What Causes Night Sweats and How to Stop Them

When most of us think about what causes night sweats, our minds jump straight to hot flashes and menopause. But they’re not the only reason you might be waking up feeling like you just ran sprints in your sleep. That’s a fair thought, but that’s only one part of the story.

Women of all ages can deal with night sweats, and yes, men get them too.

Sometimes it’s hormones, sometimes it’s lifestyle, and sometimes it’s your body giving you a shout out, “Hey, pay attention to me.”

Let’s break down what really causes night sweats, what’s normal, and when it’s time to call the doctor.

What Are Night Sweats?

Night sweats are excessive perspiration beyond the norm that takes place while you’re sleeping. According to the Mayo Clinic, they can be heavy enough to soak your nightclothes or bedding.

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.

Night Sweats Causes

Besides menopause in women, what causes night sweats includes side effects 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.

What causes night sweats for you could be simply sleeping in a room that is too hot, or having too many blankets or heavy sleepwear.

Night Sweats in Women

Night sweats are extremely common in women, especially during perimenopause and menopause, and the numbers back it up. According to The North American Menopause Society, about 75% to 80% of women experience hot flashes or night sweats at some point during their transition through menopause. These symptoms can stick around for 7 to 11 years for many women, especially women of color.

Research shows that Black women report night sweats and hot flashes more frequently and more intensely than women in other racial or ethnic groups

Hormonal changes, particularly fluctuating estrogen levels, are one of the biggest answers to the question “what causes night sweats?” in women. When estrogen dips, the body’s internal thermostat becomes more sensitive, causing sudden heat surges, flushing, and those middle-of-the-night drenched sheets.

But hormones aren’t the only thing at play. Stress, thyroid issues, certain medications, and infections can also be what cause night sweats in women.

If your symptoms feel sudden, severe, or long-lasting, it’s worth checking in with your provider, especially if night sweats come with weight loss, fever, or changes in your menstrual cycle.

Night Sweats in Men

Just like women, men aren’t off the hook. Night sweats happen to them, too, and low testosterone (male hypogonadism) is one of the leading causes. As testosterone levels drop with age (or because of other health issues), the body’s temperature regulation can go a little haywire, according to UCLA Health, triggering hot flashes and night sweats.

In fact, it’s estimated that up to 38% of men over 45 may have lower-than-ideal testosterone, and even among otherwise healthy men over 60, that number can be as high as 20%. The World Journal of Men’s Health says low testosterone doesn’t just mess with your energy or sex drive; it can make your nights sweaty.

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: No identifiable medical cause; the body chronically produces excessive sweat.
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: These 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, and stroke.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Night sweats may occur in those with GERD, a condition in which stomach contents leak backward into the esophagus (food pipe).

When Night Sweats Are a Red Flag

Most night sweats are harmless, but continuous, drenching episodes deserve attention.

If you’re losing weight without trying, waking up with a fever or chills, dealing with a chronic cough, or noticing other changes in your health, it’s time to check in with your doctor.

If you’re unsure what causes night sweats to keep happening night after night, pay attention to what your body is doing during the day, too. Symptoms like fever, weight loss, or a lingering cough can help clue you in.

Night sweats aren’t always serious, but they shouldn’t be ignored when they start teaming up with other symptoms.

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 relaxing with deep breathing and light exercise

When to See Your Doctor

If you continue to have frequent night sweats, it’s time for you to seek medical attention.

Other reasons to see your doctor include interrupted sleep due to night sweats, as well as coughing, diarrhea, fever, and pain in specific areas that accompany them.

Schedule An Appointment Today: Find A Doctor

If you notice weight loss or other concerns, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

FAQ: Night Sweats

What are night sweats, exactly?

They’re episodes of heavy sweating during sleep—enough to soak sheets or clothes.

Are night sweats and hot flashes the same thing?

Hot flashes can cause night sweats, but the two aren’t automatically linked. Men and younger women can experience night sweats for many other reasons.

Why do night sweats happen?

Night sweats can show up for simple reasons—like room temperature—or medical ones. If you’re wondering what causes night sweats, it usually comes down to hormones, medications, infections, or stress kicking your system into overdrive.

Can stress or anxiety really trigger night sweats?

Yes. Stress revs up your nervous system and can lead to temperature swings at night.

Which medications commonly cause night sweats?

Pain relievers like acetaminophen, certain antidepressants, and psychiatric meds can all play a role.

Do lifestyle habits affect what causes night sweats?

Definitely. Alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and late-night spicy meals are all common contributors to what causes night sweats, especially if they show up consistently.