What are the common causes of night sweats. How can you differentiate between harmless and concerning night sweats. When should you consult a healthcare professional about excessive sweating during sleep.

Understanding Night Sweats: More Than Just Feeling Hot

Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating that occur during sleep, often resulting in damp pajamas and bedding. While occasional night sweats are common and usually harmless, frequent or severe episodes may indicate an underlying medical condition. It’s essential to distinguish between normal perspiration due to environmental factors and problematic night sweats that warrant medical attention.

What causes night sweats?

Night sweats can be triggered by various factors, ranging from simple environmental issues to more complex medical conditions. Some common causes include:

• Overheating due to room temperature or bedding
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Certain medications
• Anxiety and stress
• Medical conditions such as infections or hormonal disorders

Understanding the root cause of your night sweats is crucial for determining the appropriate course of action and potential treatment options.

Environmental Factors: Is Your Bedroom Setting You Up for Night Sweats?

Often, the simplest explanation for night sweats lies in your immediate surroundings. Your sleeping environment plays a significant role in regulating your body temperature during the night.

How can your bedroom contribute to night sweats?

Several aspects of your bedroom setup can lead to excessive sweating during sleep:

• Room temperature that’s too warm
• Heavy or non-breathable bedding materials
• Mattresses that retain heat
• Thick or synthetic pajamas

By addressing these environmental factors, you may be able to reduce or eliminate night sweats without further intervention.

Lifestyle Habits: How Your Evening Routine Affects Night Sweats

Your activities and choices in the hours leading up to bedtime can significantly impact your likelihood of experiencing night sweats.

Which pre-bedtime habits can trigger night sweats?

Consider adjusting the following behaviors if you’re prone to night sweats:

1. Consuming alcohol close to bedtime
2. Eating spicy foods for dinner or as a late-night snack
3. Engaging in intense exercise shortly before sleep
4. Smoking or using nicotine products

By modifying these habits, you may notice a significant reduction in nighttime sweating episodes.

Stress and Anxiety: The Mind-Body Connection to Night Sweats

Mental health plays a crucial role in our physical well-being, and night sweats can be a manifestation of psychological distress.

How do stress and anxiety contribute to night sweats?

When experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety, your body may react by:

• Increasing heart rate and blood pressure
• Releasing stress hormones like cortisol
• Activating the sympathetic nervous system

These physiological responses can lead to increased sweating, even during sleep. Addressing the underlying stress or anxiety through therapy, relaxation techniques, or medication may help alleviate night sweats.

Hormonal Imbalances: When Your Body’s Thermostat Malfunctions

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating body temperature. When hormonal imbalances occur, they can lead to disruptions in temperature regulation and result in night sweats.

Which hormonal conditions are associated with night sweats?

Several hormonal issues can contribute to excessive nighttime sweating:

• Menopause and perimenopause
• Low testosterone levels
• Hyperthyroidism
• Carcinoid syndrome

If you suspect a hormonal imbalance may be causing your night sweats, consult with an endocrinologist for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Medications and Night Sweats: Unexpected Side Effects

Certain medications can cause night sweats as an unwanted side effect. It’s important to be aware of this possibility, especially if you’ve recently started a new medication regimen.

Which medications commonly cause night sweats?

Some medications known to potentially cause night sweats include:

• Antidepressants (both SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants)
• Steroids like prednisone
• Pain relievers such as aspirin and acetaminophen
• Diabetes medications that lower blood sugar
• Hormone therapy medications
• Phenothiazine antipsychotics

If you believe your night sweats are medication-related, consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your prescribed regimen.

Medical Conditions Associated with Night Sweats

While environmental factors and lifestyle habits are common culprits, night sweats can sometimes be a symptom of underlying medical conditions that require attention.

Which medical conditions can cause night sweats?

Several health issues may manifest with night sweats as a symptom:

• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating disorder)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Sleep apnea
• Infections (such as tuberculosis or HIV)
• Certain cancers (though this is less common)

If you experience persistent night sweats along with other concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Night Sweats

While occasional night sweats are usually not a cause for concern, certain situations warrant medical attention.

When should you consult a doctor about night sweats?

