Key takeaways<\/h2>\n\n- \n
Night sweats can be caused by various factors including medications, hormonal changes, infections, and certain cancers, and are not always indicative of a serious medical condition.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Up to 85% of women going through menopause experience severe hot flashes and night sweats due to changing hormone levels, which can often be relieved through hormone therapy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Stress and anxiety are common triggers of night sweats, and managing these conditions through therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication can reduce symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Maintaining good sleep hygiene, avoiding triggers such as spicy foods and alcohol before bedtime, and treating any underlying medical conditions can help manage night sweats and improve sleep quality.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
What are night sweats?<\/a> | <\/span>What causes night sweats?<\/a> | When to see a doctor<\/a> | How to stop night sweats<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nYou expect to sweat when you\u2019re exercising or spending time outdoors on a hot summer day. But, waking up in the morning with damp pajamas and sheets can be disconcerting. Although night sweats are troubling, experts say they are also fairly common. In <\/span>one study<\/span><\/a>, 41% of participants reported night sweats.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat\u2019s behind perspiration while you\u2019re sleeping? \u201cNight sweats can be caused by a wide variety of medical conditions, including infections, medications, hormones, stress, and anxiety,\u201d says Cassie Majestic, MD, emergency medicine physician in Orange, California, founder of <\/span>drmajestic.com<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat are night sweats?<\/h2>\n
True night sweats are more than waking up hot when you accidentally leave the thermostat turned up too high. Also known as <\/span>sleep hyperhidrosis<\/span>, night sweats occur over the course of several weeks, even when the temperature in your bedroom is cool. It\u2019s not just light perspiration\u2014it\u2019s feeling like your bedclothes are drenched in moisture.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cSometimes night sweats can be caused because your bedroom is hot or you have too many blankets on your bed,\u201d says Saralyn Mark, MD, an endocrinologist, geriatrician, and women\u2019s health specialist and founder of<\/span> SolaMed Solutions<\/span><\/a>. \u201cOther times, it can be your body\u2019s way of telling you that something is happening with your health.\u201d Meaning, an underlying medical condition or certain medications could be a potential cause of night sweats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n10 causes of night sweats<\/h2>\n
Some common causes of night sweats include:<\/span><\/p>\n1. Menopause<\/span><\/h3>\nUp to <\/span>85% of women<\/span><\/a> going through <\/span>perimenopause<\/span> and menopause experience severe hot flashes\u2014sudden intense changes in body temperature (mainly bursts of body heat or hot flushes)\u2014and often report that these symptoms of menopause are worse at night.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cHot flashes and night sweats occur due to changing hormone levels,\u201d says Dr. Mark. If your family physician finds that night sweats are caused by changes in estrogen and progesterone production, ask about <\/span>hormone therapy<\/span>, which can often relieve menopause symptoms\u2014namely the hot flashes that cause night sweats.<\/span><\/p>\n2. Medications<\/span><\/h3>\nAccording to Dr. Majestic<\/span>, <\/b>night sweats are a side effect of many common medications including:<\/span><\/p>\nCheck with your primary care physician or pharmacist if you worry that night sweats could be a side effect of your medication.<\/span><\/p>\n3. Stress<\/span><\/h3>\nStress and anxiety are also common causes of night sweats, says Dr. Majestic. \u201cTypically there will be other symptoms such as mood changes, trouble sleeping, extreme sadness or hyperactivity, or constant fatigue,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\nIf stress or anxiety is the cause of your night sweats, your physician might recommend talk therapy,<\/span> an antidepressant<\/span>, or making lifestyle changes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n4. Overactive thyroid<\/span><\/h3>\nNight sweats can also be a symptom of endocrine disorders, like a thyroid problem, according to Dr. Mark. An overactive thyroid (also known as hyperthyroidism) is a common cause of night sweats, excessive sweating, anxiety, and sleep problems. <\/span>Simple thyroid blood tests<\/span> can determine if a thyroid disease could be causing your symptoms so your physician can prescribe medication to relieve symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n5. Acid reflux<\/span><\/h3>\nSome patients with acid reflux or the more severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can experience both <\/span>nighttime heartburn and excessive sweating<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cPeople with GERD experience heartburn at least twice a week for several weeks,\u201d Dr. Mark says. \u201cIf you have GERD, and it\u2019s not well-controlled, your doctor might recommend taking an H2 blocker such as <\/span>Pepcid AC<\/span> or <\/span>Tagamet HB<\/span>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n6. Spicy foods<\/span><\/h3>\nCertain spicy foods that contain capsaicin trigger the same nerves that make you feel warm, triggering sweating to cool down. Avoiding these too close to bedtime can help.