Categories: Health

7 causes of night sweats

Waking up in the night hot and in a sweat is one of the most unpleasant feelings. These waves of intense heat can interrupt a good night’s sleep and leave you feeling sluggish the next day. So understanding what could be causing your night sweats is the first step to treating them.

Below we’ve listed some of the most common causes of night sweats. It’s important to note, though, that your night sweats might be caused by the hot climate you’re in, too many blankets or even a mattress that retains your body heat. If that’s not the case, one of these seven causes might explain why you’re experiencing night sweats.

1. Menopause

Essentially, your night sweats could be night hot flashes. Women who are in the perimenopausal state often experience hot flashes, which can occur in the middle of the night, waking you in a hot sweat.

2. Medications

Some medications might be causing you to wake up in a sweat. Certain antidepressants, psychiatric drugs and even aspirin can cause night sweats. Talk to your doctor about the medication you take to see if it could be causing your night-sweat symptoms.

3. Cancer

Night sweats can be an early symptom of cancers like lymphoma. Other symptoms that usually accompany cancer -caused night sweats are unexplained weight loss and fever.

4. Infection

Like tuberculosis, an abscess, endocarditis (inflamed heart valves) or osteomyelitis (inflammation in the bones) can cause night sweats. Other serious infections, such as AIDS, can also cause night sweats.

5. Anxiety

Stress and anxiety could be causing your body to sweat in the night. The Other symptoms of anxiety include nervousness, tension and sleep trouble.

6. Sleep disorders

Destructive sleep apnea or another sleep disorder could be causing your night sweats. Other symptoms that can accompany destructive sleep disorder include waking abruptly to gasping or choking, daytime sleepiness and high blood pressure.