Yes, stopping smoking cannabis can cause night sweats. This is a recognized physical manifestation of Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome (CWS). When a person who uses cannabis frequently and heavily suddenly stops, their body begins to adjust to the absence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant’s main psychoactive compound. This adjustment period triggers a set of physical and psychological symptoms, including excessive sweating that often occurs during the night. These night sweats are a direct result of the body seeking a new balance, or homeostasis, without the regular influence of the drug.
Confirming the Link Between Cannabis Cessation and Night Sweats
Night sweats are a common and well-documented symptom reported by individuals abstaining from regular cannabis use. The experience is sometimes anecdotally referred to as “weed sweats” due to its consistent appearance during the withdrawal timeline. Clinically, excessive sweating, along with chills and fever, is included in the diagnostic criteria for CWS. The severity of this symptom often correlates with the frequency and potency of cannabis use prior to cessation.
The occurrence of night sweats serves as a physical sign that the body is metabolizing and eliminating stored THC. Because THC is fat-soluble, it is slowly released from the body’s fat cells over time as the system attempts to clear the substance. This process, combined with neurological adjustments, contributes to the temporary dysregulation of the body’s temperature control system.
The Biological Mechanism Behind Thermoregulation Changes
The mechanism behind these night sweats centers on the disruption of the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). THC mimics the body’s natural endocannabinoids, primarily by binding to and activating the CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system. Chronic, heavy cannabis use causes the brain to reduce the number of these CB1 receptors in a process called downregulation, making the system less responsive.
Upon abrupt cessation, this downregulated ECS is suddenly deprived of the external THC it had become reliant upon. This sudden absence leads to a rebound effect and a temporary state of dysregulation within several brain regions, including the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus acts as the body’s thermostat, and its disturbance leads to an inability to properly regulate internal temperature. This neurological confusion results in the body attempting to cool itself through excessive perspiration, which manifests most intensely as soaking night sweats. The dysregulation also involves the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the “fight or flight” response, contributing to a state of internal hyperarousal that can further trigger sweating.
Typical Duration and Accompanying Withdrawal Symptoms
Night sweats and other acute physical symptoms of cannabis withdrawal typically begin within 24 to 48 hours after the last use. The severity of the sweating often peaks within the first week of abstinence, aligning with the highest intensity of many acute withdrawal symptoms. While the duration varies significantly based on individual factors like usage history, metabolism, and overall health, night sweats usually subside substantially within two to four weeks. For some chronic, heavy users, mild temperature dysregulation may occasionally persist for a few months.
Insomnia and other sleep disturbances, such as intensely vivid or disturbing dreams, are extremely common alongside the sweating. Other frequently reported symptoms include irritability, nervousness, and anxiety, reflecting the psychological component of the withdrawal. Physical symptoms like decreased appetite, weight loss, restlessness, and mild stomach discomfort can also occur during this initial acute period.
Strategies for Managing Night Sweats
Managing night sweats primarily involves making simple adjustments to your sleep environment and personal habits.
To manage symptoms effectively, consider the following strategies:
- Keeping the bedroom temperature cool and well-ventilated to mitigate the intensity of sweating episodes.
- Using light, breathable bedding materials, such as cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics, to prevent heat retention.
- Wearing loose-fitting, light pajamas made of similar materials to help the body regulate its temperature more effectively.
- Staying adequately hydrated because of the fluid loss caused by excessive sweating.
- Taking a cool shower before bed to temporarily lower the body’s core temperature and promote better sleep hygiene.