Reasons for Night Sweating
You may be sweating in summer or when out in the sun or while doing workouts or jogging or doing any kind of exercise . It’s normal but if you are sweating while asleep at night , that too frequently , might not be normal . It’s natural to sweat due to variations in body temperature during the night . Some people sweat a lot and wake up damp or drenched in sweat while asleep . This is not normal and If this happens more than once it might be too bad . Besides, it's annoying .
Night sweat may be harmless but sometimes this might be due to some underlying reason or illness . In such cases you may need doctor’s advice . However there are some steps you can do yourself to reduce night sweating .
Sleep Dress and Sleep Environment - Sleepwear and Sleep Environment affects your sleep . We all like cozy sleeping environments . so keep in mind -
Unfit sleepwear may raise body temperature and may cause sweating . Keep the room temperature low . Dress light instead of overdressing and wear a breathable fabric which wipes out sweat .
Select a better bed material or mattress , foams reduce airflow which can cause sweat .
Avoid fleece or flannel and synthetics .
Your Medicines - You might be on medications which affect your brain which controls body temperature and sweat glands . Some of such medications might be -
Hypoglycemia medicines
Hypertension medicines
Antidepressants
Hormone therapy drugs
Antiretroviral drugs
Discuss with your doctors who may suggest alternative drugs or adjust your doses .
Drinking Before Bedtime - After a tiring day at work some people like to drink in the evening or during dinner. That may sound relaxing but it might raise your body temperature and may be a cause of your sweating. Alcohol affects our airways and may cause difficulty breathing ..Besides , it’s a stimulant . Both these may be the cause of night sweating .
So if you are having sweat in your sleep, avoid drinking before bedtime or at least minimize it and don’t make it a habit . Maintain a regular bedtime and wake up time .
During or Around Menopause - Hot Flashes in menopause is common which can be a reason for night sweating . In most cases Frequency of hot flashes is more for nearly one to two years after menopause , then it reduces itself .
A few tips for menopausal sweating -
Avoid smoking , drinks ( alcohol ) , caffeine and other things which are triggers .
Keep your sleepwear light , your bedroom temperature and atmosphere as already discussed .
If you experience sweating and wake up, try to cool yourself by - uncovering your neck and feet , keeping a cool washcloth on your head for sometime and running cold water on your wrists .
Mind your lifestyle adjustments like control your weight , limit stress .
If it’s due to menopause, talk to your doctor who may suggest some medicines to reduce sweating .
Is it a Sweating Disorder - Though rare but some people might suffer from hyperhidrosis - it’s a condition in which the body releases excess sweat due to unknown reasons . In rare cases hyperhidrosis may be dangerous and you need doctor’s advice . Some useful tips in such cases -
Use quality antiperspirants but keep in mind they don’t reduce sweating .
Wear loose fitting breathable wears like cotton open knit or loose weave , having air vents .
Avoid heavy shoes and tight socks / synthetic socks . .
Other Underlying Medical Causes - Night sweating may happen due to some underlying medical conditions for which you must see your doctor . Such causes may be -
Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis , some cancers like leukemia , prostate cancer , heart problems , HIV or AID , Hyperthyroid , some infection like TB , Obesity , sleep disorder like sleep apnea .
If you experience sweating frequently while asleep or wake up drenched in sweat , you must talk to your doctor .
Your Stress Level - If you are anxious or stressed , you may have a hard time when trying to sleep or if you wake up in between you may find it too hard to sleep again . An overactive mind accelerates the brain and body resulting in sweating .
So try to reduce stress yourself by -
Avoid screen time on any electronic device a couple of hours before bedtime . You may try reading instead .
Make your room sleep friendly by reducing light or keeping faint soothing light , avoid sound in the room or have soft sound or music and a comfortable cool temperature .
Discuss with your doctor if you have persistent anxiety or depression .
Take dinner at least two hours before bedtime .
Avoid heavy meal dinners
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