Night sweats causes explained with treatments
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Night sweats: the puzzling, sweaty phenomenon often leaves you thinking, “Why am I drenched in sweat when all I want is a good night’s sleep?” While it’s normal to sweat lightly on warm nights or as a result of mild stress, excessive sweating in bed can be more than just a hassle. It’s a signal that something in your body is not right. From hormonal fluctuations to infections and medications, night sweats can have a variety of causes. Let’s examine the common causes of this nighttime discomfort and discuss how to tackle it with proper treatments.
Night sweats may have several causes, ranging from harmless to severe conditions. Here are some common causes:
Also read: Signs of hormone imbalance: How to tell & next steps
What are night sweats?
Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating that happen while you’re asleep, often leaving your bedclothes and sheets soaked. Unlike regular sweating which helps regulate body temperature, night sweats occur without external heat, like a warm room or blankets. Night sweats may indicate an underlying health problem, such as hormonal imbalances, infections, medications, or chronic ailments. While night sweats may be temporary and harmless, they can also be a sign of a serious issue, so it’s important to monitor other symptoms and seek medical advice if they persist.Causes of night sweats
Night sweats may have several causes, ranging from harmless to severe conditions. Here are some common causes:
1. Hormonal imbalances:
- Menopause: A significant drop in oestrogen levels can disrupt the hypothalamus/s ability to regulate body temperature and cause hot flashes and night sweats in women. It is a common symptom of menopause affecting more than 70% of menopausal women.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can lead to sweating at night.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can trigger excessive perspiration, particularly at night.
2. Infections:
- Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection that causes night sweats, often accompanied by fever and weight loss.
- Endocarditis: An infection of the heart valves that may lead to night sweats.
- HIV/AIDS: People with severe HIV or AIDS may experience night sweats as the disease advances.
3. Medications:
- Certain medications, including antidepressants (eg. SSRIs), fever-reducing medications, and hormonal therapies, can interfere with your body’s thermoregulation and cause night sweats as a side effect.
4. Chronic conditions:
- Diabetes: Blood sugar fluctuations, particularly when they drop significantly at night, triggers adrenaline release, which causes sweating.
- Cancer: Conditions like lymphoma and leukaemia can lead to night sweats due to the body’s immune system response.
5. Sleep disorders:
- Sleep apnoea: Disrupted breathing during sleep can provoke night sweats as the body struggles to get enough air.
6. Stress and anxiety:
- Emotional stress and anxiety can prompt the body to activate its fight-or-flight response, occasionally resulting in night sweats.
7. Diet and lifestyle factors:
- Spicy foods or alcohol: Consuming these can raise body temperature and trigger night sweats, especially if eaten just before going to bed.
Also read: Signs of hormone imbalance: How to tell & next steps
Home remedies to try
Here are some home remedies to try for night sweats:- Maintain a comfortable temperature at night: To ensure a pleasant sleeping environment, select lightweight and breathable materials for sleepwear and bedding, such as cotton. It is advisable to utilise a fan or air conditioning unit to keep the room at a lower temperature. Additionally, positioning a bowl of ice near the fan can enhance the cooling effect within the room.
- Herbal teas like sage or chamomile may help, although evidence is limited. Hydration and dietary adjustments: Remaining adequately hydrated throughout the day is essential for effectively managing body temperature. Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages, particularly during the evening hours.
- Application of cool compresses: A cool, damp cloth to the neck or forehead before retiring for the night can help lower body temperature.
- Techniques for relaxation: Engaging in deep breathing, yoga, or meditation practices can help reduce stress related sweating.
- Use of essential oils: Incorporating essential oils, such as lavender or peppermint, can provide a cooling and calming effect. It is important to dilute the oil before application to the temples or wrists before sleep. Always test on a small patch of skin.
- Modifications to lifestyle: Regular physical activity is encouraged; however, it is best to refrain from intense exercise close to bedtime. Additionally, adhering to a consistent sleep schedule can help regulate the body’s temperature patterns.
When should I be worried about night sweats?
Individuals should take heed of night sweats if the following conditions are met:- They occur with a high frequency and consistently disturb sleep patterns.
- Additional symptoms, including unexplained weight loss, fever, chills, fatigue, or a persistent cough accompany them.
- They begin abruptly and do not have an identifiable cause, such as menopause, stress, or changes in room temperature.
- They continue despite the implementation of home remedies or modifications to lifestyle.
How can telehealth with an online doctor help?
Telehealth consultations with medical professionals can significantly facilitate the management of night sweats by offering both convenience and expert guidance without necessitating in-person visits. Hola Health provides accessible options to address a range of health issues, including night sweats, through the following mechanisms:- Telehealth consultations: Patients can engage with qualified healthcare providers online to discuss their experiences with night sweats and related symptoms, which may encompass fever, weight loss, or fatigue. The attending doctor will assess the patient's condition, identify possible underlying causes, propose appropriate management strategies or recommend further actions.
- Online prescription services: If necessary, the doctor can prescribe various treatments, such as hormone therapy for night sweats related to menopause or medications for infections, and other tailored interventions based on the identified cause. These prescriptions may be fulfilled at a local pharmacy or delivered directly to the patient’s residence.
- Referrals: In instances where night sweats warrant additional investigation, the doctor can refer the patient for necessary diagnostic tests or consultations with specialists, such as endocrinologists or oncologists, to diagnose and treat any underlying health conditions.
- Online medical certificate: In cases where night sweats are pronounced and disrupt daily activities, telehealth services can issue same-day medical certificates to provide the patient with the required time for recuperation, whether that entails rest or leave from occupational responsibilities.
FAQs
Do menopause-related night sweats ever end?
Menopause-related night sweats usually subside, but the timing can vary. Most women experience them during perimenopause and the early stages of menopause. Symptoms often improve within 1-2 years, but some may continue with reduced intensity. If the symptoms are persistent or severe, it may be helpful to consult a healthcare provider for treatment options like hormone replacement therapy.Also read: Signs of menopause at every age: All questions answered
Can stress cause night sweats?
Yes, stress can cause night sweats by activating the body’s fight-to-flight response, leading to more sweating at night.Can night sweats be prevented?
Night sweats may be difficult to prevent entirely, but managing triggers like stress, avoiding spicy foods or alcohol before bedtime, and keeping the room cool can reduce their occurrence and intensity.In summary, night sweats may be triggered by various causes, including hormonal changes, infections, or stress. The key is to identify and address the root cause effectively with the right treatment. Whether it’s cooling the room, managing stress, or consulting the doctor, there’s a way to sleep peacefully without waking up in sweat.
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Disclaimer
This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
Get affordable healthcare on your terms, with quick access to qualified, Australian-registered telehealth doctors & health practitioners, 24/7, 365 days a year. No more searching for ‘doctors near me‘ – Hola connects you instantly.
Address: 79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Email: support@hola.health
Call 000 for emergency or urgent medical help
Get affordable healthcare on your terms, with quick access to qualified, Australian-registered telehealth doctors & health practitioners, 24/7, 365 days a year. No more searching for ‘doctors near me‘ – Hola connects you instantly.
Call 000 for emergency or urgent medical help.
Address: 79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Email: support@hola.health
© Hola Health, a brand of Packapill Pvt Ltd