Tips for Dealing with Night Sweats

Waking Up Drenched? Let's Talk About Night Sweats

There’s nothing quite as unsettling as waking up in the middle of the night, your pajamas clinging to you, and your sheets damp with sweat making you wonder if you left the heater on too high! But when it happens repeatedly, these aren't just inconvenient — they're "night sweats".

So, what exactly are night sweats?

More Than Just Being Too Hot

We've all experienced sweating in our sleep. Maybe you had too many blankets, the room was stuffy, or you just finished a vigorous workout a bit too close to bedtime. These are normal responses to an overheated environment.

True night sweats, however, are different. They are episodes of excessive sweating that soak your nightclothes or bedding, even when your bedroom is cool and comfortable. They often wake you up and can leave you feeling clammy and chilled.

What Causes Those Unwelcome Wake-Up Calls?

The causes of night sweats are varied, ranging from common and benign to more serious medical conditions. Here’s a rundown of some of the most frequent culprits:

• Hormonal Fluctuations: This is a big one, especially for women.

  • Menopause: Hot flashes and night sweats are classic symptoms of perimenopause and menopause as estrogen levels fluctuate.

  • Pregnancy: Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can also lead to increased sweating.

  • Thyroid Disorders: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause your metabolism to speed up, leading to excessive sweating, including at night.

• Medications: Many medications can have night sweats as a side effect.

  • Antidepressants: Certain types, particularly SSRIs, are known to cause night sweats.

  • Aspirin and Acetaminophen: Overuse can sometimes lead to sweating.

  • Diabetes Medications: Some drugs that lower blood sugar can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which triggers sweating.

  • Hormone-blocking drugs: Used in some cancer treatments.

• Infections: Your body's immune response to an infection can raise your temperature and lead to sweating.

• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): If you have diabetes and your blood sugar drops too low during the night, your body releases adrenaline, which can cause sweating.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Some people report night sweats alongside acid reflux symptoms.

• Anxiety and Stress: While not always a direct cause of "soaking" night sweats, chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to a heightened state of arousal that impacts sleep and can include sweating.

Finding Relief

While treating the underlying cause is key, there are some things you can do to manage night sweats in the short term:

• Keep your bedroom cool: Use a fan, air conditioning, or open a window.

• Wear light, breathable sleepwear: Cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics are best.

• Use breathable bedding: Opt for natural fibers like cotton, bamboo or Tencel Eucalyptus (www.secondspring.co.nz).

• Avoid triggers before bed: This includes spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and hot beverages.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.

• Consider a cool shower before bed: This can help lower your body temperature.

Night sweats can be a nuisance, but understanding their potential causes is the first step towards finding relief. Don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you're concerned – they can help you uncover the reason behind those nocturnal drenches and get you back to a more restful night's sleep.

If you are experiencing night sweats and prefer to sleep on cooling sheets, but your partner wants warm sheets for those cooler nights, Second Spring Bed Linen offers a dual-zoned solution for everyone!