Night sweats - Vitality Restored Clinic

What is Night Sweats?

Night sweats refer to excessive sweating during sleep. They are a common symptom that can have many different causes, ranging from lifestyle factors to underlying medical conditions.

Some key things to know about night sweats:

• They involve sweating to the point that sleep is disturbed or bedsheets and sleepwear become soaked in sweat. Mild sweating at night isn't necessarily considered night sweats.
• Possible causes include:
  • Menopause and perimenopause - Hormone changes can trigger hot flashes and night sweats in women.
  • Medications - Antidepressants, hormone therapies, and some other drugs can cause sweating.
  • Infections - Sweating is a common sign of infection-associated fevers.
  • Cancers - Night sweats can accompany lymphomas and leukemias.
  • Anxiety disorders - Excess perspiration can occur with anxiety.
  • Idiopathic hyperhidrosis - Unexplained excessive sweating.
  • Environment and lifestyle - Hot rooms, a lot of bedding, spicy foods, etc.
• Diagnosis often starts with a medical history and physical exam to help narrow down the list of possible causes.
• Blood tests, imaging tests, or biopsies may be needed to confirm or rule out conditions. Analysis of sweat may be done too.
• Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include:
  • Hormone therapy - e.g. estrogen for menopausal females
  • Medication changes under a doctor's supervision
  • Other prescription medications - anticholinergics, alpha blockers
  • Lifestyle modifications - cooler room, breathable pajamas, reduce stress and triggers
  • Treatments for underlying infections or conditions

In summary, night sweats involve drenching sweating at night that disturbs sleep. There are many potential reasons, including menopause, infections, cancer, medications, and idiopathic causes. Diagnosis aims to identify any underlying conditions that may be treated. Lifestyle changes and prescription medications can provide relief in many instances. Consult with Vitality Restored Clinic if you suffer from excessive or bothersome night sweats.