Night sweats are not as disturbing for the patient as other forms but because undisturbed sleep is so important to our body, it can have a significant impact on our health – no on like to wake up to wet sheets, especially in the cold!
There are 2-4 million sweat glands that are used by our nervous system to cool off the body and keep it within a constant and acceptable temperature. When the sweating process exceeds its normal production, such as night sweats, we are dealing with the phenomenon called hyperhidrosis. The condition is acknowledged when the production of sweat by the axillary glands exceeds 100 mg in an interval of five minutes.
The hypothalamic preoptic sweat center is located in the brain and it sends commands through the brain stem and medulla to the innervations of the sweat glands. The nerves enter the spinal cord and synapse in the anterolateral cell column of the spinal cord. Neurons then exit the spinal cord and enter the sympathetic ganglia found in the chest and from there they supply the upper limbs. A hyperactive sympathetic nervous system is believed to be responsible for hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. The deregulation of the sympathetic nervous system may occur when the individual is exposed to various distressful stimuli. Thermal stimuli may also trigger the negative effects of hyperhidrosis.
The most common areas of the body where emotionally triggered excessive sweating appears are the hands, the underarms and the feet. When, during sleep, emotional stimuli are reduced, hyperhidrosis may manifest itself through thermal sweating.
Symptoms of Night Sweats
- Damp and clammy bedding. You wake up to find your bedding soaked. You either feel too hot or clammily cold.
Night Sweats – Causes
- Menopause or Andropause. Menopause in women is the most common cause of night sweats. However, some men also suffer from night sweats during the male menopause, or andropause.
- HIV, tuberculosis. In fact, any infectious disease or condition that brings on a fever can cause night sweats.
- Diabetes. Diabetes can also cause night sweats.
- Sleep apnea. This is the one that most concerns us. Night sweats can also be a sign of sleep apnea. If you also suffer from severe snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness, it might be time for a study.
- Alcohol, some drugs, spicy foods. Consumption of any of these can cause night sweats. And by drugs, I’m not necessarily referring to street drugs. Some prescription drugs, like Zoloft, can also cause night sweats.
A visitor named Christina wanted us to include Cancer as a possibility and commented:
Your article is well written but has one serious omission. Under the section about causes of night sweats, you fail to list cancer as a potential cause and this could mislead readers into thinking they don’t need to see a doctor all that urgently. As someone who’s survived breast cancer and now has lymphoma, night sweats were *the* predominant symptom I had that eventually led to diagnosis. While I agree that there are many other, more likely and more benign, causes of night sweats, I feel that it’s important to at the very least include cancer in the list of potential causes so that those who do suffer from night sweats know they need to take discovering their root cause seriously and to be persistent until they do. With respectful thanks, Christina
Treatment of Night Sweats
Various anticholinergic medications have success in treating excessive sweating. A treatment with Robinul starts at 1 or 2mg one to three times a day and has good effects on excessive manifestations of hyperhidrosis. Higher doses are usually needed to help sustain a favorable environment for a successful treatment.
Excessive Sweating Medications
The side effects that appear with an increase in dosage are to be considered. Hyperhidrosis medications, especially when used intensively, produce mouth dryness, also known as cotton mouth. Other patients suffer from side effects such as blurry vision, constipation or urinary retention. Reflex tachycardia and moderate memory impairment were also signaled with some patients undergoing medication treatment for hyperhidrosis.
Another medication used in the treatment of excessive sweating is Propranolol, a beta-blocker that has both sympathetic and generalized activity. It mostly targets stress induced hyperhidorsis and is successful in eliminating most of the negative effects of the condition. Side effects are considerable and include a slow heart rate and a low blood pressure. As a consequence of the two side effects mentioned before, the patients also accuse a continuous state of tiredness and apathy.
Anticholinergic medications such as Propentheline Bromide (Probanthine) and Oxybutynin (Ditropan) are also used in the treatment process. They are used orally and have been known to improve the excessive sweating process, reducing the sweat amount. Anticholinergic drugs are not suitable for targeted local use, as the skin does not absorb them properly.
