Night Sweats

Night Sweats

A specific type of excessive sweating is night sweats. Unlike most forms of hyperhidrosis, where sweating occurs during the day but not at night, night sweats are the opposite. People wake up during the night, often towards morning, sometimes drenched in sweat, with their pajamas and bedding soaked. If you only sweat at night occasionally, it's usually due to simple things like a hot bedroom, a thick blanket, stress from nightmares, or having had alcohol in the evening.

"If night sweats happen regularly over a longer period, it's a good idea to see a doctor."

When night sweats happen regularly, it's called nocturnal hyperhidrosis. Besides being uncomfortable and having to change clothes and shower in the middle of the night, it can also lead to sleep deprivation, which can cause tiredness, trouble concentrating, and even serious health problems.

This problem can be caused by various underlying medical conditions, so it's important to see a doctor. Depending on the situation, your doctor might refer you to a specialist, such as a gynecologist, psychiatrist, or oncologist. If the night sweats are due to an underlying condition (secondary hyperhidrosis), the treatment will focus on that condition. Additionally, or if it's primary hyperhidrosis (which is rare at night), it can be helpful to use cooling (silk or microfiber satin) or moisture-absorbing (linen) bedding. Using several thin blankets can help you adjust the warmth. Make sure your bedroom isn't heated. Breathable pajamas can also provide relief. It's often helpful to avoid spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, and nicotine in the evening. You can also try natural remedies like sage.

Possible Causes:

Sleeping Conditions:

• Too warm room temperature
• Too thick blankets
• Synthetic bedding
• High humidity

Lifestyle:

• Excessive alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine
• Spicy food before bed
• Stress and emotional strain

Medications:

• Some medications can cause sweating as a side effect (e.g., certain antidepressants, hormone therapies)

Medical Causes:

• Infections: Flu Tuberculosis Endocarditis
• Inflammatory Diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis Inflammatory bowel disease
• Metabolic Disorders: Diabetes mellitus Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism)
• Cancer: Lymphoma Leukemia
• Hormonal Changes: Menopause
• Neurological Disorders: Parkinson's disease
• Other: Sleep apnea Obesity

When to See a Doctor

If night sweats happen often, come with other symptoms like fever, weight loss, or severely affect your sleep, it's important to see a doctor. They can find out the cause and start the right treatment.

Important Note: This list isn't complete and doesn't replace medical advice. Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of your night sweats and provide appropriate treatment.

Erstmals publiziert am: 12.05.2011

Aktualisiert: 27.05.2025