What Are Night Sweats?
Excessive perspiration at night, or night sweats, is an
uncomfortable part of life for many people. Night sweats can soak a pillow or
require that a sleeper change nightclothes or bedding.
What Causes Night Sweats?
Many women experience night sweats, also known as hot
flashes, during menopause. As a woman's estrogen level decreases, night sweats
Night sweats are usually attributed to treatable conditions,
such as infections, sleep apnea, acid reflux, and hypoglycemia. They can also be
a symptom of serious illnesses such as tuberculosis, lymphoma, other cancers,
or HIV and AIDS.
Night sweats can be a side effect of certain medications.
These include antidepressants, hormone treatments, and hypoglycemic agents (Mayo
Clinic, 2013). Abusing substances such as alcohol or illegal drugs can
also cause night sweats.
to Seek Medical Help
Night sweats are usually not a cause for concern. Seek
medical advice if night sweats occur repeatedly and disturb sleep, or if they
are accompanied by other symptoms. When night sweats are accompanied by unexplained
weight loss and a high fever, that may indicate be a medical emergency.
For people with lymphoma, night sweats can be a sign that
the disease is progressing. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
Persistent night sweats may be an indicator of the onset of
HIV or a signal that HIV has progressed to AIDS.
How Are Night Sweats Treated?
Medical treatments for night sweats will address the
underlying condition. Night sweats are sometimes a treatable side effect of an
underlying condition, such as menopause or anxiety. In each instance, the
In menopausal women, hormone therapy may reduce the
occurrence of hot flashes. Although anti-depressants can actually cause night
sweats, in menopausal women they can be used as a treatment for hot flashes.
Other medications include gabapentin and clonidine.
For people experiencing night sweats, removing
blankets (or clothing) or opening a window may help. When there is hot weather,
it can help to use air conditioning or find a cooler place to sleep.
How Are Night Sweats Prevented?
Night sweats that are not caused by illness can often be
prevented. Caffeine and alcohol can cause night sweats and should be limited if
night sweats are an issue. Smoking cigarettes can also trigger night sweats.
Keep the bedroom at a comfortable temperature. Avoid crowded rooms or getting too close to a
sleeping partner. Don't exercise, eat spicy foods, or consume warm drinks
Relax before going to bed. Relaxing activities, like yoga or
some other favorite hobby, can help with night sweats.