What are night sweats?

Night sweats refer to periods of extreme sweating during sleep. They go beyond normal sweating and often soak your sleepwear or sheets. Night sweats are a common symptom of many medical conditions, as well as a side effect of certain medications.

What causes night sweats?

There are several potential causes of excessive nighttime sweating:

  • Infections: Night sweats can be caused by infections like tuberculosis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and abscesses. The body reacts by sweating to fight off infection and fever.
  • Hormone changes: Sweating often increases during menopause and perimenopause due to hormone fluctuations. This is a normal part of these transitions.
  • Cancers: Lymphoma, leukemia, and carcinoid tumors are some cancers that can lead to severe night sweats. The sweating is thought to relate to cytokines produced by cancer cells.
  • Medications: Medicines like antidepressants, pain relievers, and hormones may list night sweats as a side effect. Always talk to your doctor if you experience this.

There are also some other factors that can increase night sweating like stress, low blood sugar, alcohol withdrawal, thyroid disorders, and neurological conditions. It's important to consult your doctor to pinpoint the exact cause.

When to see a doctor

You should make an appointment with your healthcare provider if:

  • Night sweats begin suddenly and persist over time
  • Sweating routinely soaks your sleepwear or bedding
  • Sweating is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
  • You have other new symptoms along with excessive sweating

Diagnosing night sweats

To get to the root of your night sweats, your doctor will typically:

  • Ask about your medical history and any medications you take
  • Conduct an exam to check for signs of infection or illness
  • Order blood tests and imaging scans to look for potential causes
  • May do a biopsy or bone marrow test if cancer is suspected

Treating night sweats

The treatment for night sweats depends on the underlying cause. Your doctor will work to properly diagnose and manage any infections, hormone dysfunction, cancers or other conditions leading to excess sweating.

If no medical cause is found, things like keeping cool at night, managing stress, and making dietary changes may help reduce episodes of night sweats. Prescription medications are occasionally used as well in more stubborn cases.

In summary, night sweats can negatively impact sleep and daily functioning. Pay close attention to any persistent or excessive sweating during sleep and discuss it with your doctor, especially if you have any other new symptoms. Getting the right diagnosis leads to the best treatment to manage bothersome night sweats.

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