Why do night sweats occur?

Sweating at night is a symptom that should be taken seriously, as night sweats are not only related to the warmth in the bedroom. Excessive sweating usually occurs when the body reacts to hormonal, inflammatory, or metabolic changes, and sweating can also be a consequence of medication effects or nervous system activity. [1]

What are night sweats?

This is a condition where sweating during sleep is so intense that clothes or bedding can become damp, even if the room is not hot. For some people, excessive night sweats occur episodically, while for others, they recur every night.

Difference between night sweats and normal sweating

Normally, sweating occurs in heat or after physical exertion, and sweating helps the body maintain a normal body temperature. However, sweating can also be a sign of negative internal processes (e.g., inflammation or hormonal fluctuations). In some cases, a person may even notice excessive sweating even when the room is cool.

Choose a SHIZURI pillow  

Causes of night sweats

There are many causes of night sweats: from hormonal changes to infections or medications. Below are the most important groups, based on clinical logic.

Hormonal changes

During menopause, decreased estrogen affects thermoregulation, leading to hot flashes and increased sweating. During this period, menopause is often associated with impaired sleep quality. [2]

It is also important to assess thyroid function, as an excess of thyroid hormones can cause heat intolerance and sweating. [3]

Additionally, when hormonal balance regulation is disrupted (e.g., during perimenopause), night sweats may be more frequent.

Infections and immune diseases

Infection can activate the immune response, leading to fever and sweating. A classic example is tuberculosis, which is characterized by nocturnal symptoms. It is also important to assess for enlarged lymph nodes. [4]

Metabolic disorders

If blood sugar levels drop at night, the body activates stress hormones, and sweating may occur. In such cases, hypoglycemia – a sudden decrease in glucose – is also important. Sometimes, blood sugar profiles are also evaluated in studies. [5]

Psychological causes - stress and anxiety

Stress activates the autonomic nervous system and can increase sweat production. For this reason, sweating can be a direct consequence of anxiety and sleep fragmentation. [6]

Medication effects - preparations affecting sweating

Some medications can increase sweating: especially antidepressants and pain relievers. If you notice a connection between a new preparation and symptoms, consult your doctor. [7]

Sometimes even a single specific medication can change the thermoregulatory response.

Body temperature regulation disorders

Hyperhidrosis is a condition where the sweat glands are overactive. In such cases, sweating can be excessive even without an obvious reason. [8]

In some cases, sweating is associated with nervous system disorders, and in rarer cases, with neurological diseases.

Incorrect pillow choice

If the pillow or pillowcases do not allow air to circulate, heat accumulates on the skin, increasing sweating. Choosing the right material helps reduce overheating.

Choose a SHIZURI pillow  

When can sweating be a serious sign?

If the symptom persists and worsens, especially if accompanied by fever, weight loss, or fatigue, it is advisable to consult a doctor. [9]

Some signs can cause night sweats (e.g., infection or metabolic fluctuations), so it's important to evaluate the overall situation.

Symptoms to watch for with sweating

• • signs of thyroid disorders

  • unexplained weight loss

  • fever

  • enlarged lymph nodes

  • persistent fatigue [9]

Measures to reduce night sweats

If environmental factors provoking excessive sweating are dominant, start with sleep hygiene: cooler temperatures, natural fabrics, breathable fillings, avoid synthetics.

Choose a SHIZURI pillow  

If sweating is more due to internal factors, excessive sweating is reduced by addressing the cause: reviewing treatment, correcting hormonal and metabolic factors.

Additionally, it is worth assessing your vitamin D levels – a deficiency is not a direct cause, but it can be associated with overall well-being and immune system background (especially if there are other problems).

When to consult a doctor?

You should immediately consult a doctor if sweating is accompanied by fever, weight loss, progressive weakness, or suspected endocrine disorders. If the symptoms recur and affect your quality of life, it is also advisable to consult a doctor again.

References

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2023). Night Sweats. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279076/
2. Freedman, R. R. (2014). Menopausal hot flashes: Mechanisms and management. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 142, 115–120. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22867935/
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2023). Hyperthyroidism. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285553/
4. World Health Organization. (2023). Tuberculosis fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis
5. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2023). Hypoglycemia. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279137/
6. Swinnen, E., et al. (2015). Stress and autonomic nervous system response. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25843635/
7. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Night sweats – Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/night-sweats/basics/causes/sym-20050768
8. American Academy of Dermatology. (2023). Hyperhidrosis overview. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hyperhidrosis-overview
9. NHS. (2023). Night sweats. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/night-sweats/