Night sweats are episodes of excessive perspiration during sleep, intense enough to soak through clothing and bedding. Unlike typical sweating from a warm room, these drenching sweats can cause a sudden wave of heat, rapid heartbeat, and reddening skin, sometimes waking individuals in a cold sweat.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Consult a healthcare professional for persistent, severe, or unexplained night sweats, especially if they regularly disrupt sleep or are accompanied by other symptoms like fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss. Seek medical advice if new or worsening symptoms appear, or if you are taking medications that could be contributing.
Understanding Potential Causes
Hormonal fluctuations are a common cause of night sweats, particularly for women. Menopause and perimenopause, with changes in estrogen and progesterone, can disrupt the brain’s temperature regulation. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pregnancy, and the postpartum period can also trigger sweats due to shifting hormone levels.
Certain medications can cause night sweats, including some antidepressants, blood pressure drugs like clonidine, and steroids. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs like aspirin can also contribute. Additionally, some diabetes medications can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) at night, causing sweating.
Infections are another frequent cause, as the body’s immune response can elevate temperature. Common examples include tuberculosis, HIV, and bacterial infections like endocarditis or osteomyelitis. Viral infections such as the common cold, flu, or COVID-19 can also induce night sweats. An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can increase the body’s metabolic rate, leading to excessive sweating.
Anxiety and stress can activate the body’s “fight or flight” response, leading to increased sweating, even during sleep. This can be exacerbated by nightmares or conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. Less common but more serious causes include certain cancers, such as lymphoma or leukemia, and various neurological disorders like stroke or Parkinson’s disease.
Lifestyle and Home-Based Strategies
Lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of night sweats. Keeping the bedroom cool, ideally around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, is recommended. Using a fan and cooling gels in pillows or mattress covers can also help.
Choosing appropriate sleepwear and bedding makes a difference. Lightweight, loose-fitting pajamas made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen help regulate body temperature. Using lighter blankets and moisture-wicking sheets also prevents heat retention. Dressing in layers allows for easy adjustment during the night if temperature changes occur.
Avoiding specific triggers before bedtime is beneficial. Spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can contribute to night sweats. Limiting these substances, particularly in the hours leading up to sleep, helps. Ensuring adequate hydration throughout the day and sipping cool water at night also supports temperature regulation.
Managing stress through relaxation techniques alleviates night sweats, especially those linked to anxiety. Practices such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness promote a calmer state. Regular physical activity also helps regulate body temperature, but complete workouts several hours before bedtime to allow the body to cool down.
Non-Prescription Remedies and Supplements
Over-the-counter options and dietary supplements can help manage night sweats. Topical antiperspirants, typically containing aluminum chloride, can be applied to areas prone to excessive sweating, such as the underarms, to reduce sweating. These products work by temporarily blocking sweat ducts.
Certain herbal supplements are used for night sweats, particularly those linked to hormonal changes. Black cohosh has been traditionally used to address menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. While some studies suggest it offers relief, research findings on its effectiveness are mixed, and professional organizations do not consistently recommend it.
Other supplements, such as Vitamin E, sage, and red clover, have also been investigated for alleviating hot flashes and night sweats. However, the evidence supporting their widespread use is still evolving. Always discuss any non-prescription remedies or supplements with a healthcare professional before use due to potential interactions or side effects.
Medical Interventions
When night sweats are persistent or linked to an underlying medical condition, a healthcare professional may recommend medical interventions. For menopause-related night sweats, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is considered. HRT involves replenishing estrogen, sometimes with progesterone, to stabilize temperature regulation. This treatment can be administered through pills, skin patches, gels, or creams.
If HRT is not suitable or desired, non-hormonal prescription medications are an option. Certain antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or anticonvulsants like gabapentin, can manage hot flashes and night sweats. Other medications, such as clonidine or fezolinetant, may also be prescribed based on individual symptoms and health history.
If a specific medical condition is diagnosed as the cause of night sweats, treatment focuses on addressing that condition. For example, bacterial infections may require antibiotics, while an overactive thyroid may be managed with medications or other therapies. Adjusting existing prescriptions identified as causing night sweats is also a common medical approach.