Night sweats refers to excessive sweating during sleep. Light sweating typically wouldn't be characterized as night sweats. Night sweats are more akin to hot flashes one experiences at night. It's a common problem that affects men and women alike and can be caused by a host of conditions from medically benign things like a hot bedroom or sleeping under too many blankets all the way to more serious medical conditions like excessive stress or anxiety, side effects from medications, or even neurological problems.
Mild sweating at night would not be characterized as "night sweats." The amount of sweat produced from this condition is excessive. It can vary greatly from lightly sweating into one's pajamas to soaking the bedsheets and bed. Sometimes the amount of overheating and perspiration that one experiences in a night sweat is so great that it wakes them up in the middle of the night prompting them to move over to a dry part of the bed or possibly even to change their bed clothes. If it's clear that the overheating is a result of a hot environment, wearing lighter pajamas or using lighter blankets or keeping an open airflow in the bedroom can prevent future episodes. If the sleeping conditions are not hot however, there may be medical causes.
A variety of medical conditions or medically-related situations can contribute to the occurrence of night sweats. Perhaps the most common or most obvious is stress and anxiety. Stressful waking lives can manifest in dreams that cause great anxiety and result in night sweats. For women in menopause, night sweats can occur just as hot flashes during the day occur. Night sweats may be a byproduct or side effect of certain medications or combinations of medications. Those who suffer from idioathic hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating generally, may also sweat excessively during the nighttime hours. Infections, hormonal imbalances, certain cancers, and even neurological problems can also cause night sweating.
In most cases, night sweats are harmless — the result of a hot environment or a temporarily stressful period in one's life. Medical professionals, however, recommend that those who suffer from these nusances for a prolonged period seek the advice of a medical professional as it could be a symptom of a more serious medical problem.
In some cases, night sweats may be triggered by something as straightforward as too many blankets on your bed or certain medications. Many women have night sweats when they go through menopause. Sometimes night sweats can be caused by a medical disorder. Infection, cancer, problems in your nervous system or in your body's hormone-producing glands (endocrine system) can all trigger night sweats.
Night sweats are a common side effect of many medications, such as:
Antidepressants
Antipyrectics — medications that lower your body's temperature
Hormone therapy — medications that regulate the amount of hormones in your body
Hypoglycemic agents — medications that decrease the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood
Medical conditions that can cause night sweats
Diseases and conditions that can cause night sweats include:
Autonomic neuropathy (damage to your autonomic nerves)
Brucellosis (a bacterial infection)
Carcinoid syndrome (a syndrome resulting from a certain type of cancerous tumor)
Endocarditis (an infection of your heart lining)
HIV/AIDS
Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease)
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Leukemia
Menopause
Myelofibrosis (a bone marrow disorder)
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Osteomyelitis (a bone infection)
Pheochromocytoma (a rare adrenal gland tumor)
Pyogenic abscess (a pus-filled cavity caused by an infection)
Stroke
Syringomyelia (a fluid-filled cyst in the spinal cord)
Tuberculosis
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Humans prefer a cooler temperature when they sleep than when they’re awake. While the exact right temperature for restful sleep is still up for debate, some studies indicate that the ideal temperature may be around 66 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important that you recognize the difference between the temperature indicated by your thermostat and the ambient temperature in and around your bedroom, bed and body.
If you discover that ambient temperature is well above the 66 to 68 degree area, you need to somehow get that temperature under control before you can realistically focus on other night sweats causes. Open a window, place standing fan or install a ceiling fan… but do something.
The usual suspects are the culprit in this case: foods and beverages containing caffeine (including chocolate), alcohol, dense and fatty foods and spicy foods will all contribute to your suffering night sweats symptoms.
Additionally, I think people underestimate how close to bed they should avoid these foods and beverages. An hour isn’t enough time: I encourage you to avoid these foods at least 2 to 3 hours before bed and ideally you shouldn’t consume either caffeine or alcohol in the evening at all.
Chamomile tea may soothe and calm you while peppermint tea can both cool you and your heat-generating digestive tract. If you’re concerned with drinking a hot beverage near bed time, you can brew a strong tea earlier in the day then refrigerate it to make an iced tea.
If you don’t mind the scent of peppermint, a quality peppermint essential oil can help in a variety of ways. Some people put a dab on the back of their neck. Some put it on the soles of their feet. You can even put a couple drops in some water and ice for sipping as you prepare for bed. Unfortunately peppermint also has an awakening effect, so be careful with how much you use.
A really popular natural treatment for hot flashes and night sweats is black cohosh.