Night sweats can leave you, your pajamas and bed linens soaking wet night after night. If you don’t sleep under a pile of warm blankets or in an overly warm room- there may be an underlying medical cause.
Defining Night Sweats
Occasionally waking up after perspiring may be uncomfortable, but it does not classify as night sweats. If you repeatedly wake up drenched in sweat that soaks through your clothes and bedsheets, you are likely experiencing night sweats. In addition to night sweats, you may also notice fever, weight loss, diarrhea or other symptoms. Tell your OBGYN about any symptoms you are experiencing in conjunction with night sweats.
Night Sweats Causes
Night sweats are a symptom of an underlying cause, and there are many things that could leave you in a pool of sweat. Some possibilities that your OBGYN will consider include:
- Medications- like some antidepressants, hormone therapy drugs or diabetic medications to treat low blood sugar- can cause night sweats. Ask your OBGYN or pharmacist if any medications you are currently taking could be to blame.
- Menopause is common in women 50 years or older and results in hormonal changes that cause hot flashes and night sweats. Your OBGYN can determine if you may be in menopause or perimenopause.
- Hyperthyroidism causes a hormonal imbalance with symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat and excessive weight loss.
- Sleep Apnea sufferers experience night sweats three times more than the average person.
- Infections and other febrile illnesses may cause night sweats.
- Cancers- such as leukemia, lymphoma or bone cancer- can have night sweats as an early symptom, possibly due to the body attempting to fight it off. If you are experiencing night sweats due to cancer, you will likely notice other symptoms, as well.
Treating Night Sweats
Night sweats are usually resolved when the underlying cause is treated. If your OBGYN doesn’t identify another condition causing the night sweats, they may recommend changing some of your daily habits and sleep environment.
Sleeping in a cool room with natural, breathable fabrics and avoiding heavy blankets or comforters can help reduce nighttime perspiration. You may try using the air condition or a fan to maintain a cooler environment.
Lifestyle changes can also help reduce night sweats. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods and reduce your fat and sugar intake. Try not to eat within two or three hours of going to bed and drink plenty of water during the day.
Call our office if you are experiencing night sweats.