Night sweats refer to excessive sweating during the nighttime, which can leave your clothes and sheets drenched. The experience can be extremely uncomfortable and may disrupt your sleep, leaving you feeling fatigued during the day.

Night sweats can be caused by a variety of factors, from hormonal changes to serious underlying medical conditions. Here’s a deeper look at why you might be experiencing night sweats:.

Menopause

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but can happen earlier or later.

One of the most common symptoms of menopause is hot flashes, which can lead to night sweats. Hot flashes occur when the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls body temperature, becomes confused and thinks the body is too hot. This triggers sweating and flushing.

If you’re experiencing night sweats and other signs of menopause, such as irregular periods, dry skin, and mood changes, speak with your doctor about treatment options.

Medications

Night sweats can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as antidepressants, steroids, and blood pressure medications.

If you’re taking any medications and notice that you’re sweating excessively at night, speak with your doctor about whether the medication could be the cause. In some cases, your doctor may be able to adjust your dose or switch you to a different medication.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. OSA can cause a range of symptoms, including loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches.

It can also cause night sweats. This is because when you stop breathing during sleep, your body becomes stressed and releases adrenaline, which can cause sweating.

Mental Health Disorders

Night sweats can be a symptom of certain mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can cause changes in the body’s hormone levels, which can lead to sweating and other physical symptoms.

If you’re experiencing night sweats and are also struggling with anxiety or depression, speak with your doctor about treatment options.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and heat intolerance. It can also cause night sweats.

If you’re experiencing night sweats and other symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as tremors or an enlarged thyroid gland, speak with your doctor about getting a blood test to check your thyroid hormone levels.

Infections

Night sweats can also be a symptom of certain infections, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and endocarditis. These infections can cause changes in the body’s immune system, which can lead to sweating and other flu-like symptoms.

If you’re experiencing night sweats along with other signs of infection, such as fever, cough, or fatigue, speak with your doctor about getting tested.

Cancer

While it’s rare, night sweats can be a symptom of certain types of cancer, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia. Cancer-related night sweats are typically severe and accompanied by other symptoms, such as weight loss and fever.

If you’re experiencing night sweats along with any other unusual symptoms, speak with your doctor about getting tested for cancer.

Idiopathic Hyperhidrosis

Idiopathic hyperhidrosis is a condition in which a person sweats excessively without any obvious cause. This can happen during the day or night and can be extremely disruptive to daily life.

If you’re experiencing night sweats and excessive sweating during the day, speak with your doctor about treatment options for idiopathic hyperhidrosis.

Drug or Alcohol Withdrawal

For those who have used drugs or alcohol for an extended period of time, withdrawal can lead to night sweats. This is because the body is adjusting to the absence of the substance and can cause physical symptoms, including sweating.

If you’re experiencing night sweats during withdrawal, speak with your doctor about the best way to manage your symptoms.

Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause night sweats. This is because when blood sugar levels drop too low, the body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which can cause sweating.

If you’re experiencing night sweats along with other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as shakiness or confusion, speak with your doctor about adjusting your diet or medication to better manage your blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

Night sweats can be caused by a variety of factors, from menopause to serious underlying medical conditions. If you’re experiencing night sweats, it’s important to speak with your doctor to determine the cause and explore treatment options.

In some cases, the solution may be as simple as adjusting your medication or sleep habits. In more serious cases, further testing may be necessary to identify and treat an underlying medical condition.