Botox to Control Sweating
Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is sometimes used to treat night sweating. It is injected into the skin and it acts as a temporary blockage for the sympathetic nerves that stimulate the excessive sweat production. This type of medication works well on local areas, where it is injected. When applied in 15 or 20 locations in the under arm area, Botox is usually effective; noticeable decreases in the sweat levels are observed after the injections. The downside of this treatment method is that it needs to be repeated every 3 or 4 months for facial treatment and up to 12 months for other areas.
The high cost of the Botox injections may prove to be a difficult obstacle to remove for a patient. The repeated usage of this treatment is expensive and the cure itself is temporary, not final. Another deterrent has been the pain that is associated to the Botox injections.
Before your receive treatments, you should first ask your doctor exactly what steps they take during the process. Most experienced doctors will apply topical numbing creams before the treatment which greatly reduces any pain. You should also look for doctors who perform a starch-iodine test to map out the sweat glands prior to treatment.
Don’t ask these questions directly, but rather look for them in the response to your questions. If during the consultation you don’t hear these or similar answers, then ask them directly and make your evaluation. Many patients suffering from Night Sweats have been very happy with the results of this treatment.
Apart from axillary hyperhidrosis, Botox is also used to treat facial sweating and palmar excessive sweating. Many patients, who wish to avoid the pain of receiving the injection, do not accept treating the face and hands with Botox injections. Temporary paralysis of the hand muscles was observed in some cases, but this is not a frequent side effect.
Just a Bad Dream?
Just because you wake up with wet sheets does not mean you have a problem, it could be as simple as a dream, stress at work or similar factors. If however, you wake up at night with bedding and nightclothes damp with sweat at least 4 of 7 days, then you should seek medical attention.
Mike Cooper says
about 2-3 times a week I wake up about 1 or 2 in the morning with the lower sheet soaking. My body is dry.
My pillow is dry though I sleep on the left side of it. /wetness of the sheet matches the upper part of my body. 92 years old with not too many health problems. Ths present problem started month ago.
Mark says
Well, so I started using drugs heroin to be exact and ever since then I have never been able to sleep right I wake up drenched in sweat and I toss and turn, take a shower, change my sheets and my cover and it happens all over again, sweat, no sleep, it’s crazy, it’s almost like someone dumped water on me but its my own sweat and it smells bad as well and I am a very clean person. I shower often and is what seems to help is showering but it all comes back as soon as I lay down.
Please help me what do I do!
steve says
I am 44 don’t drink and have little or no sleep because of this I have just woke for the third time in three hours to hairdryer by bed again, I have had no sleep in the last 72 hours sweat from forehead neck backside and legs. This is pretty much my life’s routine and has been for many years, I have recently been to docs for blood tests and await results, it doesn’t matter if I sleep on or under my sheets, constantly tired and irritable. Steve
Grace says
I am 74, diabetic, anemic and now on 12 medications because of heart condition (silent aschemia I have high blood pressure I have had episodes of night sweats but not much to bother However with all these pills I am having severe night sweats with when I wake up, I sometimes have no control over my body. I tried to get up but had trouble I had trouble walking and sinting on the toilet. I ended up faling and biting my tongue Lately I have been waking up on putting the covers on and off all night When I sweat iam sweating but am cold. I sm corld all the times . I ca have on 3 blankets and sill fell chills.
I also have indigestion a lot from the meds
Qamar says
I been a heart patient for 3 years and when i sleep at night my legs and feet start sweating and I’m not sure why they sweat i take tablets for my heart condition aswell
Faith says
I in my teens and have been experiencing night sweats for about 4 days in a row. I wake up soaked in sweat all over. from reading past comments, I am scared something is wrong with me. I have taken Zoloft for about 3 months and this recently just started happening this week.
I drank alcohol for the very first time 2 weeks ago and very rarely smoke marijuana. I don’t think that has anything to do with it though. I have multiple cancers that run in the female side of my family and I am scared that that might be the answer to my night sweats. if you have an idea of what is happening, please comment an idea or answer! thank you!
Colleen Lee says
I am 73 and I started these night sweats two years back. I had lived in the tropics, my husband left me BUT I never had sweats like this in high humidity 95%, nor thru Menopause, nor thru heart arriths ( I have 2 and had 4 pacemaker implants, I became an adult asthmatic in 1987, had stomach ulcers yet none of these awful things made me sweat. I am also a person who HAS to take heart meds, blood thinners etc but had for years and never had these sweats.