Consider seeking medical advice if you experience:

• Frequent night sweats that disrupt your sleep
• Night sweats accompanied by unexplained weight loss
• Fever or chills along with night sweats
• Night sweats that started after beginning a new medication
• Sweating so profuse that it soaks through your bedding

A healthcare professional can help determine the underlying cause of your night sweats and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Managing Night Sweats: Practical Tips and Solutions

While addressing the root cause of night sweats is essential, there are several practical steps you can take to manage symptoms and improve your sleep quality.

How can you reduce night sweats and their impact?

Consider implementing the following strategies to minimize night sweats:

1. Keep your bedroom cool and well-ventilated
2. Use breathable, moisture-wicking bedding and sleepwear
3. Avoid triggers like spicy foods and alcohol before bed
4. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or deep breathing
5. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
6. Stay hydrated throughout the day
7. Consider using a cooling mattress pad or pillow

By combining these practical measures with appropriate medical care when necessary, you can effectively manage night sweats and improve your overall sleep quality.

Diagnostic Approaches for Persistent Night Sweats

When night sweats persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic methods to identify the underlying cause.

How do doctors diagnose the cause of night sweats?

The diagnostic process for night sweats may include:

• Detailed medical history and physical examination
• Blood tests to check for hormonal imbalances or infections
• Sleep studies to evaluate for sleep apnea or other sleep disorders
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans if an underlying condition is suspected
• Hormone level testing
• Thyroid function tests

Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate diagnostic approach based on your specific symptoms and medical history.

Treatment Options for Night Sweats

The treatment for night sweats depends on the underlying cause. Once a diagnosis is established, your healthcare provider can recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

What are common treatments for night sweats?

Treatment options may include:

• Hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms
• Adjusting or changing medications that may be causing night sweats
• Treatment for underlying medical conditions (e.g., thyroid disorders, infections)
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy for stress and anxiety-related night sweats
• Lifestyle modifications to address environmental and behavioral factors
• Medications to manage excessive sweating, such as anticholinergics

Your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and circumstances.

Long-term Management and Prevention of Night Sweats

For many individuals, managing night sweats involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments and ongoing medical care. Developing a long-term strategy can help prevent or minimize future episodes.

How can you prevent night sweats in the long term?

Consider implementing these strategies for long-term management:

1. Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise
2. Practice good sleep hygiene
3. Manage stress through relaxation techniques or therapy
4. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider
5. Monitor and adjust medications as needed
6. Stay informed about your health conditions and their management

By taking a proactive approach to your health and working closely with your healthcare team, you can effectively manage night sweats and improve your overall quality of life.

The Impact of Night Sweats on Sleep Quality and Overall Health

Chronic night sweats can have a significant impact on your sleep quality and, consequently, your overall health and well-being.

How do night sweats affect sleep and health?

Persistent night sweats can lead to:

• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Daytime fatigue and decreased productivity
• Increased risk of mood disorders like anxiety and depression
• Weakened immune system due to poor sleep quality
• Dehydration if fluid loss is not adequately replenished
• Skin irritation or infections from prolonged exposure to moisture

Addressing night sweats promptly can help prevent these negative impacts on your health and improve your overall quality of life.

Navigating Night Sweats in Different Life Stages

Night sweats can affect individuals at various stages of life, and the underlying causes and management strategies may differ depending on your age and life circumstances.

How do night sweats differ across life stages?

Consider the following age-related factors:

• Adolescents: hormonal changes during puberty can trigger night sweats
• Young adults: stress, anxiety, and lifestyle factors often play a significant role
• Middle-aged adults: perimenopause and andropause can contribute to night sweats
• Older adults: medication side effects and underlying health conditions become more common causes

Understanding how night sweats may manifest differently throughout your life can help you and your healthcare provider develop appropriate management strategies.

The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Managing Night Sweats

Your dietary choices can have a significant impact on the frequency and severity of night sweats. Making informed decisions about what you eat and drink can help manage symptoms.

Which dietary factors influence night sweats?

Consider the following nutritional aspects:

• Spicy foods: can trigger sweating and increase body temperature
• Caffeine: may exacerbate night sweats, especially when consumed late in the day
• Alcohol: can cause vasodilation and lead to increased sweating
• Sugar: rapid changes in blood sugar levels can trigger sweating
• Hydration: proper fluid intake helps regulate body temperature

Keeping a food diary and noting any correlations between your diet and night sweat episodes can help you identify and avoid potential triggers.

