the minimum level of protection required according to the international standard (US FDA Monograph (Volume 68 No. 110, June 9, 2003))

“NCBI. Sandra Fowkes Godek // Sweat Rates and Fluid Turnover in Professional Football Players: A Comparison of National Football League Linemen and Backs // https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2267333/ “” Stasishina A .M. // Means for verifying primary hyperhidrosis based on a capacitive sensor with a sensitive adsorbing element. “Minsk, 2015.22 p. ”

90,000 Why does my head sweat in my sleep?

Both the head and any other part of the body sweat to lower body temperature. Sweat is released when the center of thermoregulation in the brain detects changes in body temperature or the environment. The autonomic nervous system sounds the alarm, the sweat glands receive a signal, begin to absorb moisture from the surrounding tissues and throw it to the surface. This is sweat. When it evaporates from the surface of the body, the temperature of the skin decreases, and with it the temperature of the entire body.

Is it dangerous or not?

In both children and adults, night sweats are considered normal if there are no other complaints – to avoid problems with thermoregulation, we need to sweat . Insufficient sweating (anhidrosis) can cause overheating and heatstroke. Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in itself will not harm the body, but it causes a feeling of discomfort, especially at night, when bed linen and pillows are soaked in sweat.

But sometimes nocturnal hyperhidrosis of the neck or scalp can be a sign of something more serious.

When it is not dangerous

If the causes of night sweats are not associated with changes in the body, then there is nothing wrong with hyperhidrosis. Yes, it’s unpleasant, but no more.

Most often, the head sweats during sleep due to poor access to air. This, in turn, can also have many reasons:

• Misuse of styling products . They create a film on the scalp that does not allow air to pass through.
• Frequent wearing of hats , especially during the warmer months.
• Poor-quality bed linen , synthetic pillows – they all interfere with the natural access of air to the head.
• Lack of personal hygiene leads to clogged pores, which means it becomes difficult for the scalp to breathe.

Another, rather banal reason – unsuitable temperature regime . If the room is hot (this is especially problematic during the heating season), do not be surprised by a wet pillow and sheets – this is a normal reaction of the body to uncomfortable conditions.

In addition, your head and neck may sweat during sleep if you consumed alcohol shortly before. This night sweat is often referred to as “alcoholic sweat.” The reason is simple: the alcohol in the blood speeds up all reactions in the body, the body temperature rises and the body lowers the temperature by excreting sweat.

When it’s dangerous

Unfortunately, nocturnal hyperhidrosis cannot always be explained by the body’s response to external stimuli. This is often a sign that something is wrong in the body.The range of potential problems is very wide, but they can be grouped into groups:

• Problems with the digestive system . Due to impaired absorption and digestion, few vitamins and other nutrients can enter the body. Night sweats of the head and neck may be a sign of a lack of them.
• Hormonal problems can affect both women and men. In women, night sweats indicate interruptions in the balance of estrogen and progesterone.And in men – about a lack of estrogen.
• Infections and the accompanying inflammatory processes strongly affect heat exchange. With infectious diseases, the head almost always sweats at night and insomnia sets in, and during the day you want to sleep.
• Problems of the cardiovascular system . If the work of the heart is disrupted, all the reserve systems of the body are activated – it works for wear and tear, trying to keep the heart in a stable state. In this case, sweat may be a reaction to exhaustion.Also, profuse sweating can be the result of changes in intracranial pressure – this is common in hypertensive patients. If, along with night sweats, you have chest pain, dizziness and difficulty breathing, you should definitely see a doctor.
• Neuroses and mental disorders cause the patient to have vivid color dreams, so the brain activity at night is the same as during wakefulness. This means that the adrenal glands and other hormones are working. The head sweats reflexively.
• Endocrine diseases : malfunctioning of the thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus – all this affects hormones and heat exchange.
• Being overweight disrupts normal metabolism. Sweat is a reaction to these violations.

What to do with night sweats?

Finding out the real reason why the head or neck sweats during sleep is difficult. Sometimes this is only possible with a thorough examination.