<\/span><\/p>\n7. Alcohol<\/span><\/h3>\nA night cap might seem like a good way to relax. But, if you\u2019ve been waking up sweaty, it might make sense to switch to a seltzer. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels in the skin, which can lead to sweating.<\/span><\/p>\n8. Infections<\/span><\/h3>\nAny infection that causes a fever can lead to night sweats\u2014whether it\u2019s the flu, a bacterial infection like an abscess, or a serious infection like endocarditis. Some people with underlying health conditions like tuberculosis and HIV may also experience night sweats.<\/span><\/p>\n9. Some cancers\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nNight sweats can be a symptom of certain cancers, such as non-Hodgkin\u2019s lymphoma or leukemia. Lymphomas usually present with very severe night sweats. Though, Dr. Mark says other symptoms are typically also present such as loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss.<\/span><\/p>\n10. COVID-19<\/span><\/h3>\nWhile not originally considered a symptom of the novel coronavirus, there are reports that <\/span>night sweats<\/span><\/a> come along with infection with the <\/span>Omicron variant<\/span>. It\u2019s one of the signs that differentiate newer strains of the virus, along with sore throat.<\/span><\/p>\nWhen should I be concerned about night sweats?<\/h2>\n
The good news, according to Dr. Majestic is that night sweats typically aren\u2019t a symptom of a serious medical condition.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cNight sweats are most concerning when they have been ongoing for two weeks or longer, and are accompanied by other symptoms,\u201d Dr. Majestic says. \u201cBe aware of symptoms such as unintentional weight loss, fevers or chills, body aches and joint pain, or enlarged lymph nodes.\u201d These may signify an underlying medical cause.<\/span><\/p>\nIf you notice night sweats accompanied by any of these warning signs, Dr. Majestic recommends speaking with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to screen for certain conditions. Persistent night sweats without other signs should also prompt a visit to a healthcare professional.<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span>During your appointment, your physician will take a detailed medical history and may also order blood tests to determine the underlying cause.<\/span><\/p>\nHow to treat night sweats<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re regularly drenching the sheets in the middle of the night, one of these strategies may help to keep your night sweats at bay and improve your sleep quality.<\/span><\/p>\nPay attention to your evening patterns<\/span><\/h3>\nAre you eating, drinking alcohol, or exercising late into the evening? Dr. Majestic says each of these things could contribute to your night sweats.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cAlso consider what you\u2019re watching on television or reading before you go to bed,\u201d Dr. Majestic says. \u201cIs it anxiety provoking or scary? It may be a good idea to alter those behaviors. If you\u2019re struggling with depression or anxiety, seek the help of a therapist.\u201d<\/span> Try to remove potential triggers from the hours leading up to bedtime.<\/span><\/p>\nPractice good sleep hygiene<\/span><\/h3>\nDr. Mark notes that sleeping with a fan can keep your bedroom temperature comfortable and also provide white noise.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cIf you experience night sweats, try to keep your bedroom cool, wear light clothing, and use lighter blankets,\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nMaintain a healthy weight<\/span><\/h3>\nCarrying extra pounds can <\/span>be associated with night sweats<\/span><\/a> and also be a risk factor for developing obstructive <\/span>sleep apnea<\/span>, where the throat narrows, restricting your breathing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nTry therapy<\/span><\/h3>\nAccording to <\/span>research<\/span><\/a>, cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce menopausal symptoms like night sweats. It <\/span>works by<\/span><\/a> changing the way you think and feel about your symptoms to reduce the stress and anxiety surrounding your experience. For example, practicing breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can be helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n
