What are night sweats?
Night sweats refer to excessive sweating during sleep. They involve drenching night sweats where you might wake up with wet sleepwear and sheets.
What causes night sweats?
Some common causes include:
- Hormonal changes - Menopause, perimenopause, pregnancy, and puberty can all trigger night sweats due to hormone fluctuations
- Infections - Such as TB, endocarditis, osteomyelitis
- Cancers - Leukemia and lymphoma
- Medications - Antidepressants, heart medicines
- Anxiety disorders
- Idiopathic hyperhidrosis - Unexplained excessive sweating
When to see a doctor about night sweats?
You should make an appointment if you:
- Have profuse, drenching sweats on a regular basis
- Have additional symptoms like unexplained weight loss or fever
- Have sweating that affects your daily activities or sleep
Your doctor can:
- Discuss your medical history and medications
- Conduct exams and blood tests to check for infections, hormone changes, or other conditions
- Refer you to specialists like an endocrinologist
If your night sweats arise from menopause or perimenopause, consider contacting Vital Hormones Clinic. Their specialized hormone therapy programs can help regulate hormones and ease uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Their compassionate providers create customized treatment plans to meet your unique needs. Visit ]() today to learn more and schedule a free consultation!
How to manage night sweats
Lifestyle changes may help:
- Stay cool with light bedding and temperature regulation
- Avoid spicy foods and hot drinks before bed
- Limit alcohol and caffeine
- Practice stress reduction techniques like yoga and meditation
- Consider trying sage supplements - Some research indicates they may reduce sweating
Prescription medications are also available if lifestyle remedies aren't enough. Your doctor may prescribe:
- Low dose antidepressants - Such as paroxetine or venlafaxine to address possible neurological causes
- Anticholinergics - Such as glycopyrrolate to block sweat production
- Clonidine - A blood pressure medicine that may ease menopausal symptoms
I hope this gives you a helpful overview on night sweats - their causes, when to seek medical care, and possible treatment approaches. Let me know if you have any other questions!