All non-dangerous causes can be easily eliminated:

• Change wet to dry laundry .This will prevent pathogens from multiplying and remove unpleasant odors.
• Wash your hair as it gets dirty to prevent sweat glands from clogging up with grease and surrounding dirt.
• Eat healthy and healthy . This will not only remove profuse night sweats, but you will feel better overall.
• Ventilate the room before going to bed so that your body “breathes” fresh air at night.It is also a great way to reduce the indoor temperature.

But if night sweats are rooted in health problems, in any case do not self-medicate – be sure to see a doctor and get tested. Remember that hyperhidrosis can be a sign of very serious problems, and in order to overcome them, learn about them as early as possible.

Treatment of head (face) sweating

Increased head sweating is now not as common as, for example, underarm sweating, but no less unpleasant.The reasons for increased head sweating can be very diverse, ranging from excess weight and constant stay in a stuffy room and ending with high nervousness and sensitivity of a person. The main problem is that this variant of excessive sweating is very difficult to disguise – if the scalp can still be hidden under a hat in winter, then in summer it becomes quite difficult, and the face is always in sight.

Night sweats of the neck and head can also cause a lot of inconvenience, for example, interfere with proper rest and comfortable, restful sleep.The situation is aggravated even more if a person does not live alone – in this case, severe sweating of the head and face can even cause the destruction of personal life!

How to get rid of increased head sweating? Today, there are many perfumed deodorants that block perspiration or mask unpleasant odors for a while. However, applying them on the face is quite difficult – they can cause irritation and further exacerbate the problem. Therefore, for the treatment of hyperhidrosis of the head, neck and face, it is recommended to use safer cosmetic methods.The most popular of these are Botox injections.

Botox for the treatment of hypergizdrosis of the head and face

In our clinic, Botox injections are performed by experienced cosmetologists. This procedure does not require special preparation, it is only important that there are no zones of inflammation on the face, neck or under the hair.

The doctor makes several injections in places of the most intense sweating of the head or neck: the needle of the syringe is so thin that the procedure does not even require additional anesthesia, the patient practically does not experience any unpleasant sensations.Immediately after the procedure, you can return to your usual way of life; additional rehabilitation is not required.

The pronounced effect of Botox injections will be noticeable as early as 3-4 days and will last up to 8 months, then the procedure will need to be repeated.

What are the benefits of Botox injections for treating sweating of the head, face and neck?

• Efficiency

Today it is the only method for treating sweating of the face, head and neck, which gives a really noticeable result and does not cause side effects.

• Security

Botox injections are safe for health, since the drug has only a temporary blockage of nerve impulses to the sweat glands: after a few months, its effect completely stops. It does not “migrate” through the body and acts only in the area you need.

• Solving multiple problems at the same time

Thanks to Botox injections, you can not only get rid of sweating on the head, face and neck, but also correct wrinkles in different areas of the face – thus, a double effect is obtained in just one procedure! In addition, due to the “drying” effect on the scalp, your hair will stay clean and well-groomed for longer.

What are the contraindications to the Botox procedure?

There are not too many contraindications for this procedure, so we can say that it is suitable for most people. But it should be remembered that the effectiveness of the procedure will largely depend on the experience and qualifications of your cosmetologist. Botox injections for the treatment of head sweating are strictly prohibited:

• during pregnancy and lactation;
• in the presence of cancer;
• in case of viral infection;
• in the presence of inflammatory elements in the area of ​​the proposed injection;
• for allergy to the drug.

We understand how important it is to feel comfortable and confident every day. That is why the specialists of our clinic practice an individual approach to each patient. Doctors-cosmetologists of the Mont Blanc clinic will select for you exactly the option for the treatment of head hyperhidrosis, which will be most effective, but at the same time gentle in relation to your body. Thanks to the efforts of our cosmetologists, you can forget about your problem and fill your life with bright colors! Mont Blanc – taking care of your beauty.

90,000 ✔️ Sweat after drinking alcohol – AlkoZdrav

Read in article:

1. Causes of sweating
2. Night sweats after alcohol
3. Methods of intoxication treatment
4. Treatment of alcohol dependence

Our body produces sweat regularly to remove toxins and toxins, to regulate the temperature during extreme heat. Therefore, this process is often triggered during workouts in the gym or after a hearty dinner, as the body is intensively cleansed of toxins.For the same reason, people sweat at night and the day after drinking alcohol, as our body strives for balance and removes the decay products of ethanol.