Night sweats can be caused by various factors including medications, hormonal changes, infections, and certain cancers, and are not always indicative of a serious medical condition.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Up to 85% of women going through menopause experience severe hot flashes and night sweats due to changing hormone levels, which can often be relieved through hormone therapy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Stress and anxiety are common triggers of night sweats, and managing these conditions through therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication can reduce symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Maintaining good sleep hygiene, avoiding triggers such as spicy foods and alcohol before bedtime, and treating any underlying medical conditions can help manage night sweats and improve sleep quality.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
What are night sweats?<\/a> | <\/span>What causes night sweats?<\/a> | When to see a doctor<\/a> | How to stop night sweats<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n You expect to sweat when you\u2019re exercising or spending time outdoors on a hot summer day. But, waking up in the morning with damp pajamas and sheets can be disconcerting. Although night sweats are troubling, experts say they are also fairly common. In <\/span>one study<\/span><\/a>, 41% of participants reported night sweats.<\/span><\/p>\n What\u2019s behind perspiration while you\u2019re sleeping? \u201cNight sweats can be caused by a wide variety of medical conditions, including infections, medications, hormones, stress, and anxiety,\u201d says Cassie Majestic, MD, emergency medicine physician in Orange, California, founder of <\/span>drmajestic.com<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n True night sweats are more than waking up hot when you accidentally leave the thermostat turned up too high. Also known as <\/span>sleep hyperhidrosis<\/span>, night sweats occur over the course of several weeks, even when the temperature in your bedroom is cool. It\u2019s not just light perspiration\u2014it\u2019s feeling like your bedclothes are drenched in moisture.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSometimes night sweats can be caused because your bedroom is hot or you have too many blankets on your bed,\u201d says Saralyn Mark, MD, an endocrinologist, geriatrician, and women\u2019s health specialist and founder of<\/span> SolaMed Solutions<\/span><\/a>. \u201cOther times, it can be your body\u2019s way of telling you that something is happening with your health.\u201d Meaning, an underlying medical condition or certain medications could be a potential cause of night sweats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some common causes of night sweats include:<\/span><\/p>\n Up to <\/span>85% of women<\/span><\/a> going through <\/span>perimenopause<\/span> and menopause experience severe hot flashes\u2014sudden intense changes in body temperature (mainly bursts of body heat or hot flushes)\u2014and often report that these symptoms of menopause are worse at night.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHot flashes and night sweats occur due to changing hormone levels,\u201d says Dr. Mark. If your family physician finds that night sweats are caused by changes in estrogen and progesterone production, ask about <\/span>hormone therapy<\/span>, which can often relieve menopause symptoms\u2014namely the hot flashes that cause night sweats.<\/span><\/p>\n According to Dr. Majestic<\/span>, <\/b>night sweats are a side effect of many common medications including:<\/span><\/p>\n Check with your primary care physician or pharmacist if you worry that night sweats could be a side effect of your medication.<\/span><\/p>\n Stress and anxiety are also common causes of night sweats, says Dr. Majestic. \u201cTypically there will be other symptoms such as mood changes, trouble sleeping, extreme sadness or hyperactivity, or constant fatigue,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n If stress or anxiety is the cause of your night sweats, your physician might recommend talk therapy,<\/span> an antidepressant<\/span>, or making lifestyle changes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Night sweats can also be a symptom of endocrine disorders, like a thyroid problem, according to Dr. Mark. An overactive thyroid (also known as hyperthyroidism) is a common cause of night sweats, excessive sweating, anxiety, and sleep problems. <\/span>Simple thyroid blood tests<\/span> can determine if a thyroid disease could be causing your symptoms so your physician can prescribe medication to relieve symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n Some patients with acid reflux or the more severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can experience both <\/span>nighttime heartburn and excessive sweating<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cPeople with GERD experience heartburn at least twice a week for several weeks,\u201d Dr. Mark says. \u201cIf you have GERD, and it\u2019s not well-controlled, your doctor might recommend taking an H2 blocker such as <\/span>Pepcid AC<\/span> or <\/span>Tagamet HB<\/span>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Certain spicy foods that contain capsaicin trigger the same nerves that make you feel warm, triggering sweating to cool down. Avoiding these too close to bedtime can help.