Night Sweats

Night Sweats, medically known as nocturnal hyperhidrosis, is a condition characterized by excessive sweating during the night. This condition can significantly disrupt sleep and may be a sign of an underlying medical issue. Night sweats are not related to an overheated sleeping environment but are severe hot flashes occurring at night that can drench sleepwear and bedding.

Causes

Night sweats can be caused by a variety of factors and conditions. Some of the most common include:

• Infections: Certain infections, particularly bacterial ones like tuberculosis, can cause night sweats. Other infections, such as HIV/AIDS and endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves), are also known to cause this symptom.
• Hormonal Disorders: Imbalances in hormones, such as those seen in menopause, hyperthyroidism, and pheochromocytoma, can lead to night sweats.
• Cancers: Night sweats can be an early symptom of certain cancers, most notably lymphoma.
• Medications: Some medications, including antidepressants and drugs used to lower fever, such as aspirin and acetaminophen, can cause night sweats as a side effect.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can trigger night sweats in people with diabetes who are on insulin therapy.
• Neurological Conditions: Rarely, neurological conditions such as autonomic dysreflexia, post-traumatic syringomyelia, and stroke can cause night sweats.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the cause of night sweats, a healthcare provider will typically review the patient's medical history and perform a physical examination. Additional tests may be ordered to identify or rule out specific conditions, including blood tests, imaging studies, and hormone level assessments.

Treatment

Treatment for night sweats depends on the underlying cause. If a medical condition is identified as the cause, treating that condition usually resolves the night sweats. For example, infections may require antibiotics, while hormonal imbalances might be addressed with hormone therapy. In cases where medication is the cause, adjusting the dosage or switching to a different drug may alleviate symptoms.

Management

In addition to treating the underlying cause, the following strategies may help manage night sweats:

• Use lightweight, breathable bedding and sleepwear.
• Keep the bedroom cool and well-ventilated.
• Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, especially before bedtime.
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to reduce stress.

See Also

• Hot flashes
• Sleep Disorders
• Hyperhidrosis