You wake up in the middle of the night. Your sheets are wet, pillows soaked, sweat dripping from your forehead, and the pajamas you put on feel like they’ve just come out of the wash. Nothing has ever felt more uncomfortable. You just want it to stop.
At some point, we’ve all gone through this torture. And it’s not pleasant. Night sweats can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and other problems during the day.
This article will look at night sweats and some of the most common causes. We’ll also give you some tips on how to stop them so you can get a good night’s sleep.
What Are Night Sweats?
Night sweats, also known as hot flashes or nocturnal hyperhidrosis, are what they sound like: you sweat excessively during your sleep and in the middle of the night. They can drench your bed sheets and clothing and can happen more than once during the night.
The science behind sweat glands
Your sweat glands are controlled by your sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for your fight-or-flight response. This part of your nervous system is activated when you’re in danger or under stress.
When your sympathetic nervous system is activated, it releases a hormone called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine increases your heart rate and blood pressure and makes you sweat. Your body temperature also rises, which is why you might feel flushed when you’re under stress.
Sweating at night can be normal
It’s important to remember that sweating at night is fairly common and can be normal. Most people sweat during their sleep. It’s only when you’re sweating more than usual that it becomes a problem.
Let’s look at some of the most common causes of night sweats.
Causes of night sweats
It’s common to have this experience when the temperature is warm, but other factors also cause sweating at night.
If you’re experiencing repeated nights of excessive sweating to the point that your clothes get soaked, you could have night sweats from an underlying medical condition.
According to the Sleep Foundation, there are four common causes:
Infection
You may experience a fever when you have an infection, resulting in persistent sweating at night. Identify any other symptoms you may have to determine if you have an infection.
The most common infections that cause night sweats come from tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, but night sweats also come with less severe infections such as the flu, pneumonia, and endocarditis.
Medication
Caffeine, alcohol, and drug use may increase your likelihood of experiencing hot flashes at night. And certain anti-depressants, steroids, and medicines could also be a cause.
Menopause
Hot flashes are a common effect of menopause. As the production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone change, women may experience hot flashes during the day and at night, resulting in consistent night sweats.
Hormonal issues
Your thyroid helps to regulate your body temperature. So, when it’s not functioning properly, you may experience nocturnal sweating as a symptom. Low levels of testosterone in men can also cause hot flashes.
Mental health conditions
Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may all trigger sweating at night.
Cancer
Night sweats are common in people with cancer, especially lymphoma or leukemia. You may also experience weight loss, fever, chills, and night sweating.
Other possible causes
There are other potential causes of night sweats, such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, congenital heart disease, and low blood sugar. If you’re unsure of what’s causing your sweats during sleep, it’s best to consult with a doctor.
Night sweats in children
It’s not just adults that suffer from night sweating; babies and children may also experience them.
One study in Hong Kong examined the prevalence of night sweats among primary school children. The study found that participants experience excessive sweating at night more when they are male gender, younger, and have conditions like allergic rhinitis and tonsillitis.
Similar to adults, children may experience night sweats from various conditions.
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Hormonal imbalances
During puberty, girls and boys may suffer from hormonal imbalances that can cause night sweats. Older children may also suffer from conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), Addison’s disease (adrenal gland disorder), and precocious puberty (when puberty begins too early).
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Infections
When children fight off an infection, they may experience night sweats as a symptom. When you see your child sweating while asleep, check for other symptoms to see if they’re ill.
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Anxiety
Children may also suffer from anxiety, leading to sweating at night. Observe your child to see if they’re having any other symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, or difficulty sleeping. A toddler sweating at night may also have separation anxiety.
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Cancer
Child sweats may also be a symptom of leukemia or lymphoma. Don’t panic if your child experiences sweating at night, but do take them to see a doctor if it’s excessive sweating accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss or fever.
Babies and sweating while sleeping
Your baby sweating at night is usually nothing to worry about and will resolve itself. It could be due to teething or a fever.
However, if your baby sweats excessively and has a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, you should contact your child’s doctor. On the very rare occasion that your baby stops breathing, contact emergency services immediately or run to the nearest hospital.
Sleep Disorders and Night Sweating
There are a variety of sleep disorders that may cause excessive sweating at night. These disorders usually accompany other symptoms such as trouble falling asleep, restless sleep, or daytime fatigue. This means that not all those who suffer from night sweats have sleep disorders and vice versa. Babies, young children, teens, and adults can all suffer from sleep disorders.
Obstructive sleep apnea
People with OSA may snore loudly, and experience pauses in breathing during the night. OSA can cause sweats because it lowers the oxygen level in your blood, resulting in your body trying to compensate by sweating.
Restless leg syndrome
This condition causes an irresistible urge to move your legs while trying to sleep. This movement can cause night sweats by disturbing your sleep and raising your body temperature.
Nightmares
Nightmares cause you to wake up in a state of fear or anxiety. When you have a nightmare, your body may respond by sweating.
Night terrors
When a person experiences a night terror, they may scream, kick, or thrash around in their sleep. Night terrors differ from nightmares because the person usually does not remember the event. Night terrors can raise your body temperature and heart rate, resulting in excessive sweating.
How to Ease Night Sweating at Home
There are some steps you can take, especially if it’s a cause within your control:
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese can contribute to nocturnal sweating. Talk to your doctor about a weight loss plan if you’re carrying extra weight.
Avoid spicy foods
Eating spicy foods can increase your body temperature and trigger night sweats. If you’re prone to night sweats, avoid spicy foods before bed.
Avoid caffeine, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco
Caffeine, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco can all disrupt your sleep and lead to sweating during sleep. If you’re struggling with night sweats, avoid these substances before bed.
Wear breathable clothing to bed
Wearing cotton or other light and airy fabrics can help prevent night sweats by keeping your body temperature cool. Avoid wearing wool or synthetic fabrics as they can trap heat and make you more likely to sweat.
Keep cool at night
Turning down the thermostat or using a fan can help keep your body temperature cool and prevent night sweats.
Manage stress
Stress can trigger night sweating. If you’re experiencing stress, try to find relaxation methods such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
BetterSleep offers a wide range of techniques anyone of any experience level can do to relax their body, clear their head, and get the restful sleep they deserve! Get a restful sleep with BetterSleep for free today.
When To See A Doctor
If you’re experiencing persistent night sweats that interfere with your sleep and affect your day-to-day life, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Whether a serious medical condition causes excessive sweating or not, it can still significantly impact your quality of life.
