Night Sweats - Causes and Treatments

If you believe you are suffering from night sweats, try not to be overly concerned. Most folks experience sleep hyperhidrosis at some point in their lives and in most cases it isn't the sign of anything more serious. But what are the causes? And then, what are the treatments?

In fact, many people who complain about night sweats aren't actually experiencing them. Sleep hyperhidrosis, as it is known medically, is when you experience distinct and drenching perspiration while you sleep. A little dampness on the brow during warm weather isn't really night sweating. Waking with your clothes or sheets soaking is.

This kind of perspiration while sleeping can occur regardless of the temperature in your sleeping environment. In fact, a recent study indicated that nearly 50% of people who complain to their doctors about suffering from sweats at night weren't actually experiencing them.

Night Sweats Causes

Perhaps the most frequent cause of sweating at night is menopause in older women. Hot flashes are one of the most infamous and frustrating symptoms of menopause, and the hormonal changes that causes hot flashes are often the root of sleep hyperhidrosis in older women.

Another common clinical cause of night sweats is an infection. When the human body is fighting off any kind of infection, it tends to raises your core temperature to help in the fight. Tuberculosis in particular is well-known to be associated with sweating at night.

Some more serious conditions that may lead to sweats while asleep include cancer and AIDS. However, please don't panic when you read this, as this is very rare and unlikely. You should always follow-up with a medical professional, but don't read something on the Internet and assume the worst.

Many medications list night sweats as a side-effect. A couple of the most common culprits are antidepressants and antipyretics. Antipyretics are fever reducers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and aspirin.

Night Sweats Treatments

To effectively treat your night perspiration symptoms, you first need to stand back and take a good like at your lifestyle. What could be triggering your sweating at night and what you can change to stop those triggers?

Is your sleeping environment too warm? Can you lower the thermostat or get a ceiling fan? Are you eating too many fatty foods or spicy foods during the day? Are you eating too close to bedtime? Are you drinking beverages with alcohol in the evening? All these things could cause you to experience night sweating, so where can you make adjustments?

The most direct and simple way to reduce your night sweats is to reduce your overall stress level and adhere to a healthier diet. Believe it or not, even exercising can help minimize night sweating. Just be sure to exercise early in the day and not near to when you want to hit the sack.

The most important point, however, is that if you are suffering from consistent soaking sweats while asleep, you really should consult your doctor. He or she can examine you for any underlying causes or conditions. So be proactive about addressing your sleep hyperhidrosis so you can get a better night's rest and move forward with a more positive and energetic life.