9 causes of night sweats and how to treat them

When you’re exercising, or it’s hot, or you’re overdressed, you expect to sweat. When you’re sound asleep, you don’t. So, if you’re waking up damp, or drenched in sweat, there are a number of different things that could be causing your night sweats.

1. Your bedroom could be too hot

If the temperature of your bedroom is above 15-22 degrees Celsius, it’s probably too hot. In the process of drifting off, your body temperature should drop one to two degrees below normal, and it can’t do that in a warm room.

2. You may have Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is an excessive sweating disorder that happens when a person sweats more than necessary. Hyperhidrosis typically affects specific body parts, like your palms, feet, underarms, and head. There are a variety of treatment options.

3. Nightmares

One of the simplest explanations for night sweats is nightmares. Anything that causes what we know as a fight-or-flight response can lead to sweating during the night.

4. Hormonal changes

Your body may be going through hormonal changes, (e.g., menopause). Menopause is associated with hot flashes, so it’s not uncommon for patients to report sweating even during their sleep.

Hormone fluctuations from being pregnant or having your period could lead to night sweats. 

5. Anxiety

If you’re feeling a bit anxious about something, your stress can follow you into bed and manifest in excessive sweating. When the associated stress hormones increase energy expenditure, sweat is released to cool down your body temperature.

6. Taking medication

Certain medications can cause a reaction with your adrenaline levels and lead to sweating. 

7. Fever

Perhaps your body is fighting something. Infections in general are related to changes in temperature because they come with fevers, a common reason to sweat.

Lymphoma can cause multiple symptoms like fever, weight loss, and night sweats. Essentially, your body recognises lymphoma as something it needs to fight off and raises its temperature to try to do so.

8. Diabetes

You could be experiencing hypoglycemia related to diabetes. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low and can cause a variety of symptoms including night sweats. 

9. Autoimmune issues

Night sweats may also occur as a result of autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, depression, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, obesity and prostate cancer.

Drinking alcohol before bedtime can lead to increased body temperature — and therefore sweating. 

The most effective treatment for night sweats will vary and should always be overseen by a health professional.

Most importantly, if you’re regularly waking up soaked in sweat, experiencing sudden night sweats accompanied by weight loss, or if your night sweats are keeping you from getting quality sleep, it’s time to talk to your doctor.