Most Common Causes of Night Sweats

An unusually hot room or bedding can cause people to sweat during their sleep. A more significant and consistent condition called night sweats involves extreme hot flushes during sleep that cause the bed and its occupant to become drenched. True night sweats aren’t caused by external factors, like the sleeper’s environment, but rather by internal factors that can be remedied. While often harmless, they can cause discomfort in the person sleeping and can be symptomatic of more serious issues. Common causes of night sweats include:

Hormone imbalance

Hormone imbalances are a frequent cause of night sweats. Most commonly responsible is menopause, and many women may find that night sweats are an initial sign of this change occurring. Dropped oestrogen levels frequently cause night sweats and hotness in bed. Various hormone disorders may also cause the condition. Less commonly, puberty is associated with the condition as hormone levels also greatly fluctuate.

Medication

Prescription medications may cause those taking them to experience night sweats as a side effect. Antidepressants are an especially common culprit of this – as much as a fifth of users report excessive sweating in bed. Medications designed to mitigate fevers may sometimes actually induce or exacerbate night sweats. If night sweats persist throughout your medication’s cycle, it may be worth consulting with a physician about altering your course or dosage.

Infections and Cancers

Night sweats can present as a trait of various kinds of infection or illness. Tuberculosis is most commonly associated with night sweats, but they can result from many others including osteomyelitis, HIV and bacterial infections. Night sweats may also appear as an early symptom of some kinds of cancers, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma. If concerned, it’s always worth consulting with a healthcare professional in case your night sweats are indicators of infectious or cancerous diseases.

Remedies

Identification of the cause of night sweats will allow you to treat them. Hormone imbalances can commonly be attended to with hormone replacement courses; whilst the effects can also be reduced by cutting down on alcohol consumption. When the cause is isolated to a medication, this can also be helped through consultation with your doctor who may suggest some alternatives. Seeking a medical opinion regarding your night sweats may also help you diagnose a more serious underlying issue and lead you to seek appropriate treatment.

While night sweats are often not a cause for concern, they are commonly a source of discomfort for those who suffer them. While some causes such as hormone imbalances, can be inevitable, other causes may be alleviated through behavioural changes.

If you are experiencing persistent disruptions to your sleep, consult with a pharmacist to discuss possible solutions.