Shock warning from NHS for anyone who often wakes up with 'THIS' nighttime symptom
Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating during sleep that can affect both adults and children. Unlike normal perspiration caused by a warm room or heavy bedding, night sweats occur even in cool environments and often soak night clothes and sheets. They can disrupt sleep and may signal an underlying health issue. Common causes include hormonal changes like menopause, infections such as tuberculosis, low blood sugar in diabetics, certain medications, anxiety, sleep disorders like sleep apnoea , and some cancers. Persistent or severe night sweats should be discussed with a GP for proper evaluation and management.
Understanding night sweats and its causes
Night sweats refer to repeated episodes of drenching perspiration that occur during sleep. Unlike ordinary sweating caused by heat or heavy blankets, night sweats are usually linked to a medical condition or hormonal imbalance.
According to a study published in The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, night sweats are commonly reported by individuals without these conditions in primary care settings. The study highlights that night sweats are associated with various medical conditions, including menopause, malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and infections. However, they are also frequently reported by individuals without these conditions, indicating that night sweats can occur in the absence of serious underlying health issues.
1. Menopause
Menopause is one of the leading causes of night sweats in women. Hot flashes before or after a woman’s final period can be hard to distinguish from night sweats. Women who have had both ovaries removed or undergone chemotherapy may also experience similar symptoms.
2. Vasomotor Symptoms
Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are hormonal fluctuations that affect blood vessel regulation, often leading to hot flashes and night sweats. These symptoms are more common in women in their late 40s and 50s.
3. Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)
An overactive thyroid increases metabolism, which can raise body temperature and trigger excessive sweating. Additional symptoms may include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, shaking hands, and fatigue.
4. Low blood sugar (Hypoglycaemia)
People with diabetes may experience night sweats due to a drop in blood glucose levels during sleep. Evening exercise, late meals, or insulin and sulfonylurea-type medications can trigger overnight hypoglycaemia, leading to sweating, hunger, or thirst during the night.
5. Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea causes intermittent pauses in breathing, forcing the body into a “fight or flight” response repeatedly during the night. This triggers sweating and may be accompanied by daytime fatigue. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment can help manage this condition.
6. Acid Reflux (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease may contribute to night sweats in some cases. Symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and disrupted sleep can worsen nighttime perspiration. Lifestyle adjustments, like smaller meals and avoiding trigger foods, can reduce symptoms.
7. Cancer
Certain cancers, especially lymphoma (Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s), are known to cause night sweats. Other solid tumours, including prostate, kidney, ovarian, thyroid, and pancreatic cancers, may also be triggers. Night sweats in these cases are often accompanied by weight loss, fever, or fatigue.
8. Infections
Several infections can lead to night sweats, including tuberculosis, HIV, bacterial endocarditis, and osteomyelitis. Tuberculosis, in particular, causes night sweats in around half of infected patients. Fever, fatigue, coughing, and weight loss often accompany these infections.
9. Pheochromocytoma
This rare adrenal gland tumour leads to the overproduction of hormones, raising blood pressure and causing night sweats, headaches, and a racing pulse. It is more common in adults aged 20–50 and in families with a genetic predisposition.
10. Anxiety and stress
High levels of stress, panic, or anxiety can trigger night sweats. Nightmares or sleep terrors may also cause excessive sweating and a racing heartbeat. Professional counselling, therapy, or stress management techniques may help reduce these episodes.
When to see a GP
While occasional night sweats are usually not a cause for concern, consult a GP if:
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine or treatment.
Also read | Is it belly fat or just bloating? Know the difference and what to do about it
Understanding night sweats and its causes
Night sweats refer to repeated episodes of drenching perspiration that occur during sleep. Unlike ordinary sweating caused by heat or heavy blankets, night sweats are usually linked to a medical condition or hormonal imbalance.
According to a study published in The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, night sweats are commonly reported by individuals without these conditions in primary care settings. The study highlights that night sweats are associated with various medical conditions, including menopause, malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and infections. However, they are also frequently reported by individuals without these conditions, indicating that night sweats can occur in the absence of serious underlying health issues.
1. Menopause
Menopause is one of the leading causes of night sweats in women. Hot flashes before or after a woman’s final period can be hard to distinguish from night sweats. Women who have had both ovaries removed or undergone chemotherapy may also experience similar symptoms.
2. Vasomotor Symptoms
Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are hormonal fluctuations that affect blood vessel regulation, often leading to hot flashes and night sweats. These symptoms are more common in women in their late 40s and 50s.
3. Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)
An overactive thyroid increases metabolism, which can raise body temperature and trigger excessive sweating. Additional symptoms may include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, shaking hands, and fatigue.
4. Low blood sugar (Hypoglycaemia)
People with diabetes may experience night sweats due to a drop in blood glucose levels during sleep. Evening exercise, late meals, or insulin and sulfonylurea-type medications can trigger overnight hypoglycaemia, leading to sweating, hunger, or thirst during the night.
5. Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea causes intermittent pauses in breathing, forcing the body into a “fight or flight” response repeatedly during the night. This triggers sweating and may be accompanied by daytime fatigue. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment can help manage this condition.
6. Acid Reflux (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease may contribute to night sweats in some cases. Symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and disrupted sleep can worsen nighttime perspiration. Lifestyle adjustments, like smaller meals and avoiding trigger foods, can reduce symptoms.
7. Cancer
Certain cancers, especially lymphoma (Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s), are known to cause night sweats. Other solid tumours, including prostate, kidney, ovarian, thyroid, and pancreatic cancers, may also be triggers. Night sweats in these cases are often accompanied by weight loss, fever, or fatigue.
8. Infections
Several infections can lead to night sweats, including tuberculosis, HIV, bacterial endocarditis, and osteomyelitis. Tuberculosis, in particular, causes night sweats in around half of infected patients. Fever, fatigue, coughing, and weight loss often accompany these infections.
9. Pheochromocytoma
This rare adrenal gland tumour leads to the overproduction of hormones, raising blood pressure and causing night sweats, headaches, and a racing pulse. It is more common in adults aged 20–50 and in families with a genetic predisposition.
10. Anxiety and stress
High levels of stress, panic, or anxiety can trigger night sweats. Nightmares or sleep terrors may also cause excessive sweating and a racing heartbeat. Professional counselling, therapy, or stress management techniques may help reduce these episodes.
When to see a GP
While occasional night sweats are usually not a cause for concern, consult a GP if:
- You experience night sweats regularly that disrupt sleep or cause worry
- They are accompanied by fever, unexplained weight loss, or persistent cough
- You suspect medications or underlying medical conditions may be responsible
- A GP can evaluate your symptoms, review medications, and recommend appropriate tests or treatments.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine or treatment.
Also read | Is it belly fat or just bloating? Know the difference and what to do about it
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