For women, when we hear “night sweats,” many of us immediately think of hot flashes, which are associated with women experiencing menopause.
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Menopause is not the only reason that women experience night sweats. Also, what about the men who have night sweats?
What Are Night Sweats?
Night sweats refer to a significant amount of perspiration, more than the norm, that takes place while you’re sleeping.
They are usually connected to menopausal women and their hot flashes, which are a very common cause of night sweats, but there are other underlying causes of experiencing this perspiration.
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What Causes Night Sweats?
Besides menopause in women, other causes of night sweats include them being a side effect of medication or even having an illness.
Keep in mind that underlying causes or diseases are also not the only reasons you may experience night sweats.
Sleeping in a room that is too hot or having too many blankets or heavy sleepwear could also be the cause of your night sweats.
Night Sweats in Men
Men also experience night sweats, which could be due to low testosterone levels (or male hypogonadism).
Low testosterone levels occur in about 38% of men that are 45 years or older for various reasons; there is a 20% likelihood of low testosterone levels in men over 60 years old who are considered healthy.
10 Causes of Night Sweats
These are 10 of the most common causes of night sweats for you to consider:
- Anxiety or Stress- Both anxiety and stress can lead to night sweats, due to changes in body temperature, heart rate, and metabolism.
- Idiopathic Hyperhidrosis- Not connected to an identifiable medical cause, the body chronically produces too much sweat with the idiopathic hyperhidrosis condition.
- Medications- Some medications can lead to night sweats such as acetaminophen, aspirin, antidepressants, or psychiatric drugs.
- Sleep Apnea- Night sweats are very common in those with obstructive sleep apnea.
- Infections- Such infections associated with night sweats include bacterial infections, HIV, osteomyelitis, and tuberculosis.
- Cancers- An early symptom of cancer is night sweats, with lymphoma being the most common cancer connected with night sweats.
- Hypoglycemia- Also known as low blood glucose or sugar, hypoglycemia can cause sweating, especially if using insulin or oral diabetic medication.
- Hormone Disorders- Flushing or sweating can come into play with these disorders: carcinoid syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and pheochromocytoma.
- Neurologic Conditions- Not as common but neurologic conditions can cause more sweating leading to night sweats; these include autonomic dysreflexia, autonomic neuropathy, posttraumatic syringomyelia stroke, and stroke.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)- Night sweats may occur in those with GERD, a condition in which the contents of the stomach leak backward into the esophagus or food pipe.
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How To Stop Night Sweats
There are a few ways to help control your night sweats, including:
- Avoid common night sweat triggers, particularly before bedtime, such as alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, and spicy foods
- Keep a cool pack under your pillow, turning the pillow over so you can rest your head on the cooler side
- Sip cool water throughout the night
- Try destressing with deep breathing, light exercise, and relaxation
When To See Your Doctor
If you continue to have regular occurrences of night sweats, this would be the time for you to seek medical attention.
Other reasons to see your doctor would be for interrupted sleep due to the night sweats, as well as coughing, diarrhea, fever, and pain in specific areas that accompany the night sweats.
Schedule An Appointment Today: Find A Doctor
If you are noticing weight loss or other changes of concern, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
