Daytime Sweaty Sleep: Why Does It Happen?

Waking up in the middle of the night covered in sweat can be alarming, but it's a common issue with a variety of causes. While it's often due to a warm sleeping environment, it can also be caused by underlying medical issues or medication side effects. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why someone might sweat in their sleep and provide tips on how to prevent night sweats and improve sleep quality.

Sleep environment

The temperature of the room you're sleeping in can have a significant impact on whether you sweat during your sleep. Experts suggest that the ideal temperature for sleeping is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but this can vary slightly depending on your preference and other factors. Your body goes through normal temperature changes while you sleep, and a warm environment can cause you to wake up in a sweat. So, while wearing long-sleeve pyjamas with layers of heavy bedding might feel cosy when falling asleep, that extra warmth may become too hot later in the night.

If you're sweating due to a warm sleep environment, there are several things you can do to help:

• Lower the temperature of your bedroom. Set the thermostat to around 65 degrees Fahrenheit if that is comfortable for you.
• Use a fan or open a window to get fresh air and lower the temperature.
• Choose lightweight and breathable bedding and sleepwear. Opt for moisture-wicking materials and avoid fleece, flannel, down, and synthetic fibres.
• Consider your mattress. Foam materials, such as memory foam, can limit airflow and trap heat.
• Avoid heavy quilts and thick down comforters; instead, use thinner, lighter blankets that can be added or removed as needed.
• Avoid wearing long sleeves and pants; opt for something with less coverage and lighter, more airy pyjamas.
• Drink a small amount of cool water before going to bed to help lower your body temperature.
• Exercise during the day to help regulate body temperature and circulation, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime as this can make it difficult to fall asleep.

Making these changes to your sleep environment and daily routine can help prevent or manage night sweats, leading to a better night's sleep.

Endocrine disorders

Night sweats can be caused by a number of factors, including environmental factors such as room temperature, clothing, and bedding. However, in some cases, they may be caused by underlying endocrine disorders. Here is some information on endocrine disorders that can cause night sweats:

• Hormonal issues and hormone disorders: Hormonal fluctuations can cause night sweats and other symptoms such as unexplained weight changes and changes in energy levels. Hormone therapy medications can also induce night sweats as a side effect.
• Hypoglycemia: This condition is characterised by low blood sugar levels, which can occur in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It can cause night sweats, nightmares, disorientation, exhaustion, and irregular heartbeat.
• Hyperthyroidism: Also known as an overactive thyroid, this condition is caused by an excess of thyroid hormones, leading to an increased metabolism and body temperature. Other symptoms include increased hunger and thirst, a racing pulse, shaking hands, fatigue, diarrhoea, and weight loss.
• Endocrine tumours: These are tumours that grow in the endocrine system and can cause hormone imbalances, leading to night sweats and other symptoms.
• Diabetes: While not directly an endocrine disorder, diabetes is a hormonal imbalance that can cause night sweats. It is important to monitor blood glucose levels before bed, as they can drop while asleep, leading to night sweats and other symptoms.

Anxiety and stress

• Have feelings of worry, dread, and fear that keep coming back
• Find it hard to think about anything other than these feelings
• Have sleep issues or unpleasant dreams
• Have stomach and digestive problems
• Have unexplained aches, pains, or muscle tension
• Feel irritable or have other mood changes
• Feel weak, tired, or generally unwell

If you are experiencing recurrent or long-lasting stress and anxiety, it could be a sign of a more serious mental health issue, such as an anxiety disorder or depression. Addressing the underlying cause of stress and anxiety, generally by working with a therapist, may help improve all of your symptoms.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

• Mindful breathing: This is a meditative practice that involves breathing in a controlled manner. Like many mindfulness practices, mindful breathing can help people reduce their stress and anxiety.
• Support from family and friends: Seeking support from loved ones can help reduce anxiety and stress.
• Physical activity: Engaging in daily physical activity can help reduce stress.
• Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine: These substances can contribute to stress and anxiety.
• Adopt healthy sleep hygiene practices: This can include building in time to wind down before bed, such as taking a warm shower, avoiding screen time, and trying to read a book.