Sweat accumulates mainly on the palms and legs, in the armpits. At night, it forms on the chest, neck, face. Because of this, in the morning, the entire bed is wet and sticky, and has an unpleasant odor. In medicine, there is a separate term for these symptoms – hyperhidrosis. At the same time, in alcoholics, it manifests itself very brightly, as it is accompanied by a terrible smell.

Causes of sweating

The first reason is the rejection of poisonous substances that are contained in alcoholic beverages. The liver is actively involved in the work and cleans the blood from the decay products of ethanol. She is not able to process a huge dose of ethyl alcohol, which becomes the cause of intoxication. All body systems are in tension. Sweating can last for 2-3 days as the body gets rid of excess fluid. In general, the following causes of intense sweat production are distinguished:

1. The destructive effect of ethyl alcohol.
2. Incorrect temperature regulation, as heat exchange processes are interrupted.
3. Reaction to a stressful situation.
4. Removal of excess liquid, which often occurs after ethanol breakdown.

Toxic substances accumulate in the body, and the liver tries to filter the blood and remove them. Ethanol breakdown products are slowly excreted through the skin pores, resulting in an unpleasant odor from the body. If the amount of ethanol drunk is too large, then the body will remove toxic substances for up to 48 hours.Sweating can persist during a hangover and even the next day.

Pay attention! The strength of the drink does not in any way affect the smell or amount of sweat. If people drink wine, champagne or beer, then the matter is not limited to two glasses. Alcoholics can drink 4-5 liters of beer per evening, which is equivalent to 0.5 liters of vodka.

The body accumulates excess fluid, as the water-salt balance is disturbed. During a hangover, it is excreted, so sweat has an eerie smell and a sticky consistency.It is almost impossible to get rid of the smell even with the help of strong antiperspirants. During a hangover, the load on the kidneys is additionally increased, and swelling appears. To reduce the stress on the organs, the excretion of water is increased. This manifests itself in an increase in the volume of urination. By removing water in all possible ways, our body tries to minimize the load on the kidneys and eliminate swelling.

Heat exchange is also disturbed when drinking alcohol. Feeling often occurs, which many associate with vasodilation due to ethanol.In fact, this is a consequence of a violation of heat transfer. During a hangover, a person may freeze, as cold sweat is released.

Much worse if sweating is associated with withdrawal symptoms. It develops after prolonged binges and is characterized by fragility. Body aches, high fever, sweating, nausea appear. Another bottle of vodka or wine will help eliminate all these symptoms. A person is faced with acute symptoms of intoxication. Against the background of a terrible state of health, neurosis develops.Due to hyperhidrosis, you have to go to the shower 2-3 times a day and change clothes, as the body odor is very unpleasant. Another dose of ethanol helps to temporarily relieve symptoms. They return immediately after quitting drinking.

Pay attention! Deodorants and antiperspirants help temporarily eliminate the awful smell. However, they are not able to deal with the root cause. The smell is a consequence of the intoxication of the body. To eliminate the root cause, you need to normalize the work of internal organs, purify the blood, completely abandon drinking.

Night sweats after alcohol

After a feast, people face problems while sleeping. The more a person drinks, the brighter the side effects of intoxication will be. In a dream, a person will not be able to relax, and most importantly, he will be constantly freezing. The entire bed will be soaked through with cold, sticky sweat. The thing is that our body starts recovery processes at night. During rest, growth hormone is produced, which repairs damaged tissues.Additionally, the body strives for balance. In this case, excess water is excreted through the skin pores along with the decay products of ethanol.

During rest, our body is in a comfortable environment. He has no clothes on, and a warm blanket keeps you warm on the coldest days. This leads to the normalization of heat exchange, which becomes the cause of increased sweating.

Cleansing the body at night is due to our traditions. In Russia, it is customary to arrange feasts at a fairly late time.Guests can only go home at 3 am. As a rule, increased sweating begins 2-3 hours after drinking. Therefore, it so coincides that the peak activity of cleansing the body is observed precisely at night.

