What Causes Night Sweats

Night sweats are a common occurrence for many people, particularly women. They can occur for a wide range of reasons and can be extremely uncomfortable, leaving you feeling damp and sticky in the middle of the night. But what exactly causes night sweats? Let’s take a look at the various factors that can contribute to this common problem.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances are a very common cause of night sweats in women. These imbalances can come from a variety of sources including contraception, hormone replacement therapy, menopause, and pregnancy. During these times, your body’s hormones can fluctuate, causing a rise in your body temperature and resulting in night sweats. If you are experiencing night sweats due to hormonal imbalances, consulting a doctor to determine which imbalance you are suffering from and how to best treat it is recommended.

Infections

Infections, both viral and bacterial, can also lead to night sweats. Fever is the main symptom of infection and when your body temperature rises it can cause night sweats. Other infection-related symptoms such as nausea and vomiting can also contribute to night sweats.

Medication Side Effects

Medication side effects are another potential cause of night sweats. Many medications, such as those for depression, high blood pressure, and diabetes, may cause night sweats as a side effect. It’s important to check the label on your medication to ensure that this is not the case. If it is, you may need to consider changing your medication or discuss other options with your doctor.

Stress

Stress is a major contributor to night sweats. When your body is in a state of stress, it releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol which can cause your body to heat up, resulting in night sweats. If your night sweats are due to stress, you should consider ways to reduce and manage it such as yoga, exercise, and meditation.

Overheating

Overheating is also a common cause of night sweats. Whether you’re sleeping in a room that’s too warm or wearing too many blankets, your body may struggle to regulate its temperature, resulting in sweating during the night. To reduce this, keep your bedroom cooler and wear less clothing to bed.

Night sweats can be disruptive and uncomfortable, however there are a number of different potential causes. If you think your night sweats may be due to one of the above, it’s important to seek professional advice.