I found coming back to a climate where it became cold terrible, use to walk lots. The sweats this year became worse and are now getting dreadful. I get them in the day @ times or like today I woke so chilled, I sleep on an electric blanket ( I cannot take it without it ) and I now get the shakes as well, like today so bad I want to go back to bed tried to walk but found the cold wind going thru me as I was still sweating.
I saw one of you mention then it went to your ears , I found 2 weeks back my ear had this odd feeling and now it dripping from my nose and eyes. Yes, my hair is always wet, I try to run the hair dryer over me to get warm but nope still chilled. I have the temps set @ 27C still cold. Sit up like one of you til late but still happens. I was found not breathing with pneumonia in early May and went thru 4 hospitals in 15 weeks. Took 11 lots of intravenous injections to cure the strain or pneumonia and then 4 lots of oral. Nurses saw me sweating and it has even become worse like my eyes the shakes since I was discharges end of August.
I told over 4 doctors, I told the shrink they put me under all think it was an infection, or once again stress. I HAVE stress coz of this condition that makes me sweat. I am on Diazepam 5mg 3 times a day, makes me mad use to be on Xanax doc I saw last year told me I had to get off it went thru detox alone broke it now in a drug again. Inhaler been on it for years ALVESCO, it is okay I am sure, SOTALOL twice a day for my heart,PLVIK blood thinner for years. Hospital put me on AXIT/AVAZA 180, Codeine when I get Migraines had them since I was 17 worse now.Have disc out in my back was doing okay after rehab, had steroids into my back in 2012 bad never have that done messes your liver and puts weight on and does not fix the back.
NOW they called in a Prof who deals with pain he put me on this controlled drug called TARGIN 5/2 it sure helps the pain I tried to not take it and I could not walk. Sleep we all need it like most of you I am very sleep deprived so doc gives me Stilnox , yes it makes me sleep for about 4 hrs BUT like all drugs like this you need more and more. * Never had an illegal drug in my life BUT gee the docs sure gave me lots that seem to do the same.
Saw my doc 2 weeks back there every week he gives me 5 mins , now I am like a hypochondriac to him. told me I had a cold that was why my ear was odd, my nose fluid is clear it is like sweat. I do not accept it and I am like most of you lost. I have looked it up I think it is hyperhidrosis, I get clammy. cold sweats I cannot put it down anymore it is not stress, had worse with my heart and no sweats I did not even sweat going thru menopause. I have been tested for HIV, HEPS, but not had the long test you need for diabetes.
I eat badly now coz I am too cold and alone. I eat soup, toast, oranges, bananas and not much else. Water use to drink a lot now coz I stay in bed to get warm I drink less. Yesterday, I drank 12 glasses of water and it is the worst sweat I ever woke with. I am still cold and clammy. Cannot get my hair done, dropping out as wet, eyes wet drips from my head. Nobody cares any help would be great.
Thanks
Colleen
terence frantz says
I have been getting very sweaty or wet on upper body at night i had it on occasion but its been a little worse, 67yr old have been in pain for many yrs ulnar nerve roots pulled from spinal cord in 1981. they tried everything to stop pain i am on percocet for yrs also have taken ocycontin very soldem take it i am able to just stop taking these drugs but cannot handle pain this sweating is been coming on in the last two three weeks. i have always hated taking narcotics heard too many horror stories can you please help me i really deep down do not feel as old as i am love life but have no enjoyment no life.
Adam says
One straight forward condition not mentioned is autonomic nervous system dysfunction. That’s my issue. Anyway…. I just don’t sleep with a top sheet and I don’t sweat. Not spending more with doctors than I already have. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Just don’t sleep with a top sheet.
Alana says
I have sweats but they are not usually when I sleep. I sweat so badly and only a certain part of my body my neck and above, I have M .S. also. This sweating is also ruining my life as it happens every time I do something like laundry not an exerting thing to do or sweeping that also, it is driving me crazy. It looks like I just have gotten out of a shower my hair is so wet. I do not know what to do but if it doesn’t stop soon I don’t know what I am going to do with myself. I am at my wits end please someone please help with an answer to this problem, really I don’t know what I am going to do I’m in agony from this!