Technological Innovations for Managing Night Sweats

As awareness of night sweats grows, so does the market for products designed to help manage this condition. Various technological innovations aim to provide relief and improve sleep quality for those affected by night sweats.

What new technologies can help with night sweats?

Consider exploring these innovative solutions:

• Temperature-regulating mattresses and bedding
• Cooling pillows with gel or phase-change materials
• Moisture-wicking sleepwear with advanced fabrics
• Bedside cooling systems that circulate cool air
• Smart thermostats that adjust room temperature based on your sleep patterns
• Wearable devices that track and analyze your sleep and sweating patterns

While these technologies can provide relief, it’s important to remember that they address symptoms rather than underlying causes. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive approach to managing night sweats.

When to Be Concerned About Night Sweats

Night sweats can happen for a number of reasons, and many of them aren’t too serious, such as being too hot or hormonal fluctuations. In some cases, regular episodes of night sweating could indicate a serious medical condition.

It’s not uncommon to sweat at night. You may sweat a little or a lot, depending on how many blankets you sleep with, how warm your room is, and even what you ate before bed.

But if you sweat enough that you regularly wake up with wet pajamas and bedding, there could be an underlying medical issue.

Read on to learn more about possible causes of night sweats, tips to relieve night sweats on your own, and when it may be a good idea to see your healthcare professional.

It’s not always possible to determine the cause of night sweats. But other symptoms you experience along with nighttime sweating could help you narrow down an underlying medical cause.

Your environment

Your room, mattress, and pajamas could all influence whether you sweat during the night. Your bed may be adorned with several cozy blankets that cause overheating. Similarly, your pajamas could be too heavy, or your mattress may not be breathable. Adjusting the environment may help alleviate your night sweats.

Your nighttime routine

External factors beyond your sleeping environment may impact night sweats. These include:

• alcohol use at night
• eating spicy foods at dinner or as a late-night snack
• exercising before sleep

Avoid these behaviors before bedtime to see if your night sweats decrease.

Stress and anxiety

Anxiety and stress are mental health issues, but they often involve physical symptoms, too. Increased sweating is one common physical sign associated with these conditions.

If your night sweats are happening because of anxiety or stress, you might also:

• have feelings of worry, dread, and fear that keep coming back
• find it hard to think about anything besides these feelings
• have sleep issues or unpleasant dreams
• have stomach and digestive trouble
• have unexplained aches, pains, or muscle tension
• feel irritable or have other mood changes
• feel weak, tired, or generally unwell

Addressing the underlying cause of stress and anxiety, generally by working with a therapist, may help improve all of your symptoms.

Hormonal issues

A range of hormonal issues and hormone disorders can cause excessive nighttime sweating.

These include:

• menopause
• low testosterone
• carcinoid syndrome
• hyperthyroidism

Hormonal conditions can cause a range of symptoms, but some general ones include:

• unexplained weight changes
• changes in energy level
• headaches
• sexual dysfunction
• menstrual changes

Many hormonal issues can be managed.

Medication side effects

Certain drugs can cause night sweats as a side effect. If you’ve recently started a new medication and are experiencing night sweats, talk with the doctor who prescribed your medication.

Some common drugs known to sometimes cause night sweats include:

• steroids, including prednisone and cortisone
• both tricyclic and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants
• pain relief medications, such as aspirin and acetaminophen
• medications for diabetes that help lower blood sugar
• hormone therapy medications
• phenothiazine antipsychotics

If the night sweats have a negative impact on your sleep, a doctor may recommend a different medication or have suggestions to help you manage the side effects.

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis causes you to sweat excessively to the point of it being noticeable to you and possibly others. It may interfere with your daily life.

But it can be inconvenient and require management. You may have the condition with no underlying causes. Or it may be a symptom of another medical condition or a side effect of medication.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs when you have low blood sugar. It could cause you to sweat at night or during the day. You may have hypoglycemia if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Other reasons for low blood sugar may include alternations in hormone levels or metabolism.

In addition to excessive sweating during sleep, you may have nightmares or feel disoriented after awakening.

Other symptoms of hypoglycemia are:

• unsteadiness
• shaking
• hunger
• exhaustion or fatigue
• racing or irregular heartbeat
• headaches
• disorientation

Severe symptoms include losing consciousness or having a seizure.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

You can experience GERD during the day or at night, and it can sometimes cause night sweats.

