Night sweats: causes & treatment

Sweating is a normal phenomenon and is a key part of how the body regulates its temperature. In a sauna or exercising at the gym, profuse sweating is expected. Waking up in a sweat in the middle of the night is another matter. Night sweats can be defined as sweating in excess of what is required by the body to regulate its temperature. It is often described as soaking and may require a change of sheets or even clothing. Night sweats are usually not caused by a heavy blanket or warm bedroom. Instead, other underlying health issues may be responsible for these episodes of heavy sweating in your sleep. Regardless of the cause, however, they reduce the quality of sleep and cause serious discomfort. Four common causes of night sweats are:

• Menopause

During this period significant changes occur in the body's production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone and this is believed to be a major factor in hot flashes. Hot flashes are considered a feature of menopause, affecting up to 85% of women. In most cases, hot flashes actually start during the transition period before menopause and can continue afterwards. Perhaps not surprisingly, many women report sleep problems and higher rates of insomnia during menopause. Although night sweats are not the only cause of these sleep difficulties, they can contribute to poor sleep, especially when they are severe.

• Pharmaceutical treatment

Medications are known to be associated with night sweats. These include certain antidepressants, steroids, and medications taken to reduce fever, such as aspirin or acetaminophen, which can surprisingly cause sweating.

• Contamination

Many infections are associated with night sweats. Most of the time, this is because infections can cause fever and overheating. Tuberculosis, bacterial and fungal infections, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are some examples of infections for which night sweats are an important symptom.

• Hormone problems

Changes in the endocrine system, which controls hormone levels in the body, may be associated with night sweats. Examples of hormonal problems associated with night sweats include an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes and high blood sugar, and abnormal sex hormone levels. Other causes of night sweats Beyond these four common causes, other conditions can cause night sweats. Hot flashes may be more common during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Anxiety and panic attacks have been associated with night sweats. It can also be a symptom of certain types of cancer or a side effect of cancer treatments. How to reduce night sweats and sleep better It is important to consult a doctor in these cases. Seeing a doctor is important because they can help determine the most likely cause and order tests to get to the bottom of the situation. At the same time, however, you can apply some simple tips that have a significant effect on improving sleeping conditions and can really limit the phenomenon of night sweats.

1. A very important decision are the small, simple changes that can create a more pleasant sleeping climate. Although a warmer bedroom is not the main cause of night sweats, it can facilitate or trigger them. Keeping the thermostat at a lower temperature and using lighter bedding can prevent heat from building up around the body during the night. Also, consider buying a good quality mattress that 'breathes'.
2. Tight clothing traps heat, so it's best to wear light, loose-fitting clothing made with materials that breathe and ventilate. Dressing in layers makes it easy to adjust to maintain a comfortable temperature.
3. Avoid caffeine , alcohol and spicy foods. All of these can cause spikes in body temperature and cause sweating. Avoiding them, especially in the evening, can reduce night sweats.
4. Drink cold water: Drinking a small amount of cold water before going to bed helps some people with night sweats reach a more comfortable temperature.
5. Maintain a healthy weight: Some research has identified a correlation between higher body weight and night sweats. Being overweight or obese can contribute to other health problems, including those that affect sleep, such as sleep apnea .

*The text is an authentic translation from the corresponding article by the scientific team of Sleepfoundation , the leading online Media Center on health issues.