<\/span><\/p>\n A night cap might seem like a good way to relax. But, if you\u2019ve been waking up sweaty, it might make sense to switch to a seltzer. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels in the skin, which can lead to sweating.<\/span><\/p>\n Any infection that causes a fever can lead to night sweats\u2014whether it\u2019s the flu, a bacterial infection like an abscess, or a serious infection like endocarditis. Some people with underlying health conditions like tuberculosis and HIV may also experience night sweats.<\/span><\/p>\n Night sweats can be a symptom of certain cancers, such as non-Hodgkin\u2019s lymphoma or leukemia. Lymphomas usually present with very severe night sweats. Though, Dr. Mark says other symptoms are typically also present such as loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss.<\/span><\/p>\n While not originally considered a symptom of the novel coronavirus, there are reports that <\/span>night sweats<\/span><\/a> come along with infection with the <\/span>Omicron variant<\/span>. It\u2019s one of the signs that differentiate newer strains of the virus, along with sore throat.<\/span><\/p>\n The good news, according to Dr. Majestic is that night sweats typically aren\u2019t a symptom of a serious medical condition.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cNight sweats are most concerning when they have been ongoing for two weeks or longer, and are accompanied by other symptoms,\u201d Dr. Majestic says. \u201cBe aware of symptoms such as unintentional weight loss, fevers or chills, body aches and joint pain, or enlarged lymph nodes.\u201d These may signify an underlying medical cause.<\/span><\/p>\n If you notice night sweats accompanied by any of these warning signs, Dr. Majestic recommends speaking with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to screen for certain conditions. Persistent night sweats without other signs should also prompt a visit to a healthcare professional.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>During your appointment, your physician will take a detailed medical history and may also order blood tests to determine the underlying cause.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re regularly drenching the sheets in the middle of the night, one of these strategies may help to keep your night sweats at bay and improve your sleep quality.<\/span><\/p>\n Are you eating, drinking alcohol, or exercising late into the evening? Dr. Majestic says each of these things could contribute to your night sweats.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAlso consider what you\u2019re watching on television or reading before you go to bed,\u201d Dr. Majestic says. \u201cIs it anxiety provoking or scary? It may be a good idea to alter those behaviors. If you\u2019re struggling with depression or anxiety, seek the help of a therapist.\u201d<\/span> Try to remove potential triggers from the hours leading up to bedtime.<\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Mark notes that sleeping with a fan can keep your bedroom temperature comfortable and also provide white noise.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIf you experience night sweats, try to keep your bedroom cool, wear light clothing, and use lighter blankets,\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Carrying extra pounds can <\/span>be associated with night sweats<\/span><\/a> and also be a risk factor for developing obstructive <\/span>sleep apnea<\/span>, where the throat narrows, restricting your breathing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n According to <\/span>research<\/span><\/a>, cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce menopausal symptoms like night sweats. It <\/span>works by<\/span><\/a> changing the way you think and feel about your symptoms to reduce the stress and anxiety surrounding your experience. For example, practicing breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can be helpful.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat are night sweats?<\/h2>\n
10 causes of night sweats<\/h2>\n
1. Menopause<\/span><\/h3>\n
2. Medications<\/span><\/h3>\n
3. Stress<\/span><\/h3>\n
4. Overactive thyroid<\/span><\/h3>\n
5. Acid reflux<\/span><\/h3>\n
6. Spicy foods<\/span><\/h3>\n
7. Alcohol<\/span><\/h3>\n
8. Infections<\/span><\/h3>\n
9. Some cancers\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
10. COVID-19<\/span><\/h3>\n
When should I be concerned about night sweats?<\/h2>\n
How to treat night sweats<\/h2>\n
Pay attention to your evening patterns<\/span><\/h3>\n
Practice good sleep hygiene<\/span><\/h3>\n
Maintain a healthy weight<\/span><\/h3>\n
Try therapy<\/span><\/h3>\n