Along with night sweats, GERD can cause:

• heartburn, often after meals
• chest pain or esophageal spasms
• problems with swallowing
• regurgitation (when liquid or food comes back up after swallowing)
• sleep issues
• respiratory problems, including coughing or increased symptoms of asthma

GERD is generally diagnosed if you experience this at least twice per week, or if more severe reflux happens once per week or more.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing while asleep, usually multiple times in a night.

Obstructive sleep apnea generally occurs when something like throat tissue blocks your airway. You can also develop central sleep apnea when certain health conditions affect the function in your central nervous system.

If you have sleep apnea, you might also:

• feel tired during the day
• wake often in the night or sleep restlessly
• wake up struggling to breathe
• have difficulty focusing during the day
• have headaches

Sleep apnea can have serious complications if it goes untreated, such as increased risk for respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Women going through menopause who experience night sweats may also be at a greater risk for developing sleep apnea, according to a 2018 study.

It’s a good idea to see a doctor for night sweats that happen with other symptoms of sleep apnea.

Serious infections

Some serious infections can also cause night sweats, including:

• tuberculosis, a highly contagious infection that usually affects your lungs
• endocarditis, an infection in the valves of your heart
• osteomyelitis, an infection in your bones
• brucellosis, an infection you can get from animals with brucellosis or unpasteurized products from infected animals
• HIV
• fungal infections
• infectious mononucleosis (mono)
• other infections

But as with cancer, infections also tend to cause other noticeable symptoms. These include:

• chills and fever
• aching muscles and joints
• body pain
• general weakness or fatigue
• weight loss
• lack of appetite

Call a doctor if you have any of the symptoms above.

Neurological disorders

In rare cases, night sweats can occur as a symptom of certain neurological issues, including:

• stroke
• autonomic dysreflexia
• autonomic neuropathy
• syringomyelia

Neurological issues can involve many symptoms, but some might include:

• appetite loss or other GI or urinary symptoms
• losing consciousness
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• trembling
• muscular weakness
• numbness and tingling in your arms, hands, legs, and feet

Cancer

It’s possible for unexplained night sweats to be a symptom of cancer, but this doesn’t happen often. If you do have cancer, you’ll most likely have other noticeable symptoms, too.

These symptoms may seem to resemble other, less serious health issues, like the flu.

It’s a good idea to contact a doctor if you have night sweats and feel fatigued or generally unwell.

It’s particularly recommended to see a doctor if you have a fever that doesn’t go away and you’ve recently lost weight without trying, as these can be early signs of cancer.

Types of cancer often linked to night sweating include:

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• leukemia

These cancers also involve the following symptoms:

• persistent fatigue and body weakness
• fever
• chills
• unintentional weight loss
• swollen lymph nodes
• chest and stomach pain
• bone pain

If you don’t have other symptoms that might indicate something more concerning, try these tips to relieve night sweats:

• Crack a window. Sleep in a cooler room. Leave windows cracked open at night, if possible, or try using a fan.
• Change your bedding. Replace plush or heavy blankets with breathable sheets, light quilts, or even moisture-wicking sheets. It can even help to remove extra bedding and sleep under lighter layers, so you may not need to buy new sheets or blankets.
• Adjust exercise timing. Physical activity just before sleeping could contribute to increased sweating in the night.
• Avoid sweat triggers. Avoid eating spicy foods, smoking cigarettes, or drinking alcohol right before going to bed.

If you only get night sweats occasionally and they don’t significantly affect your sleep quality, you probably don’t need to be too concerned. Still, you may want to mention them the next time you see your doctor.

But if you’re having trouble sleeping, regularly have night sweats, or have other symptoms that concern you, it’s best to check in with a healthcare professional.

Some potentially serious symptoms to watch for include:

• unexplained weight loss
• body aches and pains
• high fever and chills
• chronic or bloody cough
• diarrhea or stomach pain

A doctor can help you get to the bottom of your night sweats and, if needed, come up with a treatment plan.

Your doctor will use several different methods to determine the cause of frequent or disruptive night sweats. These may include:

• discussing your symptoms, health history, and medications
• going through your family history
• conducting a physical exam
• ordering laboratory or imaging tests to determine an underlying health condition

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist if they suspect an underlying health condition that requires specialized treatment.

There are many reasons you may sweat at night.

The first culprit to consider is your environment, including your clothing, bedding, and the temperature of your room. Next, examine your habits before bedtime.