Sonia says
I have been to the doctors and been placed through a load of tests and each came back with nothing wrong. I’m 36 years old, sweat 2 to 3 times at night and the only explanation is that its not menopause, to eat well, don’t drink! Yes, I smoke but I’m not over weight so please, someone explain why I’m sweating so much at night!
Kirk says
I am a 38 year old male and for as long as I can remember I sweat a lot when I’m trying to sleep. I only sweat in the bottom half of my body (legs and butt) but some nights my sheets will be soaked. I tend to find that I sweat mostly just when I have just woken up or even if I brush my wife’s leg it triggers it. I have terrible sleep patterns and probably wake up at least 6-8 times a night. I have a stressful job and have always put it down to this. I do get migraines a lot too and am constantly thirsty. I also tend to have big mood swings and feeling depressed.
Lisa Chambers says
Okay before we start recommending drugs and freaking people out. I go in stages of sleep problems. From no dreams at all to very vivid and disturbing dreams accompanied by sweating. Stress is the NUMBER ONE reason my sleep patterns change!
When I am eating the right foods, maintaining a healthy stress level, and not drinking caffeine I am fine. Drugs including prescription drugs, alcohol, heroine, cocaine, cigarettes and pot have a HUGE impact on sleep patterns and inconsistencies. Another thing to note is that anytime you dream your sub consciousness is sorting out your daily events and sometimes your dreams can indicate problems that you are having when your awake.
Please don’t jump the gun and get drugged up for abnormal sleep because in most cases this will make it worse! I’m not saying that you shouldn’t be seen by the doctor but don’t be too ready to cash in a prescription drug. Our bodies were never built to survive on processed foods and drinks, man made drugs, and unhealthy life styles and doctors will give you drugs (certain people because I have NEVER been offered a narcotic..EVER) just because they know you will not change your life style and think it easier to offer drugs (along with the fat bonus they get from giving you drugs smh) Just eat right, stop any and all drugs, and relax see if that helps before you start taking more drugs that cause more problems down the road!
Lynne says
I’ve found myself, most nights in night sweat. (I’m age 54.) But then whenever I drink lots of water, I don’t wake up in the middle of the night, in a night sweat! (I don’t know what the reason to explain this is!)
Attention zack p.s. says
P.s. i meant to mention night sweats is also a common occurance in diabetes insipidus.
Attentntion ZACK!! (The marine who posted summer 2012) says
Hello Zack! Im not sure if there is a way to reply directly to his response or for someone to get his attention! Also to all others that mimic his case history. Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by nightsweats, insatiable thirst, polyuria (excessive urination), trouble gaining weight, craving ice, muscle wasting (may may/ not be present) also, im not sure about the iron deficiency but i do know two diabetics (insipidus patients) who are anemic but im not sure of the cause of their anemia. I’m a Medical Technologist it sounds A LOT like Diabetes insipidus, very very serious if not treated, you need the following tests done: to get your serum fasting blood sugar(glucose), a glucose tolerance test depending on the fasting glucose, urinalysis (macroscopic), and serum electrolytes (K, Ca, & Na <most important). I was actually afraid reading your post, please see a doctor ASAP. Usually when you go to donate blood they check your sugar as well, im not sure when they checked and saw your hemoglobin or iron was low they might have stopped there and never checked the sugar or overlooked the slightly elevated sugar if in the high normal range. Please get this checked!!!!
Joyce says
I was being treated for UTI when these night sweat started. I wake up wringing wet in the chest area and hair wringing wet.Have to change pillow case and PJ’s Have no energy and have fatigue. Yawn a lot. Also notice sweats in the daytime. The Dr. took an EKG and said there was some indication of a mild condition Do you have any suggestions. Could
it be a heart condition? I do not have High blood pressure and my COPD is under control right now. I get chills a lot and my skin is clammy after the sweats. I had to cancel an appointment with my Pulmonary Dr. because of the weather Friday My Internist heard a small amount of wheezing. Any help will be appreciated.
