If you perspire at night to the extreme point of soaking your bedclothes and sheets, it's time to look for the cause. In many cases, night sweating is a temporary nuisance, but if it is an ongoing problem, it may be due to a medical condition that requires the care of a physician. Be informed by familiarizing yourself with a few common causes of night sweats.
1. Sleeping Environment
If you have been given a clean bill of health by your doctor and have no underlying medical issues, you might want to consider your sleeping environment, as well as what you wear to bed. If your bedroom is overly warm, or if you're bundled up a layer or two of blankets and heavy night clothes, you might sweat excessively in bed.
Night sweats due to a hot environment may disrupt your sleep and possibly cause dehydration. For a simple solution, keep your room at a comfortable temperature at night and use a lightweight cotton blanket that allows air to circulate. Wear moisture-wicking sleepwear or fabric that is breathable, such as cotton or linen. Polyester is nonbreathable, so avoid this fabric for sleepwear.
2. Prescription Medications
If you are currently taking prescription medications, ask your doctor about possible side effects, as some medications may cause excessive sweating. Care you taking antidepressants, prescription pain relievers or diabetes medication? Are you using medications to control acid reflux? Any of the above-mentioned drugs may contribute to night sweats.
However, before you stop taking your medication, discuss this with your doctor. You might be advised to take a different medication that is less likely to cause you to perspire.
3. Viral Infections
Many types of infections, including viral and bacterial, may cause excessive sweating, particularly at night. A bad cold, a stomach virus or influenza may cause you to perspire, especially if fever is present. More seriously, tuberculosis commonly causes night sweats.
If you're battling an infection of some kind, your night sweats should diminish once the infection is cleared up. If you develop a high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, seek medical attention, as dehydration is a possibility and this may become serious if not treated.
4. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea not only disturbs your sleep and causes night sweats and fatigue, it could also threaten your life if left untreated. If air is unable to flow directly from your nose and mouth, it becomes obstructive and compromises your breathing at night. Excessive sweating and snoring are commonly reported in those with obstructive sleep apnea.
If you believe you have a sleeping disorder like mentioned above, see your doctor for a diagnosis. Management for sleep apnea may include the use of a continuous positive airway pressure device, known as a CPAP. Oral pressure therapy may also help, which is done with the use of a different type of device.
5. Menopause Symptoms
If you are menopausal, you may experience night sweats fairly regularly. Hormone imbalances that typically occur during menopause may cause excessive sweating, particularly while you sleep. Night sweats during menopause are often accompanied by hot flashes.
Ask your doctor if there is medication or natural remedies you might take to control the night sweats during menopause. In addition, you might avoid alcohol consumption, caffeinated foods and beverages, and smoking, as all of these may worsen your condition. If your menopausal night sweats are becoming unmanageable, turn on the air conditioning at night or use an electric fan by your bedside.
Also, if you are overweight, speak to your doctor about how to effectively and sensibly lose weight. Obesity may contribute to night sweats and may make menopausal hot flashes worse.
If none of the above doesn't help your condition, see your physician for a
medical examination
and evaluation. You might have a medical condition that is causing you to perspire and may be treated with proper medication.