If you adjust these factors and still wake up in sweat, there may be another cause. Speak with a doctor to diagnose and treat the cause so you can get back to more comfortable sleep.

When to Be Concerned About Night Sweats

Night sweats can happen for a number of reasons, and many of them aren’t too serious, such as being too hot or hormonal fluctuations. In some cases, regular episodes of night sweating could indicate a serious medical condition.

It’s not uncommon to sweat at night. You may sweat a little or a lot, depending on how many blankets you sleep with, how warm your room is, and even what you ate before bed.

But if you sweat enough that you regularly wake up with wet pajamas and bedding, there could be an underlying medical issue.

Read on to learn more about possible causes of night sweats, tips to relieve night sweats on your own, and when it may be a good idea to see your healthcare professional.

It’s not always possible to determine the cause of night sweats. But other symptoms you experience along with nighttime sweating could help you narrow down an underlying medical cause.

Your environment

Your room, mattress, and pajamas could all influence whether you sweat during the night. Your bed may be adorned with several cozy blankets that cause overheating. Similarly, your pajamas could be too heavy, or your mattress may not be breathable. Adjusting the environment may help alleviate your night sweats.

Your nighttime routine

External factors beyond your sleeping environment may impact night sweats. These include:

• alcohol use at night
• eating spicy foods at dinner or as a late-night snack
• exercising before sleep

Avoid these behaviors before bedtime to see if your night sweats decrease.

Stress and anxiety

Anxiety and stress are mental health issues, but they often involve physical symptoms, too. Increased sweating is one common physical sign associated with these conditions.

If your night sweats are happening because of anxiety or stress, you might also:

• have feelings of worry, dread, and fear that keep coming back
• find it hard to think about anything besides these feelings
• have sleep issues or unpleasant dreams
• have stomach and digestive trouble
• have unexplained aches, pains, or muscle tension
• feel irritable or have other mood changes
• feel weak, tired, or generally unwell

Addressing the underlying cause of stress and anxiety, generally by working with a therapist, may help improve all of your symptoms.

Hormonal issues

A range of hormonal issues and hormone disorders can cause excessive nighttime sweating.

These include:

• menopause
• low testosterone
• carcinoid syndrome
• hyperthyroidism

Hormonal conditions can cause a range of symptoms, but some general ones include:

• unexplained weight changes
• changes in energy level
• headaches
• sexual dysfunction
• menstrual changes

Many hormonal issues can be managed.

Medication side effects

Certain drugs can cause night sweats as a side effect. If you’ve recently started a new medication and are experiencing night sweats, talk with the doctor who prescribed your medication.

Some common drugs known to sometimes cause night sweats include:

• steroids, including prednisone and cortisone
• both tricyclic and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants
• pain relief medications, such as aspirin and acetaminophen
• medications for diabetes that help lower blood sugar
• hormone therapy medications
• phenothiazine antipsychotics

If the night sweats have a negative impact on your sleep, a doctor may recommend a different medication or have suggestions to help you manage the side effects.

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis causes you to sweat excessively to the point of it being noticeable to you and possibly others. It may interfere with your daily life.

But it can be inconvenient and require management. You may have the condition with no underlying causes. Or it may be a symptom of another medical condition or a side effect of medication.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs when you have low blood sugar. It could cause you to sweat at night or during the day. You may have hypoglycemia if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Other reasons for low blood sugar may include alternations in hormone levels or metabolism.

In addition to excessive sweating during sleep, you may have nightmares or feel disoriented after awakening.

Other symptoms of hypoglycemia are:

• unsteadiness
• shaking
• hunger
• exhaustion or fatigue
• racing or irregular heartbeat
• headaches
• disorientation

Severe symptoms include losing consciousness or having a seizure.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

You can experience GERD during the day or at night, and it can sometimes cause night sweats.

Along with night sweats, GERD can cause:

• heartburn, often after meals
• chest pain or esophageal spasms
• problems with swallowing
• regurgitation (when liquid or food comes back up after swallowing)
• sleep issues
• respiratory problems, including coughing or increased symptoms of asthma

GERD is generally diagnosed if you experience this at least twice per week, or if more severe reflux happens once per week or more.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing while asleep, usually multiple times in a night.

Obstructive sleep apnea generally occurs when something like throat tissue blocks your airway. You can also develop central sleep apnea when certain health conditions affect the function in your central nervous system.