Sara says
I’ve read through most of your comments and found quite a few of you that sound like me. I’m a pretty healthy 29 year old, Im not overweight and have had no health issues, I am also not on any medication aside from birth control. My night sweats have been noticeable for the last few years, happening at least a few nights every week. My night sweats are sometimes simultaneous with night terrors. I have been researching both night sweats and night terrors for some time and have heard they can both be linked to hypoglycemia and diabetes. It is possible that people with night sweats may be prediabetic. If you start eating healthier there is a chance you can avoid becoming diabetic later in life. I have never been diagnosed with either but I have begun cutting out as much sugar as I can out of my diet, and this seems to be helping to avoid night sweats. The FDA recommends under 40 grams of sugar a day which is extremely hard to do since it adds up fast (milk has 14 grams!!).
Zack says
My name is Zack, im a united states marine going on 2 years. I dont do drugs, never have, I drink often on weekends but thats it. I’ve been an insomniac since i was born. I do although get rare times i sleep for entire days on weekends. i have weeks at a time where i do not sleep. Anyways, thats a short background. Since i hit puberty ive always had the excessive night sweating problem. it goes away at times, but comes back for weeks-months. lately its been coming back, and strong. i wake up soaked in sweat from my head to my feet, feeling dehydrated and exhausted. i get constant migraines and lose focus and blurr wihout hesitation. Im forced to CONSTANTLY hydrate notstop, its the only way for me to stay concious, especially as a marine stationed on a tropical island with constant heat waves and high humidity. up until today i figured my sweating was a result of me coming from a very cold area in michigan. I would sleep with my windows open, fan directly on me, and near-naked in the middle of winter in freezing temperatures just to stop the sweating, and grew comfortable to that. Its very agrivating and im finally sick of constantly having to deal with it, on top of all my activities and duties as a marine. I also tried multiple times to donate blood, but every time they say my iron levels are too low. I do eat constantly, all throughout the day and my diet includes ion-rich foods. i dont know if that contributes. if anyone has any idea what could be wrong, please feel free to give me any advice or comments. I tried getting it checked out here, but we use corpsman (navy doctors) who are imbosiles and have no idea what they are doing.
jessica says
ok so i have been waking up from sleeping and my face is sweaty now can this be because my husband is gone for three weeks for army duty and first time being alone and have not been sleeping like i am when he is home. I sleep for couple hours wake up go back to sleep for couple hours and then back to sleep then my alarm clock goes of for work and this is not my normal sleeping cycle when my husband is home.
Jason says
Hi Im a 27yr old male. I work over nite at a gym and i workout and train for 3 to 4 hrs 4 days a week. By the time i get hm to get some sleep its hard for me to go to sleep. Lately for the past few weeks I’ve been sleeping all day till its time for me to go to work and when i wake my sheets are soaked and my clothes are also. I don’t know what is causing this i need to know. My girlfriend says its cause she’s pregnant Idk i need to know can somebody help me
glenn says
I’m a 20 yr old male and recently i’ve been having night sweats almost every night for the past few weeks now. But come to think of it i’ve had night sweats now and then ever since my grandmother passed away 10 yrs ago. I was hoping that it would just go away. I guess a lot has happened since then such as classmates comitting suicide, realtives dying in car accidents, ect. I’m also worried about my father, he’s had heart surgery in the past and he may need another surgery but we have no medical insurance… I try not to let it get to me, but i haven’t been able to sleep well in years. Most times i cant sleep until early morning, some nights i dont sleep at all, and when i do sleep, its usually invaded bad dreams and I wake up in cold sweat. I remember i used to have good dreams before, but now i have trouble remembering my dreams when i wake, and whatever i CAN remember, i really dont want to, but its as clear as day. I realize this is all most likely due to stress, but no way am i’m going to a see a shrink. And i’m not looking for attention, i just want my dreams back! Guess I’ll just have to keep looking until i find them… but sometimes I just feel so lost… PS: It makes me sad knowing there are so many others like me out there. I wish I could help all of you but apparently i cant even help myself.
lorymor says
Like ji says, I get excessive night sweats in my legs during deep REM sleep. I wear cotton leggings to absorb the sweat – otherwise my sheets get soaked in the shape of my lower legs! After analyzing this for almost a year, I notice that I have variations of dream sleep, where sometimes I have light dreams and don’t sweat at all, but when I have a really deep, complicated dream, the night sweats are always there. I believe this is partially due to hormonal changes, as I go thru periods of light or no dreams, then heavy dreams every night which cause the sweating. I wish there was a study I could go to so more light could be shed on this issue.
