Night sweats, also known as nocturnal hyperhidrosis, refer to excessive sweating that occurs during sleep. People experiencing night sweats may wake up drenched in sweat, soaking through their clothes and bedding. This condition can be uncomfortable and disruptive to sleep.
Night sweats can vary in intensity from person to person and may be caused by various factors, such as:
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as infections (like tuberculosis or HIV), menopause in women, certain cancers (like lymphoma), and hormonal imbalances can lead to night sweats.
Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants or certain fever-reducing drugs, can cause night sweats as a side effect.
Anxiety and stress: High levels of stress or anxiety can trigger sweating during sleep.
Sleep environment: Sleeping in a room that is too warm or using heavy bedding can contribute to night sweats.
A night sweat episode can be characterized by:
Excessive sweating: The person may wake up with their clothes and bedding soaked in sweat.
Increased heart rate: The sweating may be accompanied by an elevated heart rate.
Feeling hot: The person experiencing night sweats might feel overly warm during the episode.
Chills: Sometimes, night sweats can be followed by a cooling sensation as the body tries to regulate its temperature.
It's essential to determine the underlying cause of night sweats, as they can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. If you or someone you know experiences persistent or severe night sweats, it's advisable to seek medical attention to identify and address the root cause.