It's a common problem and a real nuisance: night sweats. Waking up in the night and needing to change clothes or sheets can disrupt your sleep and ruin your morning. An expert explains what can be done about it.
The family doctor Dr. In a recent article from the Cleveland Clinic (USA), Donald Ford reports on the most common causes of night sweats and measures that can be taken to find relief.
What causes night sweats?
There can be several reasons why you sweat at night. And some are easier to spot than others. The most common reasons for night sweats include:
- Hormonal changes such as menopause and perimenopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
- Side effects of medications, including opioids, steroids, aspirin, painkillers, and medications used to treat conditions such as cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression.
- Chronic diseases such as hyperthyroidism (hypothyroidism), diabetes or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Respiratory infections such as colds, flu and COVID-19.
- Anxiety disorders.
- Stress.
- Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
- Substance abuse, including alcohol consumption.
- Some cancers, typically leukemia and lymphoma.
Get night sweats under control
How you stop sweating while sleeping depends largely on the cause. “If you get to the bottom of the cause, you can take steps to prevent or manage night sweats,” says Dr. Ford.
For example, if the cause is an illness that causes fever, the problem should go away with recovery. Fever-reducing medications and home remedies can help.
However, if your night sweats are a long-term problem, it's time to get to the bottom of it and take steps to sleep better.
Most causes of night sweats are not serious, notes Dr. Ford states: “However, there are enough causes that should be investigated in patients if their symptoms persist for more than a week and are not obviously related to a viral illness or are responding to lifestyle changes.”
The doctor has some advice on how best to get night sweats under control.
Menopause and perimenopause
As your body enters menopause, your body produces less estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These hormonal changes cause your periods to become irregular and eventually stop. But they also trigger other changes, which can include changes in your body's temperature regulation.
This can lead to hot flashes during the day and, you guessed it, night sweats while you sleep.
Fortunately, there are several ways to help you manage night sweats during menopause and perimenopause. These include measures such as:
- Recognize and avoid triggers. These can include things like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods and cigarettes.
- Cope with stress.
- Eat a balanced diet with lots of vegetables, calcium, lean protein and soy.
- Certain supplements such as calcium and vitamin D. Always speak to a doctor before taking supplements.
- Keep your bedroom cool (think between 15 and 19 degrees Celsius). And sleep in light pajamas.
Prescription medications and hormone therapy are also options that can help treat night sweats and other menopausal symptoms.
“If night sweats, hot flashes, and other menopausal symptoms are affecting your quality of life, a doctor can help you find the right relief,” says Dr. Ford. “Perimenopause can last years and cause many disorders in some women. But there are treatment options. And they can dramatically improve your well-being.”
Night sweats can continue even after menopause begins. So even if you're postmenopausal, it's possible that hormonal changes are causing you to sweat excessively while you sleep.
When medications cause night sweats
Frequently taken medications can also lead to night sweats. These include some diabetes medications. Because blood sugar levels that are too low can trigger an adrenaline rush, which can activate your sweat glands.
Hormone therapy and hormone blockers used to treat certain types of cancer, as well as some antidepressants, can also cause night sweats.
If you're concerned that your medications are making you sweat while you sleep or causing other unwanted side effects, talk to a healthcare professional about your options. And always consult your doctor before stopping taking any medication.
Stress and anxiety
When your nervous system is tense, it doesn't always stop when you close your eyes. Living in “fight-or-flight” mode can affect your sleep, including increased sweating at night. That's because when your body deals with stress, it constricts your blood vessels, among other things. This heats up your body and makes you sweat.
Managing your stress during the day can help manage night sweats. Try measures like:
- Meditation
- Breathing exercises
- Sport
- Healthy eating
- Write a diary
- Conversations with mental health professionals
When you need help against sweating while sleeping
Dr. Ford reiterates that treating the underlying cause of your night sweats is the way to relieve symptoms.
Talk to a doctor if you are not sure what is causing your symptoms. Or even if you have an idea of why you sweat in your sleep but can't stop it.
Medical treatment for night sweats varies depending on the cause. “Almost all causes of night sweats can be treated,” assures Dr. Ford. “If you suffer from persistent night sweats, a doctor can help you find the cause and a solution.” (ad)
