Night Sweats: Causes, Diagnosis & Relief – What You Need to Know

There’s little more frustrating than having your sleep interrupted by sweating. You toss and turn, searching for a comfortable position, and end up changing your t-shirt because of the humidity and discomfort.

Waking up, fatigue is present. This phenomenon, which can sometimes disrupt sleep and promote insomnia, affects many people. A 2023 study published in Sleep Medicine Reviews indicated a rising prevalence of night sweats, particularly among women experiencing perimenopause.

Worry is understandable, as night sweats are often wrongly associated with serious illnesses. However, sweating isn’t alarming in itself: it’s primarily your body’s natural temperature regulation system.

However, when sweating becomes abundant and regular at night, it usually indicates that the body’s internal thermostat is disrupted by an identifiable factor, whether hormonal, environmental, or medical.

What is a Night Sweat (and how is it different from regular sweating)?

Sweating is a secretion from the sweat glands designed to cool the body. This is normal, especially during physical activity. Learn more about the science of sweating.

At night, the body is supposed to lower its temperature. A night sweat corresponds to a glitch in the system: your brain (via the hypothalamus) sends a signal to the skin pores to evacuate water in mass, mistakenly thinking you are overheating.

This nocturnal sweating is often accompanied by chills, once the moisture cools on the skin.

Common Causes of Night Sweats in Men and Women

The triggering factors are numerous and often linked to our internal balance. Identifying the culprit is the first step to finding the right remedy.

Hormonal Shifts: This is the #1 cause in women going through menopause or perimenopause. The drop in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) disrupts thermoregulation, creating hot flashes. In men, a decrease in testosterone (andropause) can also cause sweats.

Sleep Apnea and Respiratory Issues: If you pause breathing during sleep, your body exerts a violent effort to regain its breath. This effort causes heavy sweating, often in the chest and neck. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that over 25% of men and 10% of women have sleep apnea.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can cause chest pain and internal stress that triggers heavy night sweating.

Stress and Anxiety: An anxious state activates the nerves of the sympathetic nervous system. The body releases adrenaline, which raises the temperature and causes cold sweats or clammy hands.

When Should You Worry? Symptoms That Should Alert You

In most cases, the problem is linked to a hormonal imbalance or lifestyle (stress, alcohol, caffeine). Night sweats are usually benign, and identifying the cause often solves the problem.

However, these nocturnal hot flashes can also be a symptom of more complex diseases. It’s imperative to see a doctor if:

The sweats are accompanied by rapid, unexplained weight loss.

You have a fever or swollen lymph nodes.

The phenomenon is associated with chest pain or frequent urination.

You notice intense fatigue that doesn’t go away despite rest.

Certain pathologies like lymphoma, breast cancer, or infections like tuberculosis can manifest as very heavy sweating at night. A clinical examination and blood test will rule out these possibilities.

How to Avoid Night Sweats?

Once your doctor has ruled out a serious illness, you can easily act on several levers to limit sweating and get back to freshness:

Adjust Your Sleep Environment: Maintain the bedroom at 64°F (18°C). Wear loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers (cotton, linen) to allow pores to breathe. Avoid synthetic materials that trap heat.

Watch Your Diet: Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods in the evening. They act as heat boosters for your body.

Harness the Power of Plants: Sage (as an infusion or essential oil) is an excellent natural remedy for regulating temperature and reducing sweating, especially in menopausal women.

Manage Stress: Acupuncture or relaxation techniques can help calm the nerves responsible for sweating.

Ultimately, waking up drenched in the middle of the night isn’t usually a fate you have to accept. And there are solutions to remedy this discomfort and get back to dry nights.

FYI

Night sweats related to anxiety often smell stronger than those due to heat? This is due to pure biology. Anxiety activates specific glands (apocrine) located under the armpits. Unlike “thermal” sweat, which consists only of water and salt, “stress sweat” is rich in fats and proteins.