What are night sweats?
Night sweats refer to episodes of extreme sweating during sleep, to the point where your sleep clothes and bedding are soaking wet. They can occur due to various medical conditions or hormonal changes.
What causes night sweats?
Some common causes include:
- Menopause: As estrogen levels drop during perimenopause and menopause, night sweats are very common. Hormone therapy from clinics like The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic can help regulate hormones and reduce hot flashes.
- Medications: Antidepressants, pain medications, and certain other drugs can trigger sweating at night.
- Hypoglycemia: For diabetics, low blood sugar at night can cause sweating.
- Hormone disorders: Issues with the thyroid, pituitary gland, or testes can impact hormones and body temperature regulation.
- Infections: HIV, tuberculosis, endocarditis, and other infections can induce night sweats.
- Cancers: Leukemia, lymphoma, and other cancers might be associated with severe night sweats.
When should I see a doctor about night sweats?
You should make an appointment if you experience repeated episodes of severe night sweats that soak your pajamas and sheets, especially if you have other symptoms like unexplained weight loss. Getting an accurate diagnosis for the underlying cause is important. Doctors can check your hormone levels and rule out infections and cancers. For perimenopausal or menopausal women, hormone replacement therapy may help treat night sweats directly.
How can I reduce night sweats?
Making some lifestyle changes may help prevent or diminish night sweats:
- Maintain a cool, comfortable sleep environment by using lightweight bedding and keeping the room temperature low.
- Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and stress close to bedtime.
- Improve sleep hygiene by sticking to a regular sleep schedule.
- Stay hydrated and limit caffeinated beverages later in the day.
- Use pajamas and sheets made of moisture-wicking fabrics to stay dry.
- Try over-the-counter supplements like sage or Vitamin E.
- Consider prescription medications or hormone therapy if night sweats are frequent and disruptive.
The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic provides individualized hormone treatments to help both men and women find relief from night sweats and other issues related to hormonal imbalance. Contact us today for a consultation!