Creating a Cool Environment

As sweating is one way that the body cools itself, finding ways to keep cool at night may help reduce night sweats. Here are some tips:

• Use a cold compress: Place a cold compress on the neck, torso, or armpits to help keep your body temperature down.
• Change your bedding: Use light, breathable materials such as cotton sheets. Avoid polyester, heavy flannel, fleece, or synthetic fibres.
• Sleep in a cool environment: Sleep with a window open, set the thermostat to a lower temperature, and use fans to maintain airflow.

Alcohol consumption

Alcohol affects the nervous system, the circulatory system, and almost every other part of the body. It can increase your heart rate and widen the blood vessels in your skin, triggering perspiration. This process is called vasodilation, which causes the skin to feel warm and flushed, leading to the release of sweat. This sweating could occur at any time of day, but as many people drink alcohol in the evening, night sweats are common.

Night sweats can also be a symptom of alcohol withdrawal, which often affects people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as a few hours after the last drink or within several days. They may include anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Delirium tremens (DT) is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal, characterised by severe sweating, fever, hallucinations, and seizures. DT is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Alcohol intolerance, caused by a genetic mutation, can also lead to night sweats. The body struggles to process alcohol efficiently due to a lack of enzymes, resulting in discomfort even with small amounts of alcohol. Symptoms of alcohol intolerance may include a worsening of pre-existing asthma, a runny or stuffy nose, facial flushing, increased heart rate, nausea, and vomiting.

To prevent and manage alcohol-related night sweats, it is recommended to:

• Drink plenty of water when consuming alcohol and throughout the day, but not in the evening.
• Avoid binge drinking.
• Seek treatment options such as counselling or medication if struggling with an alcohol use disorder.
• Consult a doctor if you suspect another underlying health condition is causing night sweats.

If you experience night sweats due to alcohol consumption, it may be a sign of alcohol addiction or alcohol abuse. Some signs of alcohol addiction include:

• Loss of control over how much and when you drink.
• Spending significant time thinking about drinking or recovering from drinking.
• Drinking in dangerous situations.
• Experiencing common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, like delirium tremens, when you don't drink.
• Needing to drink more to get the same effect.

If you notice these signs or have concerns about your drinking, it is important to seek help from a doctor or mental health professional.

Sleep disorders

Night sweats can be caused by sleep disorders, including insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. Night sweats are more common in people with these conditions, and treating them may help reduce night sweats. Sleep disorders can cause frequent awakenings, which may contribute to night sweats.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where breathing pauses during sleep, leading to snoring, gasping, and interrupted sleep. It can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke and is often treated with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation and appropriate treatment. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend lifestyle changes or medical interventions to improve your sleep quality and reduce night sweats.

Other Potential Causes of Night Sweats

In addition to sleep disorders, night sweats can be caused by various factors, including environmental, medical, and lifestyle factors. Here are some common causes:

• Sleeping environment: A warm bedroom, heavy bedding, or thick sleepwear can contribute to night sweats.
• Infections: Serious infections like HIV, mononucleosis, pneumonia, flu, or COVID-19 can cause night sweats.
• Hormonal changes: Menopause, pregnancy, thyroid disorders, and menstrual cycle changes can lead to hormonal fluctuations and night sweats.
• Medication side effects: Certain drugs, such as antidepressants, diabetes medications, and hormone-altering medications, can cause night sweats.
• Endocrine disorders: Conditions like hyperthyroidism and diabetes can disrupt hormone levels and lead to night sweats.
• Anxiety and stress: Mental health conditions like anxiety and chronic stress can cause physical symptoms, including increased sweating.
• Hyperhidrosis: This condition causes excessive sweating without apparent triggers and may be primary (unknown cause) or secondary (resulting from another medical condition).
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): There is a link between GERD and night sweats, although the exact reason is unknown.
• Cancer: Certain types of cancer, especially Hodgkin's lymphoma, can cause night sweats, along with other symptoms like weight loss and fever.

If you experience frequent night sweats that interfere with your sleep or daily life, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation. They can help identify any underlying medical conditions or medication side effects that may be contributing to your night sweats and provide appropriate treatment or lifestyle recommendations.

Frequently asked questions