Night sweats refer to episodes of extreme sweating during sleep. They can soak your nightclothes and bedding and may make you feel cold, clammy, or chilled as the sweat evaporates.
Night sweats have several potential causes:
- Menopause is a common cause in women over 40. Declining estrogen levels can disrupt temperature regulation, leading to hot flashes and sweats during sleep.
- Infections like tuberculosis, endocarditis (heart infection), and HIV/AIDS can trigger severe night sweats. As your immune system fights the infection, you may sweat excessively.
- Cancers, especially lymphoma and leukemia, are another possible cause. Night sweats are a common early symptom. Cancer cells may release chemicals that impact body temperature control.
- Medications including antidepressants and hormone-blocking prostate cancer drugs could potentially lead to sweating at night. Always check side effects.
- Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar may also spark nighttime sweats. Other factors like stress, hormone disorders, and neurological conditions can contribute as well.
If you regularly wake up drenched in sweat without an obvious cause like heat or vigorous exercise,
see your doctor. They can help determine if an underlying condition is driving your night sweats after considering your medical history and other symptoms.
Diagnostic tests like
blood tests, imaging scans, and possibly
biopsies may be ordered. Based on the cause, possible treatments for night sweats range from
hormone therapy and
medications to
lifestyle changes for menopausal symptoms. Controlling infections and cancer also helps resolve associated night sweats.