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Jan 20, 2024 · Night sweats are repeated episodes of very heavy sweating during sleep, often caused by an underlying condition or illness. Learn about the possible causes, when to see a doctor, and how to manage night sweats from Mayo Clinic.
- Overview
- What causes night sweats?
- How are night sweats treated?
- When should you seek help?
- Can night sweats be prevented?
- Takeaway
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You may experience night sweats with some infections and other health conditions, including menopause and hyperthyroidism. Treatment can depend on the underlying cause.
Night sweats is another term for excessive perspiration, or sweating, at night. They’re an uncomfortable part of life for many people and may be associated with depression and difficulty sleeping.
While night sweats are a common symptom of menopause, they can also be caused by some medical conditions and certain medications.
In most cases, night sweats aren’t a serious symptom. Still, it’s important to know when to get checked if you have night sweats.
It’s normal to sweat at night if the temperature is too warm. However, some people experience drenching night sweats regularly. Many women experience hot flashes and night sweats during menopause.
Night sweats can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as:
•infections, like tuberculosis or HIV
•cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma
•anxiety disorders
•hyperthyroidism
To treat night sweats, your doctor will take steps to identify and address their underlying cause. Your treatment plan will depend on your specific diagnosis. The following are common causes of night sweats with potential treatment options:
•Menopause. Lifestyle changes, like sleeping in cool rooms and avoiding alcohol, may help with hot flashes and night sweats. If these aren’t sufficient, hormone therapy may help reduce the number of hot flashes you experience and alleviate other symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications for hot flashes, such as paroxetine and gabapentin. Venlafaxine is also used off-label for night sweats.
•Underlying infection. Depending on the type of infection you have, antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or other medications may help treat it.
•Cancer. Your doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy drugs, surgery, or other treatments. Since these treatments can also cause night sweats, they may additionally be treated with hormone therapy or other medications.
•Anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe medications like anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants. They may also recommend therapy.
•Hyperthyroidism. Medications, radioiodine therapy, or sometimes surgery are used to treat overactive thyroid.
Night sweats aren’t usually a cause for concern. In some cases, though, they may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.
Night sweats are common in menopause, which usually starts around age 50. However, if you experience night sweats and other menopause symptoms before you turn 40, it’s important to talk with your doctor. This may indicate a condition called primary ovarian insufficiency.
It’s also important to seek medical attention if you develop night sweats that happen frequently, disturb your sleep, or are accompanied by other symptoms. Night sweats that occur with a high fever, cough, or unexplained weight loss may be a sign of a serious medical condition.
In those who have lymphoma or HIV, night sweats may indicate that the condition is progressing.
Lifestyle changes may help prevent some causes of night sweats. To lower your risk of experiencing night sweats:
•limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine
•avoid using tobacco and drugs
•sleep in a cooler environment
•consider getting a cooling mattress. Shop all Healthline-approved products for hot sleepers in our sleep shop.
•try to maintain a moderate weight
Night sweats can be uncomfortable and disrupt your sleep. In most cases, they’re not a cause for serious concern. But sometimes, they may be caused by an underlying condition that requires treatment.
Your doctor can help diagnose the cause of your night sweats. They can also recommend strategies to prevent or treat night sweats. Depending on the underlying cause, they might recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or other treatments.
Night sweats are excessive perspiration at night that may be caused by menopause, infections, cancer, anxiety, hyperthyroidism, medications, or other factors. Learn how to identify and treat the underlying cause of your night sweats and when to see a doctor.
Feb 2, 2024 · Night sweats are excessive sweating while sleeping, which can be caused by various factors, such as hormonal changes, infections, medications, or sleep disorders. Learn how to prevent night sweats by adjusting your sleep environment, diet, and lifestyle, and when to seek medical help for possible underlying health issues.
- 6 min
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Hormonal issues. A range of hormonal issues and hormone disorders can cause excessive nighttime sweating. These include: menopause. low testosterone. carcinoid syndrome.
Jun 22, 2022 · Night sweats are profuse sweating that soak your bedclothes and linens. They can be caused by environmental factors, hormonal changes, infections, cancers, and other conditions. Learn how to identify and treat night sweats and when to seek medical help.
People also ask
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Aug 28, 2022 · Night sweats are repeated drenching perspiration in the middle of the night that's likely to wake you. They can be a sign of various medical conditions, such as menopause, thyroid problems, infections, cancers, and more.
Sep 9, 2022 · Night sweats are episodes of sweating at night while sleeping, which can vary from mild to drenching. They can be caused by infections, cancer, medications, or hormones, and may require diagnostic tests or treatment.
