When a person who uses cannabis regularly stops, they may experience cannabis withdrawal syndrome (CWS). This temporary condition arises as the body adjusts to the sudden absence of chemical compounds it had become accustomed to receiving. Among the physical symptoms, night sweats are common. These episodes of drenching perspiration typically occur during sleep and signal that the body is beginning the process of recalibration.
The Physiological Mechanism of Night Sweats
The root cause of night sweats is the disruption of the body’s internal balancing system, specifically the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The primary psychoactive component in cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interacts with cannabinoid receptors (CB1) throughout the brain and body. Chronic THC use causes the ECS to adapt by downregulating these receptors, disrupting processes like thermoregulation and sleep cycles.
When cannabis use abruptly stops, the ECS is imbalanced and attempts to restore normal function. This rebound effect involves temporary hyperarousal of the nervous system, increasing core body temperature, especially during deep sleep cycles. The resulting excessive sweating is the body’s attempt to rapidly cool itself. This thermoregulatory dysregulation peaks in the first week as the body works to eliminate stored THC and re-sensitize its receptors.
Typical Timeline for Resolution
The duration of night sweats is highly variable, depending on individual factors, but the symptom is consistently temporary. For most individuals, night sweats begin within 24 to 72 hours following cessation. They tend to peak in intensity and frequency between days two and six, which is the most intense phase as the body rapidly clears THC and its metabolites.
Physical symptoms, including excessive sweating, usually diminish significantly after the first week. Night sweats typically resolve completely within two to four weeks of abstaining from cannabis. This timeline is influenced by the potency and frequency of prior use, metabolism, and body fat percentage, where THC is stored. Heavy, long-term users may experience symptoms that linger toward the longer end of this range.
Managing Discomfort During Withdrawal
Managing night sweats focuses on mitigating discomfort and minimizing sleep disruption while the body adjusts. Controlling the sleeping environment by keeping the room temperature cool is an effective strategy. Using lightweight, breathable cotton sheets and clothing helps manage moisture and heat, allowing for easier temperature regulation.
Hydration is important because the body loses significant fluids and electrolytes through excessive perspiration. Consistently drinking water helps replace lost fluids and supports the body’s detoxification process. Some people find relief by keeping a change of sleepwear or a towel near the bed to minimize disruption when waking up drenched.
Contextualizing Other Common Withdrawal Symptoms
Night sweats are one physical manifestation within the broader cannabis withdrawal syndrome. This physical discomfort is often accompanied by emotional and psychological symptoms stemming from the ECS imbalance. These include heightened irritability, anxiety, and restlessness, frequently reported during the first few weeks of abstinence.
Sleep disturbances often occur alongside night sweats, manifesting as difficulty falling asleep or experiencing vivid dreams. Changes in appetite, such as a temporary decrease or loss of interest in food, are also recognized symptoms. Experiencing these concurrent changes is a normal part of the body’s process of returning to a balanced state.