Ash says
Hey everyone, I’m a 24 year old female, and do not take any drugs, nor have any illnesses. Every night, whether it be my bed, the couch, or my boyfriend’s bed, I wake up drenched in sweat at least 3 times. Does any one know why this could possibly happen? Should I get it looked at by a doctor?
joey says
hay im 23 and i got epilepsy grand mal seizures and take keppra 500mg twice a day. for the past 2 months i have been waking up after only 2-3 hours of sleep drenched in sweat. between the sleep deprivation and the dehydration it worries me alot as those two things lower my seizure thresh hold. any help would be great thank you.
ji says
hello to all. I am a sleep tech that stumbled across this forum due to my excessive sweating via training (fight mma ). Though I noticed that alot of people on this forum are sweating via night. REM sleep is the 5th stage of sleep which is when the brain is most active though the body is in paralysis. This is the dream state. At this state the brain / body does not regulate body temperature via REM sleep. If one has a habit of pulling the covers over the head or positioning in such a way that would cause one to become warm after so long, then they would be affected by this. I dream alot and have a habit of pulling covers over head when a/c comes on. Problem is when the a/c cuts off and I’m still dreaming away im also sitting there drenching self in sweat. Normally the body can control the temps and wake you enough to change positions of conditions. Figured this might help someone . 🙂 Be well !
johnny says
Hi I’m a 26 yo male and i wake up covered in sweat most night’s, i try leaving the window open but that has no effect.
I smoke ganja now and again and hardly drink, i also study muay thai and sweat load’s in the gym (but that’s expected), i don’t sweat all the time and coffee doesn’t help. I do sweat when I’m nervous and sometimes i sweat when there’s no need.
Although i would say I’m a nervous person, i have had an unsettled past, i moved so many school’s when i was younger and had psychiatric treatment, all thing’s that i didn’t want. All this trouble just “rocks my boat” so to say, people think I’m lazy but i can’t get to sleep until the early hour’s of the morning obviously they can’t relate to this so they don’t have any idea what it’s like, it make’s me so nervous and sweat. I noticed i sweat more from my arm-pit and palm’s. I would of thought having a smoke would calm me down but it make’s me more active. The only thing that settle’s me is music and my girlfriend, still after been settled and sleep i still wake in a sweat.
I’ve been a whole year without a smoke and it still happens, maybe it is stress related, this forum has got me thinking especially the mention of diabetes and cancer maybe it’s time to see my gp :~(
SPICE says
I have had extreme night sweats since I used the “legal drug” called SPICE pretty frequently. Because there are no regulations on this product they DO NOT have to tell you exactly what is in it (as with any street drug, except this is sold at gas stations and smoke shops). A lot of brands contain amphetamines and other harsh(er) substances.
I haven’t touched the stuff in over a year and I’m still recovering from side effects such as: paranoia, anxiety, sleeplessness, racing heart beat, easily agitated, night sweats.. etc.
I guess I may never recover?
Some people have used it and had little to no side effects.. I’m not trying to be preachy but IT DOES DO VERY BAD THINGS TO SOME PEOPLE.
If I can help one person realize that SPICE may be the culprit then my job is done.
**GO TO THE DOCTOR! It’s your body and you DESERVE answers!
jose says
Hi I’m 34 male I lost my mom in 2010 and I’m kinda wondering why I wake up soaked in sweat after hearing all those stories can someone help me lately I’ve been stressesed lost my house and my relationship with my sister is bad and the loss of my mom taken a toll on me so could it be from all this………….
Matt says
Hi , I’m Matt. Was just wondering about this , for round about a week i have been sweating in my sleep and had no idea what the problem was , and looked at some of the causes and now I’m kind of worried about. I didn’t really think it was a big deal , have any ideas?
Sweat Help says
Hi Ashley, sounds like more the night sweats here… This is more of a case for Dr. Mom, visit drmom4you.com and explain to her what is happening. She is a real doctor, a mom, and paying it forward by helping people in her free time. If you find out what is going on, will you do me a favor and write back so we can update your comment? Thanks!
