You may experience night sweats with some infections and other health conditions, including menopause and hyperthyroidism. Treatment can depend on the underlying cause.
Night sweats is another term for excessive perspiration, or sweating, at night.
It’s common to sweat during the night, especially if your bedroom is hot.
However, unlike regular sweating, night sweats are characterized by soaking wet clothes or bedsheets.
While night sweats are a common symptom of menopause, they can also be caused by some medical conditions and certain medications.
Keep reading to learn more about the causes, treatments, and when to see a healthcare professional for night sweats.
Menopause begins when you have gone 12 months without menstruating. It usually affects people assigned female at birth between ages 45 and 55 years, but may occur sooner.
Common symptoms of menopause include night sweats, hot flashes, and headaches, which could also disrupt your sleep.
Treatment
Treatment for night sweats related to menopause may include:
- lifestyle changes, such as sleeping in a cooler room and avoiding alcohol
- trying hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- taking certain medications, such as gabapentin and clonidine
Venlafaxine is sometimes used off-label for night sweats, which means it isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this treatment purpose.
Night sweats may be caused by certain infections, such as:
Treatment
Treatment for infections will depend on the type of infection you have, but will usually involve antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or other medications.
Night sweats may also be a symptom of cancer, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma.
Some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, may
Treatment
Cancer treatment will depend on several factors, such as the type, stage, and location of the cancer.
A doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
However, since these treatments may also cause night sweats, a doctor may recommend other treatments, such as:
Learn more about newer treatments for cancer.
Research suggests that anxiety disorders may also cause night sweats. Anxiety may raise your body’s core temperature, influencing the sweat glands to help lower it back down.
Hot flashes and night sweats may
Treatment
Treatment for anxiety disorders will depend on several factors, such as the condition, the severity of symptoms, and your health condition.
A doctor may recommend:
- lifestyle changes, such as exercising, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep
- natural remedies, such as yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques
- medications, such as anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants
- psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy
- counseling or group therapy
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland is overactive. A common symptom is excessive sweating, which may also occur at night.
Treatment
Treatment for hyperthyroidism may include:
Several medications may cause excessive sweating and night sweats, including:
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- angiotensin II receptor blockers
- corticosteroids
- thyroid hormone supplements
- some pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
Treatment
If you experience night sweats after taking a medication, speak with a healthcare professional. They could modify your treatment plan, such as by recommending an alternative drug or modifying the dosage.
It’s important to not stop taking a medication without speaking with a doctor, as this may lead to side effects and complications.
Other causes of night sweats may include:
- low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- obesity
- sleep disorders
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- panic disorder
- pregnancy
- lifestyle behaviors, such as smoking and drinking alcohol
Night sweats aren’t usually a cause for concern. In some cases, though, they may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you develop night sweats that happen frequently, disturb your sleep, or are accompanied by other symptoms like:
If you have lymphoma or HIV, night sweats may indicate the condition is progressing.
Check out our FindCare tool if you need help finding a primary care doctor.
The following lifestyle changes may help prevent some causes of night sweats:
- limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine
- avoid using tobacco and illegal drugs
- sleep in a cooler environment
- consider using cooling products, such as a cooling mattress, pillow, or duvet
- maintain a moderate weight
- avoid eating spicy food, especially if you have menopause
What causes night sweats?
Some causes of night sweats include sleeping in a hot bedroom or with warm sheets. Other causes of night sweats include menopause, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, taking certain medications, and anxiety.
How many night sweats are normal?
Sweating at night is common, especially if the sleeping environment is hot. However, speak with a healthcare professional if you experience frequent night sweats that cause your clothes and bedsheets to be soaked through.
What organ causes night sweats?
The central nervous system is the primary organ responsible for night sweats, principally through the thalamus. This can be activated in several ways, such as underlying health conditions and taking certain medications.
Night sweats can be uncomfortable and disrupt your sleep.
In most cases, they’re not a cause for serious concern. But sometimes, they may be caused by an underlying condition that requires treatment.
A doctor can help diagnose the cause of your night sweats and recommend strategies to prevent or treat them. Depending on the underlying cause, they might recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or other treatments.