Night sweats are a common symptom that can have many different causes. They are characterized by excessive sweating and perspiration during sleep, to the point where sleep is disturbed and bedding and sleepwear become soaked with sweat.
Some potential causes of night sweats include:
- Menopause - Hormonal changes during menopause can cause hot flashes and night sweats. This is one of the most common reasons for night sweats in middle-aged women.
- Infections - Fevers and infections like tuberculosis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis can all trigger drenching night sweats.
- Cancers - Night sweats are a common symptom in lymphomas and leukemias. They can also occur with cancers like breast, prostate and thyroid cancer.
- Medications - Certain medications like hormones, antidepressants, steroids, and some blood pressure medications can cause sweating as a side effect.
- Low blood sugar - People with diabetes may experience night sweats, especially if blood sugar levels drop too low while sleeping.
- Hypoglycemia - Low blood sugar levels at night, even in people without diabetes, can trigger night sweats.
- Anxiety - Anxiety disorders and panic attacks are associated with increased perspiration and night sweats.
- Idiopathic hyperhidrosis - A condition characterized by unexplained excessive sweating.
If night sweats occur frequently and disrupt sleep, it's important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Diagnostic tests may include
blood tests, imaging scans, biopsies or others depending on the suspected cause.
Treatment depends on the cause but may include:
- Hormone therapy for menopausal women
- Medications and antibiotics for infections
- Chemotherapy or radiation for cancer
- Blood sugar management for diabetes/hypoglycemia
- Anti-anxiety medications for anxiety disorders
Lifestyle changes like
sleeping in cooler rooms, using moisture-wicking sheets, wearing breathable pajamas, avoiding spicy foods and alcohol before bed can also help reduce night sweat frequency for some people.
At
Vitality Health Center, our experts can provide cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment options for night sweats. We offer
comprehensive hormone panels and replacement therapies to address menopausal night sweats. Our holistic approach also incorporates
lifestyle changes, nutrition plans, stress management and other techniques to reduce night sweats and their impact on sleep quality. Contact us today to take control of your night sweats and sleep better!