Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating that occur during sleep. They can affect anyone, but are especially common in women going through menopause and men with low testosterone.
Night sweats can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Hormonal changes - As mentioned, menopause and low testosterone are common culprits. The hormonal fluctuations associated with these conditions can trigger hot flashes and night sweats.
- Medical conditions - Night sweats are a symptom of lymphoma, TB, hyperthyrodism, hypoglycemia, and many other conditions. Fevers, infections, and cancers often cause sweating at night.
- Medications - Antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and other drugs can list night sweats as a side effect. Make sure to read the label and ask your doctor.
- Environment - Sleeping in a hot, humid room or having too many blankets can also spark night sweats.
How do you know if you have night sweats? The main symptom is waking up drenched in sweat, often with wet sleepwear and sheets. You may sweat to the point where your clothes and bedding are completely soaked. Night sweats occur regardless of the temperature in your bedroom.
Some other signs of night sweats include:
- Needing to change clothes or sheets during the night
- Feeling cold, clammy, or chilled after sweating
- Sweat dripping into your eyes or hair
Managing night sweats usually starts with identifying the cause. Your doctor can run tests to check for infections, hormone imbalances, cancers, and other problems. From there, treatment depends on what's triggering the sweating:
- Hormone therapy can help for menopausal or low testosterone night sweats.
- Medication adjustments may be needed if your prescription is causing sweats.
- Cooling bedding like moisture-wicking sheets and lightweight blankets can make sleeping more comfortable.
- Keeping your bedroom cool with AC, fans, or open windows can also reduce sweating.
- Avoiding triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, or stress before bedtime may help some people.
If night sweats are disrupting your sleep or indicating a more serious health condition, be sure to see your doctor. They can get to the root of the issue and help you sleep better at night. You don't have to live with constant soaked sheets and PJs!
At The Hormone Hub, we specialize in treating night sweats caused by hormonal changes. Our experienced physicians provide cutting-edge hormone replacement therapies to get your body back in balance. We offer personalized treatment plans for perimenopause, menopause, and low testosterone. Contact us today for a consultation - we're here to help you put an end to night sweats and start sleeping soundly again!