Methods for the treatment of intoxication

It is better to completely give up drinking, so as not to be treated for severe poisoning in the future. If you were invited to a wedding or corporate party, and you do not want to offend the guests and are not used to saying “no”, then do everything possible to quickly eliminate intoxication:

1. Drink plenty of clean water.You do not need to drink compote, tea or fruit drink – it is recommended to use pure, filtered water. It speeds up metabolism, removes toxins, and improves well-being.
2. Sorbents can quickly absorb toxic substances, which will speed up the cleansing of the body. This includes activated carbon. Of the relatively expensive drugs, Enterosgel can be noted.
3. Exercising outdoors will help speed up your metabolism. For this purpose, a morning jog in the park or swimming in the pool is perfect.Sport helps to disperse blood through all tissues, replenish oxygen reserves in cells, and regulate heat exchange.
4. Honey helps to strengthen the immune system and eliminate hangovers. You can brew green tea with lemon and honey, or eat it neat.
5. Lemons, grapefruits, oranges help to eliminate the activity of toxic substances. At the same time, they are excellent at fighting against bad breath and removing plaque on the teeth.
6. A shower in the morning after a feast helps to cleanse pores and improve well-being.For this purpose, you can use a contrast shower or relax in a warm bath. The main thing is not to take a hot bath, as the blood thickens after a feast, which can increase the stress on the cardiovascular system.

It is important not to concentrate only on alcohol during the feast. If you drink whiskey or vodka, be sure to drink it with juice or lemonade. The additional intake of fluid in the body will help accelerate the elimination of ethanol. If gagging occurs, do not need to be tolerated.Vomiting helps to remove toxic substances from the body, which will ease your condition in the morning. Remember to breathe fresh air. Go out into the fresh air periodically, or at least open a window so that the tissues do not suffer from oxygen starvation.

Treatment of alcohol addiction

Sweat is a sign of alcohol intoxication. The only way to avoid severe sweating with a terrible smell is by completely avoiding drinking. If this is not done, then the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and the central nervous system is possible.

To forget about alcoholic beverages and start a new life, contact the AlkoZdrav help center. Treatment is 100% anonymous. Customer information is never shared with third parties. It is possible for the brigade to go home to eliminate the hangover syndrome or to get out of the binge. At the same time, specialists arrive in casual clothes in an ordinary car without identification marks for confidentiality purposes.

We have developed outpatient and inpatient treatment programs for our clients.They are carried out in 4 stages:

1. Detoxification is the administration of saline with nutrients under an IV to remove toxic substances. Additionally, drugs are administered to protect liver cells. The deficiency of minerals / vitamins is replenished, the water-salt balance is restored.
2. Medical and social rehabilitation – group sessions, individual work with a psychologist, elimination of withdrawal symptoms with the help of nootropics, antidepressants, tranquilizers.
3. Social and psychological rehabilitation.
4. Social adaptation.

You can sign up for an anonymous consultation with a narcologist right now by calling 8 800 775 32 63 .

90,000 Find out what disease can lead to impaired sweating

Patients with diabetes may experience impaired sweating: from excessive sweating in certain areas or the whole body to the cessation of sweating. The violation of sweating in these patients is directly related to poor control of the disease and the development of complications.In such a situation, maintaining normal blood glucose levels is critical for prevention and treatment.

Sweating is a natural response to physical and emotional stress. Excessive sweating, or lack of it, often indicates a “problem” in the body. So, in patients with diabetes mellitus, excessive sweating may indicate damage to the nerve endings.

Excessive sweating caused by hypoglycemia. Extremely low blood glucose levels trigger the release of hormones that trigger increased sweating.With prolonged increases in blood glucose levels, nerve dysfunction is possible. This condition is known as diabetic neuropathy. According to the American Diabetes Association, about half of patients with diabetes mellitus have neuropathy of varying severity. If the nerves that control the sweat glands are damaged, they can send “wrong” signals to the sweat glands. In most cases of neuropathies, either excessive sweating or an inability to sweat is noted.

