Night sweats refer to excessive sweating during sleep. They are a common symptom that can have many different causes, ranging from lifestyle factors to underlying medical conditions.
Some key things to know about night sweats:
- They can soak your sleepwear and bedding and cause discomfort during sleep. Some common descriptions are waking up drenched in sweat or having to change clothes and sheets during the night.
- Possible causes include:
- Menopause and perimenopause in women
- Infections like tuberculosis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis
- Cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma
- Medications, supplements, and substances
- Medical conditions like hypoglycemia, hormone disorders, neuropathy, and autoimmune diseases
- Stress, anxiety, depression
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Idiopathic hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating without a known cause)
- Diagnosis involves evaluating the patient's symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors. Doctors may run tests to check for infections, hormone imbalances, cancer, etc. based on clinical suspicions.
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Hormone therapy
- Medications to reduce sweating
- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs
- Lower room temperature and lightweight bedding
- Lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol and spicy food, and managing stress can help reduce night sweats.
In summary, night sweats can significantly disrupt sleep and daily functioning. See your doctor if they persist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Keeping a symptom diary and monitoring lifestyle factors can help your doctor evaluate patterns and potential triggers. Managing underlying conditions, modifying lifestyle habits, following medical advice, and using various therapies can often successfully treat night sweats.
Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!