Night sweats are repeated episodes of very heavy sweating during sleep. Sweating is common during sleep, especially if you’re sleeping in a hot bedroom. However, unlike regular sweating, night sweats can be identified by the symptom of excessive sweating that soaks through your clothes and bedsheets.
Even though excessive sweating is a symptom of night sweats, night sweats can be a symptom of an underlying illness or medical condition. These illnesses and conditions can include:
- Menopause
- Infections
- Cancer
- Anxiety disorders
- Hyperthyroidism
- Medications
- Autoimmune disorders
- HIV/AIDS
- Stroke
- Diabetes
Some other causes of night sweats can include:
- Low blood sugar
- Obesity
- Sleep disorders
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Panic disorder
- Pregnancy
- Lifestyle behaviors, such as smoking and drinking alcohol
Night sweats aren’t usually a cause for concern. However, you should speak with a healthcare professional if you develop night sweats that happen frequently, disturb your sleep, or are accompanied by other symptoms like a high fever, a cough, or unexplained weight loss.
Regardless of what is causing your night sweats, you can take preventative steps to help improve the quality of your sleep, including:
- Limiting your consumption of alcohol and caffeine
- Avoiding the use of tobacco and illegal drugs
- Sleeping in a cooler environment
- Considering the use of cooling products, such as a cooling mattress, pillow, or duvet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding spicy foods, especially if you have menopause
If you are experiencing night sweats, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.