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Night Sweats
Night sweats refer to episodes of extreme sweating during sleep. They can soak your sleepwear and bedding and may make you feel cold, clammy, or chilled as the sweat evaporates.
Night sweats have several potential causes:
- Menopause is a common cause in middle-aged women as hormone levels change. Hot flashes and night sweats frequently disrupt sleep during perimenopause and menopause.
- Infections like tuberculosis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, HIV, and cancer may cause fever and sweating at night. Treating the underlying infection can resolve night sweats.
- Medications like antidepressants and hormones may trigger sweating as a side effect. Adjusting medication under a doctor's supervision may help.
- Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia can also cause excessive sweating while sleeping.
- Hodgkin's lymphoma may cause drenching night sweats along with unexplained weight loss and fever. Seek medical advice if you have these three symptoms together.
- Idiopathic hyperhidrosis refers to a condition with unknown causes characterized by periodic excessive sweating without fever or infection.
- Anxiety disorders, stress, and panic attacks may also increase night sweating in some people. Relaxation exercises may help in these cases.
For diagnosing the cause of night sweats, doctors review medical history and ask questions about other symptoms. An exam looks for signs of infection. Blood tests can check for diabetes, hormone levels, and infections like HIV or tuberculosis. Imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, bone scans, PET scans, or MRIs may be done. Biopsies are sometimes needed too.
What helps with night sweats? Here are some tips:
- Keep the bedroom cool and wear lightweight, absorbent nightclothes
- Use layers and extra blankets that can be removed as needed
- Exercise during the day and practice relaxing activities before bed
- Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol for a few hours before sleeping
- Try supplements like sage, dong quai, or evening primrose oil
- Prescription medications may be given for severe hot flashes
- Consider cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, or hypnosis
See your doctor if you regularly have drenching sweats at night. Getting an accurate diagnosis and following professional treatment advice can successfully manage night sweats in most people. Pay attention as well to any fever, unexplained weight loss, or other new symptoms that develop along with excessive nighttime sweating.
Visit Renew Hormone Clinic for expert treatment of night sweats and other hormone-related conditions.