Night Sweats: Causes and How to Stop Them

Sweating is normal and a core part of how the body regulates its temperature. In a sauna or working out in the gym, sweating profusely is expected. Waking up sweating in the middle of the night is another matter altogether.

Night sweats can be defined as sweating in excess of that required by the body to regulate body temperature. Underlying health issues may be responsible for these episodes of considerable sweating in your sleep.

Night sweats can reduce sleep quality, concern a bed partner, and provoke serious discomfort. As a result, it is natural to want to know more about the causes of night sweats and how to resolve them.

What Causes Night Sweats?

The body’s system for temperature regulation is complex and influenced by multiple factors, which can make it hard in some cases to know exactly why a person experiences night sweats.

That said, common causes identified in research about night sweats include menopause, medications, infections, and hormone problems.

Menopause

Menopause is when women permanently stop having their period Trusted Source Office on Women's Health (OWH) OWH coordinates women's health efforts across HHS and addresses critical women's health issues by informing and advancing policies, educating health care professionals and consumers, and supporting innovative programs. View Source . During this time, significant changes in the body’s production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone are believed to be an important driver of hot flashes Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

Hot flashes are considered to be a hallmark of menopause Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , affecting up to 85% of women Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . In most cases, hot flashes actually begin in the transition time before menopause, known as perimenopause, and can continue once a woman is postmenopausal.

Menopausal hot flashes normally last for a few minutes and can occur multiple times per day, including at night, when they can cause night sweats. It is common for hot flashes to continue occurring for several years, and some women experience them for more than two decades.

Perhaps not surprisingly, many women — up to 64% — report sleeping problems and higher rates of insomnia Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source during perimenopause and menopause. While night sweats are not the only cause of these sleeping difficulties, they can contribute to poor sleep, especially when they are severe.

Medication

Certain medications are known to be associated with night sweats Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source . These include some antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), steroids, and medicines taken to lower fevers, such as aspirin or acetaminophen, that may paradoxically cause sweating.

For some, caffeine intake can be a cause of generalized sweating. Alcohol and drug use can also increase the risk of night sweats Trusted Source National Health Service (NHS) The NHS website for England is the UK's biggest health website, with more than 50 million visits every month. View Source

Hormone Issues

Changes in the endocrine system Trusted Source United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment. View Source , which controls hormone levels in the body, can be connected to night sweats. Examples of hormone problems with links to night sweats include hyperthyroidism Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source , diabetes and elevated blood sugar, and abnormal levels of sex hormones.

The part of the brain that regulates body temperature is known as the hypothalamus, and it is also involved in the endocrine system. Hypothalamic dysfunction Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source may be an underlying issue related to hormone imbalances and night sweats.

Other Causes of Night Sweats

Beyond the most common causes, other conditions may give rise to night sweats. Hot flashes may be more common during pregnancy and the postpartum period Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Anxiety and panic attacks have also been correlated with night sweats.

Night sweats can be a symptom of certain types of cancer or a side effect of cancer treatments Trusted Source National Cancer Institute (NCI) The NCI is the federal government's principal agency for cancer research and training. View Source . Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy for cancer may provoke night sweats.

How to Stop Night Sweats and Get Better Sleep

Night sweats can be worrying and bothersome, and they frequently are tied to serious sleep disruptions. As a result, it is natural for anyone dealing with night sweats to want to know how to avoid them and sleep more soundly.

The most effective treatment for night sweats will vary for any individual patient and should always be overseen by a health professional. Some potential treatment methods include modifications to environment and behavior, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication.

Changes to Your Environment

A standard approach to night sweats, especially those related to menopause, is to start by trying straightforward changes Trusted Source National Institutes on Aging (NIA) NIA leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. View Source that can minimize the frequency and severity of night sweats. This may include changes to your sleep environment.

• Sleep in a cooler bedroom: While a warmer bedroom is not the central cause of night sweats, it may facilitate or trigger them. Keeping the thermostat at a lower temperature can keep heat from building up around your body during the night.
• Replace your mattress: Certain mattresses are more likely to retain heat than others, especially if they conform closely and restrict airflow. A cooling mattress can prevent heat retention and help you keep cool throughout the night. If you are experiencing menopause, a mattress that offers pressure relief and ample airflow may help reduce symptoms. A cooling mattress pad or topper is worth considering instead if you do not want to replace your mattress.
• Invest in new bedding: In addition to assessing your current mattress, you may want to consider changing up your bedding. Lightweight, breathable sheets can help wick away moisture. You may also want to swap out a heavy duvet or comforter for a lighter quilt.
• Wear breathable clothing: Tight-fitting clothes trap heat, so it is best to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes made with materials that are breathable and airy. Dressing in layers makes it easier to make adjustments to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Changes to Your Lifestyle

In addition to adjusting your sleep environment, you may want to consider changes to your daily habits to improve your overall health and sleep.

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods: All of these things can cause spikes in body temperature and induce sweating. Avoiding them, especially in the evening, may cut down on night sweats.
• Drink cold water: Having a small amount of cool water before going to bed may help you maintain a more pleasant temperature.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Some research has identified a correlation between higher body weight and night sweats. Being overweight or obese can contribute to other health problems, including those that affect sleep, such as sleep apnea.
• Utilize relaxation techniques: Finding ways to relax at night can make it easier to fall asleep. Studies also suggest that techniques like controlled breathing may help to meaningfully reduce hot flashes Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source in menopausal women.

Many of these tips overlap with broader healthy sleep tips that can be gradually implemented to make your sleep-related habits work in your favor for more consistent and high-quality sleep.

Other Treatments for Night Sweats  

Additional treatments for night sweats include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications.

Studies have found that cognitive behavioral therapy for hot flashes and night sweats can reduce their frequency Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and improve mood and quality of life in menopausal women. CBT is compatible with other approaches, such as behavior modifications, and likely has the greatest effect on night sweats Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source when combined with other approaches.

Several types of drugs, notably hormone therapies, can reduce night sweats, but these drugs can have significant side effects. A doctor is in the best position to discuss the benefits and downsides of any specific medication. Consult with your doctor for treatment recommendations and changes to your current medications.

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When to Be Concerned About Night Sweats

You should talk to your doctor if you have night sweats that are frequent or persistent. You should also mention them if they interfere with your sleep, negatively affect your daily life, or occur with other health changes.

Meeting with a doctor is important because they can help determine the most likely cause and work with you to create a treatment plan that takes your symptoms and overall health into account.

It is also important to let the doctor know about any sleeping problems that you have. Sleep disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), may be causing daytime sleepiness and, according to some research, may also be a factor promoting night sweats Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .