Night sweats, clinically termed nocturnal hyperhidrosis, describe excessive sweating during sleep. Unlike sweating due to external heat, night sweats occur regardless of room temperature. They often soak bedding and clothing, causing discomfort and disruption to sleep. Night sweats can result from various underlying conditions, including hormonal imbalances, infections, medications, and certain medical disorders such as menopause, hyperthyroidism, or cancer. Diagnosis involves evaluating medical history, conducting physical examinations, and sometimes performing laboratory tests. Treatment aims to address the underlying cause, ranging from lifestyle adjustments to medical interventions, depending on the individual's condition.

Symptoms of Night Sweats

The symptoms accompanying night sweats can vary depending on the underlying cause.

Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying could indicate a medical condition.
Fever: Elevated body temperature that comes and goes could accompany night sweats.
Localised pain: Pain in specific body areas might indicate an underlying condition.
Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired or weak can be linked to many conditions that cause night sweats.
Excessive sweating during the day: This is not limited to nighttime; some conditions might also cause sweating throughout the day.
Chills: Feeling cold without an apparent reason, sometimes alternating with sweats.
Persistent cough: A long-lasting cough can be a symptom of respiratory infections or conditions that might cause night sweats.
Diarrhoea: Ongoing digestive issues could be related to the same condition causing the night sweats.
Unusual sensations, Such as tingling or numbness, might indicate a neurological issue.
Skin rashes or infections: Visible changes to the skin that may indicate an underlying issue.
Snoring and breathing difficulties: Conditions like sleep apnoea can cause night sweats and disturbed sleep.
Mood changes: Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders can sometimes manifest physically as night sweats.

Treatment for Night Sweats

The treatment for night sweats largely depends on diagnosing the underlying cause.

Addressing underlying medical conditions: If night sweats are due to infections, cancer, hormone imbalances (like menopause or hyperthyroidism), or neurological conditions, treatment will focus on managing the specific illness.
Medication adjustment: If a specific medication is identified as the cause of night sweats, a doctor may adjust the dosage or switch to another medication. This is common with certain antidepressants, hormone therapy drugs, and diabetes medications.
Hormone therapy: For individuals experiencing menopause or andropause-related night sweats, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be considered to balance hormone levels, though the benefits must be weighed against potential risks.
Lifestyle and environmental changes: Adjusting the bedroom environment to be cooler, using fans, or changing to lighter bedding can help. Wearing breathable, moisture-wicking sleepwear is also beneficial. Reducing alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods, especially before bedtime, can also reduce night sweats.
Stress management and relaxation techniques: Since stress and anxiety can trigger night sweats, yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be helpful.
Dietary adjustments: Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding food triggers that may exacerbate sweating. Staying hydrated is also important.
Physical activity: Regular exercise can help regulate hormones and improve overall health, potentially reducing night sweats.
Over-the-counter remedies: Antiperspirants, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies might alleviate symptoms for certain individuals. However, consulting with a healthcare professional to verify their safety and effectiveness for your unique circumstances is crucial.
Surgical options: In rare cases, and when night sweats are severe and caused by specific conditions, surgery may be considered a last resort.
Cooling techniques: Cooling pillows, mats, or even a "bed fan" can help regulate body temperature during sleep.

Causes of Night Sweats

Night sweats may stem from various factors, from harmless to severe medical conditions.

Infections: Certain infections, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and bacterial infections like endocarditis (infection of the heart valves) or osteomyelitis (infection within bones), can cause night sweats.
Menopause: The hormonal changes associated with menopause can lead to hot flashes and night sweats in women, known as vasomotor symptoms.
Medications: Some medications, including antidepressants, drugs for diabetes (if they lower blood sugar), hormone therapy drugs, and steroids, can cause night sweats as a side effect.
Hypoglycaemia: Low blood sugar levels can trigger night sweats, particularly in people with diabetes who are taking insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications.
Hormone disorders: Conditions that affect hormone levels, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), pheochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland), and carcinoid syndrome (related to neuroendocrine tumours), can cause night sweats.
Sleep disorders: Disorders like obstructive sleep apnoea can cause night sweats by disrupting sleep patterns and oxygen levels.
Cancer: Night sweats can be an early symptom of certain cancers, most notably lymphoma. However, they are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss and fever.
Neurological conditions: Some neurological conditions, including stroke and autonomic neuropathy, can cause night sweats.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Although less commonly known, GERD can cause night sweats in addition to its more typical symptoms like heartburn.
Psychiatric conditions: Anxiety, depression, and stress can sometimes manifest physically as night sweats.
Alcohol, caffeine, and drug use: Consuming alcohol or caffeine before bed, as well as drug use (including withdrawal from certain drugs), can lead to night sweats
Idiopathic hyperhidrosis: A condition where the body consistently produces excess sweat without a discernible medical reason.

Conclusion

Night sweats, marked by excessive sweating during sleep, can be symptomatic of underlying conditions ranging from menopause to infections. Identifying the cause is crucial for treatment, which may include lifestyle adjustments, medication changes, or addressing specific medical issues. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for tailored management and relief.

FAQs About Night Sweats

Q1. What organ causes night sweats?
A1. In other instances, a sleep ailment such as obstructive sleep apnea or thyroid or liver disease could be the reason. Additionally, lymphoma, a kind of cancer that affects the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and other lymphatic system components, might be indicated by night sweats as a major health concern.

Q2. Why are night sweats a red flag?
A2. In other instances, a sleep ailment such as obstructive sleep apnea or thyroid or liver disease could be the reason. Additionally, lymphoma, a kind of cancer that affects the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and other lymphatic system components, might be indicated by night sweats as a major health concern.

Q3. How many night sweats are normal?
A3. Perspiration is not unusual in the evening. Depending on how many covers you sleep with, how warm your room is, and even what you had for dinner before bed, you might perspire a little or a lot. However, if you perspire so much that your bed linens and pyjamas are consistently damp when you wake up, there may be a medical problem.

Q4. What deficiency is night sweats?
A4. Vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent. Numerous neurological syndromes, including autonomic dysfunction, have been linked to it. This article discusses three instances where excessive night sweats were attributed to vitamin B12 deficiency. Treatment with B12 therapy yielded significant improvements in all three cases.

Reference

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/night-sweats
https://www.healthline.com/health/night-sweats