For most adults, a blood glucose level <70 mg / dL is considered hypoglycemia. When the level of glucose in the blood decreases, the body takes measures to increase it. It releases adrenaline, which stimulates the release of glucagon as glucose from the liver. In addition, adrenaline can trigger excessive or inadequate sweating.

In mild cases of hypoglycemia, fatigue is noted, in severe cases, coma and even death may occur.For hypoglycemia, the American Diabetes Association recommends eating 15–20 grams of simple carbohydrates and testing your blood glucose again 15 minutes later. If the readings are still low, it is worthwhile to carry out the above manipulations again until the blood glucose level reaches normal.

Excessive sweating caused by neuropathy. When the body receives too much heat, the nervous system signals the sweat glands to cool it down. In some patients with diabetic nerve damage, those that control the sweat glands essentially signal this constantly.This causes excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. Nervousness or stress can worsen the symptoms of hyperhidrosis, especially in people with diabetes.

Increased facial sweating caused by neuropathy. In this situation, there is increased sweating in the face, scalp, neck, and sometimes chest.

Sweating on the face is considered common after eating hot or spicy foods. However, for patients with diabetes mellitus with neuropathy, sweating in the face area may be excessive even without eating the above food.In this case, the patient’s face turns red and sweats while eating, regardless of the temperature or pungency of the food. Some even start to sweat just by thinking about food.

Lack of perspiration due to neuropathy. Anhidrosis is a term used to describe the inability to sweat. As with increased sweating, damage to the nerves that control the sweat glands can lead to uneven sweating throughout the body. In the case of anhidrosis, the sweat glands do not receive a signal to produce sweat even when the body needs it.Failure to maintain a constant or healthy body temperature can cause serious health complications such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Other causes of anhidrosis may include dehydration, diseases that affect the function of the person’s sweat glands from birth, skin damage, and other causes of nerve damage such as alcoholism, certain medications, or metabolic disorders.

It should be noted that increased sweating is not always associated with diabetes.This pathology is also typical for hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, some forms of cancer, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, menopause, and infectious diseases.

Based on materials from www.medicalnewstoday.com

90,000 Hyperhidrosis: causes, symptoms, treatment – Bi Lucce clinic Novosibirsk

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Hyperhidrosis: symptoms and causes, treatment

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating, which is not necessarily associated with heat or exercise.You may sweat so much that sweat will soak into your clothes or drip from your hands. Besides disrupting normal daily life, this type of heavy sweating causes social anxiety and embarrassment.

If antiperspirants do not help get rid of increased sweating, then you may need to try medications and other treatments for the sweat glands and nerves responsible for the overproduction of sweat.

Symptoms

Most people sweat when exercising or tense, hot, anxious, or stressed.

Excessive sweating with hyperhidrosis is several times higher than normal sweating and occurs without the above reasons, at least once a week during waking hours.

When to see a doctor

Sometimes excessive sweating is a sign of a serious health problem. People who sweat a lot are more prone to skin infections. Sticky and wet hands, sweat-soaked clothes cause embarrassment and psychological discomfort, which affects the quality of life.See your doctor right away if sweating is accompanied by chest pain, fever, or nausea.

See your doctor if:

• Sweating disturbs your daily routine
• Sweating causes emotional stress
• You suddenly start sweating more than usual
• Sweating at night for no apparent reason

Causes

Sweating is our body’s mechanism for cooling. The nervous system automatically starts the work of the sweat glands when the body temperature rises.Sweating often appears on the palms when a person is nervous.

Hyperhidrosis of the armpits, feet, palms

The most common form of hyperhidrosis is called primary focal (essential, not associated with diseases) hyperhidrosis.

In this type of hyperhidrosis, the nerves that transmit signals to the sweat glands become overactive without any physical activity or fever. With stress or nervousness, the problem gets worse.This type of hyperhidrosis manifests itself on the palms, soles, and sometimes on the face.

Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs when excessive sweating is associated with a disease. This is a less common type that causes whole body sweating.
Diseases that may be accompanied by heavy sweating:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Hot flashes, menopause
• Thyroid problems
• Low blood sugar
• Acute cardiovascular disease
• Certain cancers
• Nervous system disorders
• Infections

Certain drugs cause excessive sweating.

