16 Common Causes of Night Sweats — and What to Do About It

Waking up in a pool of sweat is a relatively common experience that people refer to as "night sweats." In most cases, they aren't a cause for concern. Usually, they mean the room is too hot or the bedding is too heavy.

But, every now and then, they're a sign of an underlying health condition. We'll explain the most common causes of night sweats - and how to know if you should see a healthcare professional to rule out if anything more serious is going on.

The most common night sweat causes

Night sweats are sometimes cause for concern, but they often have nothing to do with a person's health. They're many times a symptom of the natural changes that happen when you sleep. Let's review the most common night sweat causes below.

1. Sleepwear

Your pajamas may be causing you to overheat at night. This is especially true if your pajamas have long sleeves or if they're made from a heavier material like fleece or flannel.

2. Sleep environment

When most people picture going to sleep, they imagine curling up in a warm and cozy bed. Nestling under a heap of covers can actually help you fall asleep. But if you like a heavy blanket, it's important to keep the room temperature cold (60°F to 67°F is the ideal range) to avoid sweating overnight.

3. Medications

Many medications may cause excessive sweating and lead to night sweats. Common ones include:

• medications that help bring down fevers, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil)

• steroids, such as prednisone

• certain antidepressants, like amitriptyline, duloxetine, and venlafaxine

• medications for diabetes, like insulin and pioglitazone

4. Menopause

Hot flashes can occur at night while you're sleeping. These are common during menopause or perimenopause - the period of time around menopause when a person's body starts changing in preparation for menopause.

5. Menstruation

A decrease in the hormone estrogen can cause the body to be more sensitive to temperature changes. This change happens right before and at the start of a person's menstrual period. And it may cause some people to experience night sweats.

6. Stress

The body's natural stress response can result in sweating - and this sweating may happen at night. Stress can cause an overactive mind and body, which can result in different physical symptoms.

7. Infection

A routine infection, like the common cold, can cause a fever that leads to night sweats. But some rarer infections can also cause night sweats. These include endocarditis, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), mononucleosis, and malaria. But getting night sweats from a fever doesn't necessarily mean that you have one of these infections. If you have a fever, talk with a healthcare professional for advice on the source of the fever.

8. Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid is a gland in the body that helps maintain body temperature. When it's overactive in hyperthyroidism, it can heat up the body more than usual. This can lead to night sweats. Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed with a blood test. Make sure to visit a healthcare professional if you have unexplained night sweats or think you may be at risk for thyroid disease.

9. Chronic acid reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is a common condition that can lead to heartburn, chest pain, and sometimes a hoarse voice and cough. GERD symptoms are often worse at night, when you're lying flat. Some studies show GERD can also cause night sweats.

10. Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to temporarily stop breathing while asleep. Case reports suggest that this condition can lead to night sweats. If people tell you that you are a heavy snorer or gasp for air while sleeping, you may be at risk for sleep apnea.

11. Sweating disorder

This is a rare but harmless condition known as "hyperhidrosis." It makes a person sweat excessively - both during the day and at night. There are effective treatments for this condition, so don't be embarrassed to let a healthcare professional know if you're very sweaty.

12. Autoimmune disorders

Night sweats can sometimes be a symptom of autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, and lupus.

13. Autonomic neuropathy

This can lead to problems with excessive sweating. It's caused by damage to the nerves that control the involuntary functions of your organs. Conditions that can lead to autonomic neuropathy include diabetes and Parkinson's disease.

14. Alcohol use disorder

Alcohol can increase the size of your blood vessels. This can lead to increased sweating, especially if you drink alcohol before going to bed or drink heavily.

15. Substance use disorder

Addictive substances, like cocaine and heroin, can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature and may cause night sweats.

16. Cancer

This is a much less common cause of night sweats. But certain cancers are known to cause night sweats, like:

• Lymphoma

• Leukemia

• Carcinoid tumors

What to do if you have night sweats

Waking up in a pool of sweat is an unpleasant feeling. And it can disrupt your sleep. If you find yourself waking up with night sweats, here are some things you can try to help get rid of them:

• Dress in light sleepwear. Pajamas should be loose, light, and breathable. Avoid flannel or fleece, and choose short sleeves and shorts instead of longer pajamas.

• Remove blankets. Avoid heavy or down comforters. Use only a sheet or sleep on top of the covers.

• Try lowering the temperature in the room. The recommended temperature for sleeping is between 60°F and 67°F. If possible, try adjusting your air conditioner at night to this setting.

• Open a window. If you don't have air conditioning, open any windows that are in the room. This can help circulate air and keep the room cooler.

• Use a fan. Strategically placed fans that rotate and blow cool air directly toward you can help keep you cool as you sleep.

When should you get care for night sweats?

Sometimes night sweats can be a sign that there's something else going on. Pay attention to other symptoms that seem new for you. See a healthcare professional if you're also experiencing:

• Fever

• Excessive tiredness

• Cough or shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Unintentional weight loss

• Rashes

• Nail changes (long, red streaks underneath the nail)

• New pain

• Excessive fatigue

• Swollen lymph nodes

Even if you don't have any of the above symptoms, it's still a good idea to see a healthcare professional if you're experiencing night sweats that won't go away. This is especially the case if you've followed the suggested tips and things are not getting any better.

Frequently asked questions