Why night sweats

Hypothalamic dysfunction may be an underlying issue related to hormone imbalances and night sweats. Other conditions affecting the endocrine system such as pheochromocytoma a tumor of the adrenal gland and carcinoid syndrome caused by slow-growing tumors that produce hormones can also be associated with night sweats. Beyond these four common causes, other conditions may give rise to night sweats. Hot flashes may be more common during pregnancy and the post-partum period.

Anxiety and panic attacks have been correlated with night sweats. Hyperhidrosis , a condition of excessive sweating, may affect people during both day and night.

Night sweats can be a symptom of certain types of cancer or a side effect of cancer treatments. Hot flushes may occur in people with lymphoma. They frequently arise as a result of hormone therapy for women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy for cancer may provoke night sweats. Night sweats can be worrying and bothersome, and they frequently are tied to serious sleep disruptions. Meeting with a doctor is important because they can help determine the most likely cause and order tests to get to the bottom of the situation.

Based on that information, a doctor can work with you to create a treatment plan that takes your symptoms and overall health into account. Sleep disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea OSA , may be causing daytime sleepiness and, according to some research, may also be a factor promoting night sweats. The most effective treatment for night sweats will vary for any individual patient and should always be overseen by a health professional.

Some potential treatment methods include modifications to environment and behavior, cognitive behavioral therapy CBT , and medication. A standard approach to night sweats, especially those related to menopause, is to start by trying straightforward changes that can minimize the frequency and severity of night sweats while improving overall health and sleep.

Many of these tips overlap with broader healthy sleep tips that can be gradually implemented to make your sleep-related habits work in your favor for more consistent and high-quality sleep. Cognitive behavioral therapy CBT is a type of talk therapy that is commonly used for health problems like depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

It is normally conducted in-person by a psychiatrist or counselor, but a number of self-directed programs have been developed. CBT is based predominantly on reframing negative thoughts in order to promote healthier actions.

Studies have found that CBT for hot flashes and night sweats can reduce their frequency and improve mood and quality of life in menopausal women. CBT is compatible with other approaches, such as behavior modifications, and likely has the greatest effect on night sweats when combined with other approaches.

If existing medications are causing night sweats, then changing the prescription, the dosage, or when the drug is taken may resolve night sweats. If the night sweats are caused by an underlying infection or hormone problem, medication may help address them.

Several types of drugs, notably hormone therapies, can reduce night sweats , but these drugs can have significant side effects. A doctor is in the best position to discuss the benefits and downsides of any specific medication. Alternative therapy with estrogen-containing products like black cohosh, red clover, or soy have not been proven to be effective in addressing hot flashes caused by menopause. Even though these may be available as supplements without a prescription, patients should always talk with their doctor before taking them in order to help prevent potential adverse reactions.

Eric Suni has over a decade of experience as a science writer and was previously an information specialist for the National Cancer Institute. His research and clinical practice focuses on the entire myriad of sleep disorders.

Is dry mouth disrupting your sleep? Learn the causes of this common condition, along with tips for preventing or treating…. Learn why sleep is important after a concussion, how to sleep safely, and when to see a doctor if you…. Sleeping with contacts in is common, but this habit could put you at risk for eye infections. Learn what to….

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies.

It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The Sleep Foundation editorial team is dedicated to providing content that meets the highest standards for accuracy and objectivity.

Our editors and medical experts rigorously evaluate every article and guide to ensure the information is factual, up-to-date, and free of bias.

Updated July 31, Rosch, DO, an osteopathic internal medicine specialist from Wheaton, Illinois. If your night sweats occur on a regular basis, interrupt your sleep, or are accompanied by a fever or other symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, then you should schedule an appointment with your physician.

Before visiting your doctor, try to eliminate the practical causes of night sweats from your daily routine and sleeping environment. Symptoms Night sweats. Definition Causes When to see a doctor. Products and services. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Smetana GW. Approach to the patient with night sweats.

Accessed Oct. Adult Hodgkin lymphoma treatment. National Cancer Institute. Bope ET, et al. In: Conn's Current Therapy Philadelphia, Pa. If you wake up in a sweat, uncover your feet and neck, drink a glass of cold water, place a cool washcloth on your head or run cold water over your wrists. Consider lifestyle adjustments. Watching your weight and limiting stress can reduce the frequency or severity of night sweats. You have a sweating disorder While incredibly rare, it's possible you may suffer from hyperhidrosis — a condition in which your body produces excessive sweat for unknown reasons.

Ram's tips for individuals with hyperhidrosis: Invest in quality antiperspirants. Also, keep in mind, deodorants do not reduce sweating. Consider your clothing. Opt for loose-fitting clothes that are more breathable, such as those with open knit or loose weave, made with thin materials, moisture-wicking or quick-drying properties, or containing mesh panels or air vents.

Avoid heavy shoes and tight socks. If you sweat from your feet, choose shoes that use little to no synthetic materials and socks that are moisture-wicking. Stay up-to-date.

By signing up, you will receive our newsletter with articles, videos, health tips and more. Tags: Wellness , Sleep.