Night sweats are excessive sweating during sleep caused by environmental factors, lifestyle choices, medications, or medical conditions such as menopause, infections, lymphoma, hyperthyroidism, and sleep apnea. Start with cooling strategies and lifestyle changes. Seek medical evaluation for severe, recurrent, or accompanied symptoms; clinicians may order blood tests, sleep studies, or imaging as needed.

What are night sweats?

Night sweats (nocturnal hyperhidrosis) are episodes of excessive sweating during sleep that can soak nightclothes or bedding. They differ from normal warmth-related sweating because they occur even when the room feels cool. Night sweats are a symptom, not a diagnosis; finding the cause guides treatment.

Common nonmedical triggers

Many everyday factors can lead to sweating at night:

  • Room too warm, heavy bedding, or moisture-trapping fabrics.
  • Eating spicy foods, large meals, or drinking alcohol or hot beverages before bed.
  • Exercising too close to bedtime.
  • Certain clothing materials that don't breathe.
Addressing these environmental and behavioral triggers often reduces or stops night sweats.

Medical causes to consider

Several medical conditions and medicines can cause night sweats. Common and important causes include:

  • Menopause and perimenopause: vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) often occur at night.
  • Infections: viral illnesses and chronic infections such as tuberculosis or HIV can produce drenching sweats.
  • Cancers: some blood cancers, particularly lymphomas (for example, Hodgkin lymphoma), are classically associated with night sweats.
  • Endocrine problems: hyperthyroidism and episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes can cause sweating.
  • Sleep disorders: obstructive sleep apnea is linked to increased nighttime sweating in some people.
  • Medications: several drugs - including some antidepressants, steroids, and antipyretics - list sweating as a side effect.
  • Primary (idiopathic) hyperhidrosis and autonomic nervous system disorders can also present with nighttime sweating.
Because the causes range from benign to serious, note accompanying symptoms such as fever, unintentional weight loss, persistent cough, enlarged lymph nodes, or new lumps.

When to see a clinician

See your clinician if night sweats are new, severe (soaking sheets), recurrent for weeks, or accompanied by: fever, unexplained weight loss, persistent cough, swollen lymph nodes, or symptoms that suggest endocrine disease (rapid heartbeat, tremor, or heat intolerance). Also consult your clinician if you recently started a medication or have diabetes and suspect nighttime hypoglycemia.

Your clinician may review medications, perform a physical exam, and order tests such as blood work (CBC, thyroid function, infection screening), sleep evaluation (including a sleep study if sleep apnea is suspected), or imaging when indicated.

Practical steps to reduce night sweats

  • Keep the bedroom cool (65-70°F / 18-21°C is a common recommendation). Use breathable bedding and moisture-wicking sleepwear.
  • Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and heavy meals within a few hours of bedtime.
  • Establish a regular exercise schedule but finish vigorous activity at least 2-3 hours before sleep.
  • Review medications with your clinician; changing or adjusting a drug can eliminate drug-related sweating.
If lifestyle changes don't help, targeted medical treatment depends on the cause - for example, hormone therapy for menopausal hot flashes or treatment for an underlying infection or sleep apnea.

FAQs about Night Sweats Symptom

Are night sweats the same as hot flashes?
They overlap. Menopausal hot flashes are a common cause of night sweats, but night sweats can also stem from infections, medications, endocrine problems, or sleep disorders.
When should I see a doctor about night sweats?
See a clinician if sweats are soaking, new, persistent for weeks, or accompanied by fever, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, persistent cough, or other concerning symptoms.
Can my medications cause night sweats?
Yes. Several medications - including some antidepressants, steroids, and others - list sweating as a side effect. Review all medicines with your clinician.
How are night sweats evaluated?
Evaluation may include a medication review, physical exam, blood tests (CBC, thyroid function, infection screening), and sleep testing if obstructive sleep apnea is suspected. Imaging is reserved for specific clinical concerns.
What can I do at home to reduce night sweats?
Keep the bedroom cool, use breathable bedding and moisture-wicking sleepwear, avoid alcohol/spicy foods before bed, finish exercise hours before sleep, and discuss medication changes with your clinician.

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