What are the causes of night sweats?

What are night sweats?

Sweating in hot temperatures is normal, if your bedroom is warmer than normal, or you were wearing warmer pajamas, or you are covered in many layers, especially in winter, it is normal to sweat during your sleep. However, if your sleep conditions are the same, but you wake up in pools of sweat, and you need to change your nightgown and your sheets, this excessive sweating is known as night sweats.

What are the causes of night sweats for women?

• Hypoglycemia

If you are diabetic, and you are being treated with Insulin or any other diabetes medication, your blood sugar can drop at night which causes night sweats. Make sure the dose is suitable to your diet and check your blood sugar regularly to check for hypoglycemia.

• Idiopathic hyperhidrosis

This condition causes excessive sweating all the time, and there are no known causes or treatments for this condition until now.

• Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance especially in the thyroid hormones can affect your sweat glands, making them produce more sweat than normal. If you experience night sweats, see your doctor and get a full checkup to make sure your hormones are fine, and to check on your thyroid health.

• Some medications

Side effects of certain medications like antidepressants include night sweats. And some medications used to lower temperatures can also cause excessive sweating at night. If you are having night sweats while on medication, check the side effects, and if they include night sweats, talk to your doctor about prescribing an alternative. 

• Some infections

Some infections like bone infections, or Tuberculosis can cause night sweats, if you experience this condition, see your doctor to check for any underlying infection you might have.

• Mental health

If you are going through a transition or experienced a tough or negative life event, you might feel stressed, anxious, or even depressed. Try to decrease stress, practice breathing, and yoga, go for walks and write down your feelings and emotions before bed so that you sleep stress-free. If your stress and sweating persist talk to a professional for counseling and treatment.

• Menopause

Hot flushes and excessive sweating at night are key symptoms of menopause. Talk to your doctor about treatment options for these symptoms, and whether you need HRTs,

Tips to reduce night sweating.

• Wear a loose and cotton-based sleep gown or pajamas.
• Choose sheets and covers that are made from natural materials like cotton.
• Sleep in moderate temperatures.
• Reduce caffeine consumption.
• Meditate and do breathing exercises before bed.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Stop smoking and drinking Alcohol.