The following tips will help you manage perspiration and unpleasant odors:

Antiperspirants temporarily block pores and reduce perspiration and help with minor perspiration.

Take a shower every day, water treatments reduce the number of bacteria on the skin. Wipe thoroughly and do not leave moisture between your fingers and armpits.

Wear clothing and footwear made from natural materials. Natural materials such as leather, cotton, silk or wool allow the skin to “breathe”, thereby reducing sweating.And for sports, choose clothes and socks made from moisture-absorbing fabrics.

Change your socks at least twice a day, drying your feet thoroughly. Ventilate your legs. Take off your shoes and go barefoot throughout the day.

Try to master techniques such as yoga, meditation. This will help keep stress and accompanying sweating under control.

Treatment of hyperhidrosis at the Bee Lucce Clinic

Administration of botulinum toxin preparations such as Botox and Disport subcutaneously and intramuscularly give long-term results.Injections of botulinum toxins in the armpits, feet and palms temporarily block and significantly reduce perspiration at the site of exposure, injections act quickly.

Within two or three days you will find peace and confidence.

These days, this is the only fast, effective and safe way to solve the problem of hyperhidrosis.

Doctors – cosmetologists of the Center for International Cosmetology “Bi Lucce” in Novosibirsk will offer you an effective, and most importantly – safe solution to this unpleasant problem by injecting botulinum toxin preparations.

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Sign up right now through the form on the website or by phone (383) 388-98-88. We are waiting for you Novosibirsk, st. Kirov, 32

Treatment of hyperhidrosis during menopause – Prices in the LinLine clinic

Before the onset of menopause, the period that accompanies every woman between the ages of 45-55 (however, sometimes these numbers can shift), many of us have hot flashes, which are accompanied by tremors and sweating, which usually last from 30 seconds to 10 minutes.Most women note that this is the most unpleasant symptom of the approaching menopause, since unpleasant wet spots on clothes in the chest, back, armpits look very depressing and take away self-confidence from women.
At LINLINE we do our best to restore women’s self-confidence and make their lives more comfortable.

Why is sweating during menopause dangerous?

Hyperhidrosis leads to rapid hypothermia and causes a number of problems:

• Sleep disturbance during night sweating.
• Aesthetic defects: marks on clothes, unpleasant odor.
• Psychological discomfort.

Which areas require correction?

The most problematic areas are: feet, armpits, forehead, head, palms, gluteal folds. The reason for this may lie in heredity, hormonal and neurological diseases, in excess weight. So that you do not have to fight with sweat all your life, the problem must be solved from the inside and seek help from experienced specialists.

How to treat hyperhidrosis?

On this score, all doctors have a unanimous opinion – this is botulinum therapy.
This is the # 1 remedy for menopausal disorders and other causes of sweating. Botulinum therapy is also used in cosmetology to combat wrinkles.

How do botulinum toxin injections work?

Microinjections of a botulinum toxin type A preparation block impulses from nerve endings to sweat glands. As a result, the secretion of a chemical is blocked, which is responsible for “turning on” the body’s sweat glands.The intensity of sweat production is significantly reduced in the area of ​​drug administration.

How is the procedure performed?

1. The treatment area is cleaned with an antiseptic.
2. The boundaries of hyperhidrosis are outlined with a special marker, markings are made to calculate the dose of the drug.
3. Botulinum toxin (BTX) is injected with thin needles at a certain depth into the areas of increased sweating: scalp, neck, back, under the mammary glands.

The procedure is almost painless, does not require preparation and stay in the clinic. Its safety is confirmed by a huge number of injections approved in 20 countries.

Result of botulinum therapy

• Visible results in just 14 days and lasts 6 months.
• Decrease in sweating by 82-87%.
• Regularity – 1-2 times a year.
• High level of human comfort.

Research shows that botulinum toxin is safe and effective for treating excessive sweating in the armpits, arms, legs, head, and other small areas of the body (under the breast).

Benefits of the procedure

• Locality of impact.
• Good portability.
• No systemic side effects.
• Fast result.
• Long lasting effect (6 months).
• Relatively safe

Additional measures to help fight excess sweating:

• Hormone therapy;
• Choosing the right clothes.