If you have sleep apnea, you might also:

• feel tired during the day
• wake often in the night or sleep restlessly
• wake up struggling to breathe
• have difficulty focusing during the day
• have headaches

Sleep apnea can have serious complications if it goes untreated, such as increased risk for respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Women going through menopause who experience night sweats may also be at a greater risk for developing sleep apnea, according to a 2018 study.

It’s a good idea to see a doctor for night sweats that happen with other symptoms of sleep apnea.

Serious infections

Some serious infections can also cause night sweats, including:

• tuberculosis, a highly contagious infection that usually affects your lungs
• endocarditis, an infection in the valves of your heart
• osteomyelitis, an infection in your bones
• brucellosis, an infection you can get from animals with brucellosis or unpasteurized products from infected animals
• HIV
• fungal infections
• infectious mononucleosis (mono)
• other infections

But as with cancer, infections also tend to cause other noticeable symptoms. These include:

• chills and fever
• aching muscles and joints
• body pain
• general weakness or fatigue
• weight loss
• lack of appetite

Call a doctor if you have any of the symptoms above.

Neurological disorders

In rare cases, night sweats can occur as a symptom of certain neurological issues, including:

• stroke
• autonomic dysreflexia
• autonomic neuropathy
• syringomyelia

Neurological issues can involve many symptoms, but some might include:

• appetite loss or other GI or urinary symptoms
• losing consciousness
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• trembling
• muscular weakness
• numbness and tingling in your arms, hands, legs, and feet

Cancer

It’s possible for unexplained night sweats to be a symptom of cancer, but this doesn’t happen often. If you do have cancer, you’ll most likely have other noticeable symptoms, too.

These symptoms may seem to resemble other, less serious health issues, like the flu.

It’s a good idea to contact a doctor if you have night sweats and feel fatigued or generally unwell.

It’s particularly recommended to see a doctor if you have a fever that doesn’t go away and you’ve recently lost weight without trying, as these can be early signs of cancer.

Types of cancer often linked to night sweating include:

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• leukemia

These cancers also involve the following symptoms:

• persistent fatigue and body weakness
• fever
• chills
• unintentional weight loss
• swollen lymph nodes
• chest and stomach pain
• bone pain

If you don’t have other symptoms that might indicate something more concerning, try these tips to relieve night sweats:

• Crack a window. Sleep in a cooler room. Leave windows cracked open at night, if possible, or try using a fan.
• Change your bedding. Replace plush or heavy blankets with breathable sheets, light quilts, or even moisture-wicking sheets. It can even help to remove extra bedding and sleep under lighter layers, so you may not need to buy new sheets or blankets.
• Adjust exercise timing. Physical activity just before sleeping could contribute to increased sweating in the night.
• Avoid sweat triggers. Avoid eating spicy foods, smoking cigarettes, or drinking alcohol right before going to bed.

If you only get night sweats occasionally and they don’t significantly affect your sleep quality, you probably don’t need to be too concerned. Still, you may want to mention them the next time you see your doctor.

But if you’re having trouble sleeping, regularly have night sweats, or have other symptoms that concern you, it’s best to check in with a healthcare professional.

Some potentially serious symptoms to watch for include:

• unexplained weight loss
• body aches and pains
• high fever and chills
• chronic or bloody cough
• diarrhea or stomach pain

A doctor can help you get to the bottom of your night sweats and, if needed, come up with a treatment plan.

Your doctor will use several different methods to determine the cause of frequent or disruptive night sweats. These may include:

• discussing your symptoms, health history, and medications
• going through your family history
• conducting a physical exam
• ordering laboratory or imaging tests to determine an underlying health condition

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist if they suspect an underlying health condition that requires specialized treatment.

There are many reasons you may sweat at night.

The first culprit to consider is your environment, including your clothing, bedding, and the temperature of your room. Next, examine your habits before bedtime.

If you adjust these factors and still wake up in sweat, there may be another cause. Speak with a doctor to diagnose and treat the cause so you can get back to more comfortable sleep.

Why does the head sweat during sleep?

Waking up in a cold sweat is unpleasant, even if you don’t have nightmares. Increased sweating at night not only reduces the quality of sleep and spoils the mood, but can signal serious malfunctions in the body. Let’s try to figure out why the head sweats during sleep and how to deal with this problem by adjusting daily habits.