Ashley says
hi, I’m lost i had hot flashes and night sweats when i was pregnant with my children but then after our last son they went away I’m 24 now and there back my dr says its nothing and almost acts like he doesn’t believe me its been happening for about three months now. My period has come one month on time then the next month is was a week late haven’t had it yet this month.. but I’m worried every test I’ve taken says I’m not pregnant then what is going on with me its gotten to the point that its now causing me to get a cold .. i have them on and off throughout the day and then at night i have the night seats like 4 or 5 times throughout the night and I’m not sleeping as well as i normally do and I’m tired all the time, to the point if i lay down in my bed i fall to sleep the min i close my eyes. Does any one have any ideas as to what might be going on my dr wont even run any test says I’m to young for menopause.. can some one help please??
Tim says
I have been stumped too. I had a case of vertigo in 2004 that kept me out of work for 3 months. I had to learn to sleep on my side. Some nites I would wake up with a pool of water at the base of my neck and shoulder. I thought it might be draining from the ear but so much that I could splash it like a little puddle.
It seemed only to affect me in the winter.
Recently it has started back again but on the other side where I have had a hearing loss( Dr’s don’t know why). There is so much water that I have asked my wife to wake up and touch it to document that I’m not exaggerating. Not sure which Dr to see as my local ENT is not offering and suggestions or tests. Any insights greatly appreciated
D says
Hello Joseph and Monica,
My story is more or less the same. I recently got out of a year long relationship and my ex also dumped me. I have not seen her or contacted her for over a month. However this past week I’ve been waking up in the middle of the night sweating and shivering exactly how Monica described it. Interestingly enough, last night I woke up after a bad dream (about her) with my legs covered in sweat as well as my back. Its really starting to annoy me, especially afterwards because trying to go back to sleep is not that easy with stressful thoughts to top if off. I can almost say for sure that this excessive sweating is a product of stress in our case.
Joy says
Hello all! I am a 32 yo female that has been dealing with night sweats for over 15 years with no explanation what so ever. For the past ten years I’ve sweated so much that even my hubby has to change and sleep with a towel under him other times he just sleeps on the sofa.
After reading all these comments, I still don’t know what to make of it because I’ve never had a harsh medical issue that would trigger night sweats, other than really bad menstrual periods. I sweat from head to toe every night and I just want it to stop.
alec says
so i sweat at night i use to think it was due to something like bad dreams so i basically ignored it for a while but this morning after i woke up for about 10 minutes, asked my mom for breakfast, got rejected then went to sleep again for about an hour and half and woke up for a little and found my entire chest drenched! Like a cm or 2 of sweat just on my chest and also my back will sweat a lot. they are really the only 2 that sweat but still it’s so surprising to see that i sweat so much in an hour; it’s also hard to stay hydrated with this happening. I don’t know what is going on!
Sammy says
I wake up every night with my bed wet from sweat this has been going on for a few years now I went and seen my doctor and he couldn’t help me what should I do
william says
hey im am a 19 year old male and i have these night sweats every night i wake up any wear from 5 to 10 times a night socked in sweat when i wake up im freezing weather it is hot or cold in the room what could be the reason for this?
Hank says
My excessive sweating seems to have coincided with long-term use and subsequent stopping of the antipsychotic Fluphenazine. It may or may not be related to subsequent temporary use of the antipsychotic Abilify. The Fluphenazine cause me to gain about 60 lbs and also seems to have resulted directly or indirectly in scalp hair loss while also developing more body hair. My blood tests have come back normal except for Abilify badly affecting cholesterol and triglycerides. I am no longer on Abilify.
