Reasons for Excessive Sweating at Night

There are several reasons why you could be sweating a lot at night but to answer your question accurately, it would be helpful to know if you are a man or a woman. For women of a particular age (around their late forties and in their 50s) excessive sweating at night is one of the first signs of menopause. There are a number of natural and herbal remedies you can try to combat this problem if menopause is the cause of your night sweats. However, before you stock up on supplements, you must check with your doctor that it is indeed menopause and not an infection or a problem with the endocrine or nervous system that is causing the problem. Some herbs also have unpleasant side effects or may counteract with your medication so proceed with caution. Herbs used to treat hot flashes, night sweats and other menopausal symptoms include Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, and Ginseng.

Men who suffer from night sweats may be suffering from a condition known as sleep hyperhidrosis. Symptoms of this medical condition include profuse sweating in the middle of the night. This may be so severe that the person gets up at night with the sheets and clothes drenched in sweat. Since night sweats in men is rarely caused by a hormonal imbalance the condition can be treated easily. The first thing that needs to be done is to check if the bedroom you sleep in is well ventilated and cooled. Switch from a blanket to a light sheet and use only cotton nightwear and sheets to reduce sweating and discomfort. Try and keep a check on the food you eat especially at dinnertime. Foods that are spicy or oily, caffeinated drinks and products high in refined sugar can all induce perspiration. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day to help balance out your internal body temperature but try not to drink too much around bedtime or you will be running to the bathroom the whole night. If you exercise in the evening or at night, switch to more calming exercises such as yoga or pilates. Cardiovascular exercises such as jogging or weight training elevates your body temperature and increases the chance of night sweats.

If the problem persists, consult with your doctor to rule out any other underlying medical condition. Diabetes, bacterial infections, tonsillitis, some types of cancers, certain medications, hormone disorders and a host of neurological conditions can cause excessive night sweats.

answered by G M

Sweating at nights is not necessarily due to any underlying condition, but can be a result of

a warm room with closed windows
anxiety
menopause
too many blankets and
fever or blood pressure medications.

Sometimes, night sweats are an offspring of diabetes and acid reflux. Take the guidance of your physician, if the night sweats are regular and interrupts your sleep.

answered by r k

I sweat a lot at night and wondering if this means trouble.