Excessive sweating during sleep or night sweats is a symptom experienced by many people and can have several causes.
What is night sweats?
Night sweats are excessive sweating while sleeping and can lead to wet nightwear and damp bedding. Lots of sweating can be caused by several factors. The most common include: medications, medical conditions and environmental factors that send your body temperature soaring. In this article, we will take a closer look at what night sweats are and how to deal with them.
Why do we sweat excessively?
Night sweats are relatively common and can cause a person to feel uncomfortable and experience disturbed sleep. It occurs in people of all ages, genders and health levels, although some menopausal women have an increased risk. Because even during the night, a drop in estrogen levels can cause hot flashes.
What are the causes of night sweats?
There are several factors that may have an impact. Below are some common causes of night sweats:
- Medication: Some medications, such as antidepressants and drugs for fever and infections such as aspirin and paracetamol, can have the side effect of waking up cold with sweat.
- Hormonal changes: Night sweats can be caused by hormonal changes that occur in menopausal women and during puberty in both boys and girls.
- Infections: Waking up in the middle of the night can also be triggered by an infection.
- Environmental factors: Suffering from excessive sweating during the night can be caused by environmental factors such as a bedroom that is too warm or a duvet or bed textile that is too warm or because you put too many blankets on top of each other.
- Mental factors: Anxiety and stress lead to night sweats, as do some nightmares.
How do you avoid sweating during sleep?
The treatment of night sweats depends on the underlying cause. Below are some treatments you can try to reduce the effects:
- Lifestyle changes: Adjusting environmental factors, such as a lower room temperature or using fewer blankets, can help reduce night sweats.
- Medication: In some cases, the doctor may prescribe medication to reduce continuous sweating. This can be caused, for example, by medication being taken.
- Hormone therapy: Women who experience hot flashes due to hormonal changes sometimes benefit from hormone therapy.
- Treatment of underlying conditions: If perspiration is caused by an underlying condition, such as an infection, treatment of this condition is sufficient.
Only suffer from night sweats during hot summer days? Then read:
Waar kan nachtzweten op duiden?
Consumption of alcohol or caffeine can be a cause of night sweats. Night sweats can also indicate a stressful lifestyle. But it can also occur due to an infection.
Wat doen tegen overmatig nachtzweten?
Better health and lifestyle can combat night sweats. Meditation can be a solution here. Also avoid using too many blankets on top of each other.
Suffering from night sweats: conclusion
Excessive sweating during the night is an uncomfortable symptom that can lead to fatigue and poor sleep quality. It is important to identify and treat the underlying cause to reduce symptoms. If you know about mutual disorders, consult your doctor to determine the cause and get the right treatment. In addition, there are some general tips you can follow such as wearing light and breathable sleepwear, such as merino wool or cotton.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine before bedtime. It is common knowledge that these cause you to wake up frequently and sweat faster. During hot summers, a lukewarm or hot shower before bed is recommended. The warmth of the water causes your blood vessels to open up, making it easier for you to lose body heat. Contrary to your expectations, a hot shower causes your body to cool down.
