What Are Night Sweats?
Excessive sweating during the night is known as night sweats. It occurs while a person is sleeping. They are sometimes described as soaking or drenching and may necessitate the replacement of sheets or even clothing. Overheating caused by something in a person's environment, such as a heavy blanket or a high bedroom temperature, is not the same as night sweats. Night sweats are a frequent symptom of menopause, but certain medical disorders or drugs can also cause them. Night sweats are usually not a significant symptom. However, it is still necessary to get checked to find the underlying cause.
Are Night Sweats and Hot Flashes the Same?
Hot flashes are brief bursts of heat. Hot flashes can happen at any moment during the day, but night sweats are when they occur at night and cause excessive sweating. Night sweats are sometimes also called hot flushes, but they are not the same as flushing (skin reddening owing to increased blood flow). While flushing can cause night sweats, flushing does not cause excessive sweating.
What Are the Causes of Night Sweats?
The body's temperature-regulating system is complicated and influenced by a variety of circumstances, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of night sweats in some cases.
The following reasons can be held responsible for night sweats commonly-
1. Menopause- When a woman reaches menopause, she no longer has her period. Hot flashes are thought to be caused by considerable changes in the body's synthesis of estrogen and progesterone during this time.
Menopause is characterized by hot flashes, a common symptom, with up to 85 percent of women experiencing them. Hot flashes usually start during the perimenopause period, which precedes menopause, and can last until a woman is postmenopausal.
Menopausal hot flashes last a few minutes and can happen several times during the day, even at night, when they might cause night sweats. Hot flashes are widespread and can last for several years, with some women experiencing them for over two decades.
2. Medication- Night sweats have been linked to several drugs. Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), fever-relieving drugs such as Aspirin or Acetaminophen, and some steroids may cause excessive perspiration in some people.
Other causes like taking spicy foods and caffeine before going to bed can result in night sweats. Some other causes are:
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Caffeine.
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Spicy foods
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Drugs.
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Alcohol.
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Tobacco.
3. Infections and Night Sweats - Night sweats are linked to a variety of infections. The most common reason for this is that illnesses can produce fever and overheating. Tuberculosis, bacterial and fungal infections, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are just a few examples of the diseases that cause night sweats.
4. Hormone Problems- Night sweats can be linked to changes in the endocrine system, which regulates hormone levels in the body. Overactivity of the thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), increased blood sugar, and excessive levels of sex hormones are examples of hormonal causes of night sweats.
The hypothalamus (a region of the brain) is responsible for regulating body temperature and is also involved in the endocrine system. Hypothalamic dysfunction could be the root cause of hormone abnormalities and night sweats.
Other endocrine system disorders, such as pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland) and carcinoid syndrome (caused by slow-growing hormone-producing tumors), have been linked to night sweats.
5. Some Other Causes - The following are some other conditions that might cause night sweats:
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Some medical conditions and night sweats are related. These include:
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Pregnancy and the postpartum period.
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Anxiety stress night sweats and panic attacks.
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Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
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Cancer (lymphoma, breast cancer, or prostate cancer) or a side effect of cancer treatment like radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
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Some lifestyle factors night sweats can occur due to:
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Sleeping in hot rooms.
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Sleep issues.
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Increased stress.
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Taking alcohol before going to bed.
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Heavy-weight bedding.
What Causes Night Sweats in Men?
Low testosterone levels are one of the possible causes of night sweats in men. Medical conditions that can lead to night sweats include infection, hypoglycemia, certain cancers like leukemia (cancer of blood-forming cells) and lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system), and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Apart from these, medication for diabetes, depression, hormone treatments, alcohol, and smoking may also play a role.
How Long Do Night Sweats Last?
Postpartum night sweats usually resolve on their own. So in the case of postpartum night sweats patience is the most effective treatment, wait for the condition to resolve, if it last longer than a few weeks then a healthcare provider should be consulted. Menopause-related night sweats last for a longer period, some make take years to stop.
How to Stop Night Sweats?
The doctor will take steps to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of night sweats. The diagnosis will determine the treatment strategy. The following are some of the night sweats treatment options:
Environmental and Lifestyle Changes-
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Starting with simple modifications that can reduce the frequency and intensity of night sweats while increasing general health and sleep is a common approach to night sweats, especially those connected to menopause.
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Sleeping in a cooler room with a lower thermostat and lighter bedding can help prevent heat from accumulating around the body during the night.
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Tight-fitting clothing traps heat, so choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable and airy materials.
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Caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can raise the body temperature and cause sweating. Night sweats can be reduced by avoiding them, especially in the evening.
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Some persons with night sweats find that drinking a modest amount of chilled water before bed helps them achieve a more comfortable temperature.
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Maintaining a healthy weight is advised as being overweight or obese can cause night sweats and other health issues, including sleep apnea and other sleep-related issues.
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Relaxation techniques such as controlled breathing may assist menopausal women in minimizing hot flashes significantly.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- Hot flashes and night sweats can be reduced with cognitive-behavioral therapy, enhancing mood and quality of life in menopausal women. CBT is compatible with other techniques, such as behavior modification, and it is likely that when paired with different approaches, CBT has the best effect on night sweats.
Medications-
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If the current medicines are causing night sweats, consider switching the prescription, dose, or timing of taking the medication.
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If an illness or a hormonal imbalance causes night sweats, medicines may be able to assist.
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If behavioral therapy fails, medicines may be explored for menopausal women. Night sweats can be reduced with various medications, including hormone therapy, but these medications might have serious side effects.
How to Prevent Night Sweats?
Some causes of night sweats may be prevented by making lifestyle modifications like-
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Limit intake of alcohol and caffeine.
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Tobacco and narcotics should be avoided.
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Using a cooling mattress.
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Attempt to keep a healthy weight.
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The menopausal woman must stay away from spicy foods because they can exacerbate symptoms.
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If an infection or another condition causes night sweats, seek medical help immediately.
Conclusion
Night sweats are unpleasant and might cause loss of sleep. In the majority of situations, they are not the cause to worry. They can, however, be caused by an underlying illness that necessitates treatment. A doctor can help to find out what is causing night sweats. They can also advise patients on how to avoid or treat night sweats. Depending on the underlying problem, doctors may suggest lifestyle modifications, drugs, or other therapies.