What is Wet Pillow Syndrome

Sweating is a natural process that helps the body avoid overheating. When we are hot, during physical exertion or during illness, the sweat glands remove moisture more actively. The internal air conditioner continues to operate even when the rest of the body goes into sleep mode.

Our body sweats unevenly. First of all, sweat appears under the armpits, on the back and scalp. With increased sweating, moisture does not have time to evaporate, soaking bed linen. Hence the second name for nocturnal hyperhidrosis is the “wet pillow” syndrome.

The armpits sweat most actively during sleep – the sweat glands are concentrated here in greater numbers and work more intensively than on the rest of the body. If sweat is pouring down, Rexona Clinical Protection antiperspirants will come to the rescue. They protect against sweat 3 times more than a regular antiperspirant* and 40 times more effective at preventing bacterial growth than an evening shower**. The innovative Defense+ formula with nanoparticles of the active substance and glycine turns sweat into a viscous gel, deeply and evenly blocking the channels of the sweat glands. Skin stays dry record 96 hours even under a hot blanket.

What to do if your head sweats a lot while sleeping

No matter how reliable a deodorant is, it will not work to protect the whole body with its help. If the head continues to sweat in a dream, first of all, you need to determine the causes of the problem. It usually takes a little change in diet, hygiene habits or bedroom environment – and the level of sweating will return to normal.

Create a good sleep environment

To get a good night’s sleep, it’s not enough to close the curtains tightly and put your smartphone aside. It is important to create a comfortable microclimate. In a dream, the body tries to recover as much as possible and puts the daily processes on pause. Body temperature drops at night, so we sleep better in a cool room. According to the American National Sleep Foundation, the optimal temperature for a bedroom is 16-20°C, for a nursery – 18-21°C. *** To let fresh air into the room, do not forget to ventilate the room before going to bed. If the noise from the street or a draft does not interfere, the window can be left open until the morning.

If your head sweats while you sleep, the problem may be with your bedding. Synthetic pillows and pillowcases prevent the skin from fully breathing, creating a greenhouse effect. It is better to rely on natural materials: linen, cotton or satin.

Try to isolate yourself from stress

The more we are nervous, the more we sweat. Prolonged nervous tension can remind you of yourself even at night. Difficulty falling asleep, sudden awakening, disturbing dreams, sleep apnea are often accompanied by profuse sweating. Hyperhidrosis can also develop as a result of panic attacks or depression.

Evening and night should be devoted to rest. It is better to spend a few hours before going to bed with your family or reading a paper book. Outdoor walks, warm baths, yoga, and other relaxing activities can also help you sleep better.

Balance your diet

A serving of spicy chicken wings or ginger tea is not the best option for dinner. Any fatty, peppery, spicy, pickled food has a diaphoretic effect. For an evening meal, it is advisable to choose lighter dishes and give the body a head start of 1.5-3 hours to assimilate them.

When an adult’s head sweats in a dream, the reason often lies in doping. An extra cup of coffee, alcohol, energy drinks or nicotine excite the nervous system and increase blood pressure. As a result, thermoregulation is disturbed, it is more difficult for us to fall asleep and in the morning we get up less rested.

A damp pillow is a reason to check your health

All external factors are excluded, but does your head continue to sweat regularly during sleep? Thus, the body may hint that it is time to make an appointment with a doctor. Excessive sweating is one of the symptoms of viral infections (SARS, influenza) and bacterial diseases (pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis). It can occur against the background of diabetes and other endocrine disorders, diseases of the heart or gastrointestinal tract, tumors, autoimmune diseases. Taking certain medications can also cause profuse sweating – after the course is completed, the activity of the sweat glands will return to normal.

* 3 times more effective than the base antiperspirant aerosol among Unilever products at protecting against sweat, hot room test 96h Unilever R&D, United Kingdom, 2018.

** Based on in-vivo microbiological test: reduction 40 times the number of bacteria 24 hours after application compared to using bare soap alone without the use of antiperspirant (Unilever R&D, UK, February 2018). More details on the website www.rexona.ru.

***National Sleep Foundation. The Best Temperature For Sleep // https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/best-temperature-for-sleep

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Increased sweating during sleep in men

It is not necessary to run a hundred meters or do the fifth set on the simulators. Even in sleep, the sweat glands continue to work – just less active. As soon as the body feels uncomfortable, they turn on at full capacity. Sheets wet with sweat, sticky skin, a characteristic smell are not the most pleasant manifestations of excessive sweating at night. The reasons for men can be very different – from inappropriate bed linen to sleep disorders or systemic diseases. Let’s take them in order – to calm the sweat glands, often you just need to adjust your daily habits a little.

