Excessive perspiration or sweating at night is another synonym for night sweats. They are an unpleasant aspect of many people's lives, and they may be linked to depression and problems sleeping.
While night sweats are a frequent menopausal symptom, they can also be caused by certain medical disorders and drugs.
Night sweats are usually not a significant symptom. Even so, knowing when to seek medical attention if you experience night sweats is critical.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF NIGHT SWEATS?
Sweating at night is common if the temperature is too high. Some people, however, get night sweats on a regular basis. During menopause, many women have hot flashes and nocturnal sweats.
Other medical issues that might produce night sweats include:
- Illnesses such as TB or HIV
- Cancers like leukemia and lymphoma
- Anxiety problems
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can sometimes cause night sweats. They can also occur in men who have had their testicles removed for prostate cancer treatment.
Night sweats may occur as a side effect of a drug you are taking in some situations. Certain antidepressants, hormone therapies, and opioids may fall into this category.
Night sweats can also be caused by consuming too much coffee or alcohol, as well as using cigarettes or narcotics.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR NIGHT SWEATS?
Your doctor will take efforts to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of night sweats. Your treatment strategy will be determined by your unique diagnosis. The following are some of the most prevalent causes of night sweats, along with potential treatments:
Menopause: Changes in lifestyle, such as sleeping in cool rooms and avoiding alcohol, may assist with hot flashes and night sweats. If these measures are insufficient, hormone treatment may help reduce the amount of hot flashes you get as well as other symptoms. Other drugs for hot flashes, such as paroxetine and gabapentin, may be prescribed by your doctor. Venlafaxine is sometimes used for night sweats off-label.
An underlying infection: Antibiotics, antiviral medicines, or other treatments may be used to treat your infection, depending on the kind.
Cancer: Your doctor may advise you to combine chemotherapy medications, surgery, or other therapies. Because these therapies might produce night sweats, they may be combined with hormone therapy or other drugs.
Anxiety: Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds. They may also suggest treatment.
Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid is treated with medications, radioiodine treatment, and, in some cases, surgery.
Medications: Your doctor may change your dosage or suggest an alternate medication.
Consumption of alcohol or caffeine, as well as drug usage: Limiting or avoiding these drugs may aid in the reduction of night sweats. With some circumstances, your doctor may give drugs or suggest counseling to assist you in quitting.
Your doctor may also suggest that you change your sleeping patterns. Night sweats can be prevented and relieved by removing covers from your bed, wearing lighter pajamas, or opening a window in your bedroom. It may also be beneficial to utilize air conditioning or a fan, or to sleep in a cooler location.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK ASSISTANCE?
Night sweats are rarely reason for alarm. However, in other circumstances, they may be an indication of an underlying medical issue that need care.
Night sweats are prevalent during menopause, which typically begins around the age of 50. However, if you develop night sweats and other menopausal symptoms before the age of 40, you should consult your doctor. This might be a sign of a disorder known as primary ovarian insufficiency.
It is particularly critical to get medical assistance if you have recurrent night sweats that disrupt your sleep or are accompanied by other symptoms. Night sweats accompanied by a high temperature, cough, or unexplained weight loss may indicate a dangerous medical issue.
Night sweats in people with lymphoma or HIV may suggest that the disease is advancing.
HOW CAN NIGHT SWEATS BE PREVENTED?
Some causes of night sweats may be avoided by making lifestyle modifications. To reduce your chances of having night sweats:
- Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- Avoid using cigarettes and illegal substances.
- Sleep in a colder setting
- Think about purchasing a cooling mattress.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- If you are experiencing signs of menopause, avoid consuming spicy foods.
If you feel your night sweats are caused by an infection or another condition, get medical assistance right once. Inquire with your doctor about your unique illness, treatment choices, and night sweat prevention measures.
CONCLUSION
Night sweats are unpleasant and might affect your sleep. In most circumstances, they are not reason for alarm. However, they can occasionally be caused by an underlying ailment that requires treatment.
Your doctor can assist you in determining the reason of your night sweats. They can also advise on how to avoid or cure night sweats. They may propose lifestyle modifications, drugs, or other therapies depending on the underlying problem.