Waking up in a pool of sweat is a relatively common experience that people refer to as “night sweats.” In most cases, they aren’t a cause for concern. Usually, they mean the room is too hot or the bedding is too heavy.
But, every now and then, they’re a sign of an underlying health condition. We’ll explain the most common causes of night sweats — and how to know if you should see your provider to rule out if anything more serious is going on.
The most common causes of night sweats
Night sweats often have nothing to do with a person’s health. They’re a symptom of the natural changes that happen when you sleep. For example, they can be a result of:
- Sleepwear: Your pajamas may be causing you to overheat at night. This is especially true if your pajamas have long sleeves or if they’re made from a heavier material like fleece or flannel.
- Sleep environment: When most people picture going to sleep, they imagine curling up in a warm cozy bed. Nestling under a heap of covers can actually help you fall asleep. But if you like a heavy blanket, it’s important to keep the room temperature cold (60°F to 67°F is the ideal range).
- Medications: Many medications may cause excessive sweating and lead to night sweats. Common ones include: medications that help bring down fevers, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil); steroids, like prednisone; certain antidepressants, like amitriptyline, duloxetine, and venlafaxine; and medications for diabetes, like insulin and pioglitazone.
- Menopause: Hot flashes can occur at night while you’re sleeping. These are common during menopause or perimenopause — the period of time around menopause when a person’s body starts changing in preparation for menopause.
- Menstruation: A decrease in the hormone estrogen can cause the body to be more sensitive to temperature changes. This change happens right before and at the start of a person’s menstrual period. And it may cause some people to experience night sweats.
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There are also many health conditions that can cause night sweats, such as:
- Stress: The body’s natural stress response can result in sweating — and this sweating may happen at night. Stress can cause an overactive mind and body, which can result in different physical symptoms.
- Infection: A routine infection, like the common cold, can cause a fever that leads to night sweats. But some rarer infections can also cause night sweats. These include endocarditis, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), mononucleosis, and malaria. But getting night sweats from a fever does not necessarily mean that you have one of these infections.
- Hyperthyroidism: The thyroid is a gland in the body that helps maintain body temperature. When it’s overactive, it can heat up the body more than usual.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD): GERD is a common condition that can lead to heartburn, chest pain, and sometimes a hoarse voice and cough. GERD symptoms are often worse at night, when you’re lying flat. Some studies show GERD can also cause night sweats.
- Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to temporarily stop breathing while asleep. Case reports suggest that this condition can lead to night sweats.
- Sweating disorder: This is a rare but harmless condition known as “hyperhidrosis.” It causes a person to sweat excessively — both during the day and at night.
- Autoimmune disorders: Night sweats can sometimes be a symptom of autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, and lupus.
- Autonomic neuropathy: This can lead to problems with excessive sweating. It’s caused by damage to the nerves that control the involuntary functions of your organs. Conditions that can lead to autonomic neuropathy include diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.
- Alcohol use disorder: Alcohol can increase the size of your blood vessels. This can lead to increased sweating, especially if you drink alcohol before going to bed.
- Substance use disorder: Addictive substances, like cocaine and heroin, can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature and may cause night sweats.
- Cancer: This is a much less common cause of night sweats. But certain cancers are known to cause night sweats. Some examples include lymphoma, leukemia, and carcinoid tumors.
Every now and then, the cause of someone’s night sweats is never figured out.
What to do if you have night sweats
Waking up in a pool of sweat is an unpleasant feeling. And it can disrupt your sleep. If you find yourself waking up with night sweats, here are some things you can try to help get rid of them:
- Dress in light sleepwear. Pajamas should be loose, light, and breathable. Avoid flannel or fleece, and choose short sleeves and shorts instead of longer pajamas.
- Remove blankets. Avoid heavy or down comforters. Use only a sheet or sleep on top of the covers.
- Try lowering the temperature in the room. The recommended temperature for sleeping is between 60°F to 67°F. If possible, try adjusting your air conditioner at night to this setting.
- Open a window. If you don’t have air conditioning, open any windows that are in the room. This can help circulate air and keep the room cooler.
- Use a fan. Strategically placed fans that rotate and blow cool air directly toward you can help keep you cool as you sleep.
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When should you see a doctor for night sweats?
Sometimes night sweats can be a sign there’s something else going on. Pay attention to other symptoms that seem new for you. See your provider if you’re also experiencing:
- Fever
- Excessive tiredness
- Cough or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Rashes
- Nail changes (long, red streaks underneath the nail)
- New pain
- Excessive fatigue
Even if you don’t have any of the above symptoms, it’s still a good idea to see your provider if you’re experiencing night sweats that won’t go away. This is especially the case if you have followed the suggested tips and things are not getting any better.
In the end
Night sweats are common and usually temporary. You can try some simple changes to keep you cool at night — wear light pajamas, lose the comforter, and keep your bedroom at a cool temperature.
But if you’re experiencing other symptoms that are new or unexplained, talk to your provider. In some cases, night sweats can mean something more serious is going on. Don’t waste time worrying or losing precious sleep. Your provider can help.
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References
American Sleep Association. (n.d.). Causes of night sweats.
Beresin, E. V., et al. (2010). The psychiatric interview. Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of General Hospital Psychiatry.
HealthDirect.gov. (2020). Night sweats.
Mold, J. W., et al. (2012). Night sweats: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.
National Health Service. (2021). Night sweats.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Autonomic neuropathy.
Pacheco, D. (2022). The best temperature for sleep. Sleep Foundation.
Tschinkel, A. (2021). Why am I so sweaty around my period?. Shape.
Wynn, P. (2022). Night sweats: What you need to know. U.S. News.
Written by Cherilyn Cecchini, MD | Reviewed by Katie E. Golden, MD