Create a comfortable microclimate

Even if you prefer warmth, don’t turn your bedroom into a sauna. Heat and stale air are the most common causes of active sweating at night. When the body feels that it is overheating, it turns on the natural “conditioning system”. Evaporating, moisture cools the surface of the skin, and with it the internal organs. Similarly, the body reacts to any increase in temperature – during illness, physical exertion.

Leave the window open. Night coolness has a beneficial effect on the quality of sleep and helps to avoid unnecessary overheating. At the same time, it is important to avoid drafts – the risk of waking up with a stuffy nose exists even in summer. If the noise from the street prevents you from falling asleep, you can limit yourself to ventilation or cool the room with an air conditioner.

Count on natural materials

To deal with night sweats, changing your bedding is sometimes enough. A hot blanket, synthetic sheets, or uncomfortable pajamas interfere with natural thermoregulation by preventing the skin from breathing. They create a greenhouse effect – moisture simply cannot evaporate from the surface of the body.

Choose duvets and bedding made from natural materials. Cotton, linen, bamboo or calico are pleasant to the touch, absorb excess moisture, and allow air to circulate freely. If you prefer to sleep in pajamas or a T-shirt, it is better to stay in things with a spacious cut made of breathable fabrics.

Let your body relax

A warm shower is the perfect way to end a busy day. It will wash away not only sweat and street dust, but also fatigue. Set a comfortable temperature – too cold or scalding hot water is an additional stress factor for the skin and makes the sweat glands work more actively.

Rexona Clinical Protection helps keep you feeling clean longer. Its formula protects against sweat 3 times more than a regular antiperspirant*. Thanks to the unique Defense + technology, it forms an invisible film on the skin, the microparticles of which keep the skin dry for up to 96 hours – even in stressful situations, intense physical exertion or in the heat.

Sleep quality matters

Sweating is directly related to stress levels. The more nervous we are, the more active the sweat glands work. This feature of the body declares itself at the most inopportune moments: before an important interview, public speaking, romantic date. It would seem that during sleep we are as relaxed as possible. However, nervous strain can play a cruel joke here too. Often the causes of increased sweating are stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia.

Put your gadgets aside at least an hour before bedtime. It is better to spend this time with your family, reading a book or taking an evening walk. Make sure that nothing distracts you from your rest. Before going to bed, close the windows with thick curtains, put away chargers with flickering diodes – the sleep hormone, melatonin, is destroyed by light.

Balance your diet

Gastronomic habits often go against the mind of the body. If you love everything spicy, after a serving of chili you will predictably break seven sweats. Similarly, the body reacts to fatty foods, smoked meats, pickles and marinades. It is not necessary to deny yourself a portion of ribs or french fries – but it is better to eat them for lunch, and choose lighter dishes for an evening meal. Overeating at night is also not worth it – there should be an interval of 1.5-3 hours between dinner and going to bed.

Alcohol, coffee, energy drinks, nicotine are stimulating and increase blood pressure. As a result, thermoregulation is disturbed – the body begins to sweat actively. With increased sweating, it is better to refuse alcohol altogether. The body has to simultaneously restore the temperature balance, cope with dehydration, and compensate for the poisoning effect of alcohol breakdown products. The phase of deep sleep is sharply reduced – the body does not have time to fully recover.

Take care of your health

Excessive sweating is a frequent companion of viral infections (ARVI, influenza), as well as bacterial diseases (bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis). Active sweating at night can signal problems with the heart or digestive organs. With diabetes mellitus and other endocrine disorders, autoimmune diseases, a number of tumors, the adrenal glands produce more adrenaline and norepinephrine, which also increases sweating. Increased sweating at night in men may be a reaction to medication – it is enough to complete the course, and the activity of the sweat glands will return to normal.

The activity of the sweat glands peaks during adolescence, when the body is undergoing a radical hormonal change. With age, the amount of sweat produced decreases. Also, overweight people often suffer from excessive sweating.

Night sweats are not always a sign of illness. However, if it occurs regularly for no apparent reason, it will not be superfluous to consult a doctor.