Recently the night sweats seem to have rekindled a bit after some symptoms of what seems to be viral gastroenteritis, but I am not sure. I am scheduled to see my various doctors. I am concerned about many different possible causes and may be at risk for multiple causes. All I can safely conclude is that our bodies are warning us through this excessive sweating and other issues that our bodies are experiencing some kind of trauma/damage/stress. I think we should the best we can to be healthy in all ways possible.
mike says
I am a 23 year old male and two years ago i was hospitalized with acute pancreatitis. Some nights I wake up in a pool of sweat. everything is completely soaked. Usually this happens after a night of drinking. I just want to know what your thoughts on this are and if pancreatits may have something to do with it. thanks
Colby says
the past 2 weeks i have been having these night sweats. I am a 20 yo guy. im not really under much stress, other than the normal amount that comes with college, and im not soaked from head to toe when i wake up 2-3 times every night, its mostly just my back, head, and my legs are the worst. i get scared every time i wake up because the embarrassing thought of wetting (peeing) the bed pops in my head so i check my boxers, which are still dry. i sleep with a body pillow and one blanket. when i wake up sweating im not hot nor cold, im just wet. my temp feels perfectly fine.
Now, after reading all of these stories, i am getting pretty worried about the cause whether it be cancer Lyme disease or any of the other medical reasons can anyone help me out please, i think im going to the doctor very soon because this is random and i NEED MY BELOVED SLEEP 🙂
jAMES says
I’m a 42 yo man. I have recently begun having night sweats. Maybe for a bit over a month or 2 now. I got bronchitis in November followed by a really bad stomach bug that was going around. I have literally had a terrible dry cough now for almost 4 months. I’ve had a Zpac I’ve had cough medicine with codeine just normal flu type meds. I always feel tired and nauseous.
I just started a 10 day treatment on dioxcycline (generic antibiotic) my NP thinks I could have pneumonia. I usually feel fine during the day with occasional weird bouts of nausea or just tiredness that makes me have to lay down. When I go to bed at night its been pretty cold her since its February now so I have blankets and I still feel really cold but the minute I fall asleep it seems I start to burn up my hair gets soaked with sweat and it goes right through my pillow like a puddle. i wake up soaked 2 or 3 times and have to change my t-shirt. This never happened to me in my life I have no clue what could have started these night sweats, any ideas?
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Michael Frie says
Dear fellow bed sweaters,
I am 25 118 lbs, and this is my story. During the summer of 2005 I became sick just thought it was another bug going around, I mean it wasn’t all that bad yet, mild temperature and a sore throat. So I brushed it off for a couple days, until things just weren’t adding up.
My throat just kept getting worse and now my ears were throbbing with pain, I would say ear ache but it was different feeling it was like my ears were so swollen I could feel my heart beat but everytime it beat it felt like razors were in my blood stream. But the most compelling thing was how much I was sweating.
I mean washing my sheets every time I had laid down, and then the mattress got so gross after a week I had to switch to a different bedroom, then a few days later i had to then switch to another bed because the same results I had sweat so much you could literally press on a pillow and fluid would drip out like a sponge.
So it was time to go to the hospital, I had already seen my doctor and was being treated for strep although no cheek swab confirmed I had it. When at the hospital they asked all my symptoms blah blah blah took all my blood it seemed, oh I forgot to mention one symptom that was important too, the aching pains in every joint imagined sort of like when you have the flu but like I said it was in my knees elbows fingers neck toes knuckles ankles hip back… Everything!
So back to where I was, the hospital. They ran so many tests it was ridiculous but they still came up with nothing and told me it could be psychological or it might be mono or it might be… So take this this this and this, some antibiotic some anti coagulant and some powerful Tylenol, woo thanks… For nothing.
A week goes by and it just get worse I really don’t remember much after the hospital because I was asleep so much and my fever was always at 103 to 104. So my mom made my doctor come over, well she called and nothing had changed so he came over ran some tests and said we need to go to the office and run more blood work. I was like great the vampires are low again.
But instead of going to his office he wanted to take me to the ou Med science center as that’s where he would send it to to get the results and he was friends with the person there or something. So we do we get my blood drawn from someone who’s never used a needle before it seemed. They run the sample and thank God for his hunch! Came back positive on all passes for Lyme disease which is bad bad bad.
I was at stage 2 which has long term affects and any later I would be stage 3 which is practically a veggie. I asked my doc how he knew thinking there is supposed to be a tick and a rash or something; he said typically that’s how it’s diagnosed but no you didn’t have a rash but what really stood out was how much you were sweating without meds that would cause sweating at night and day, and at what rate it was happening, it was similar to diabetes but you don’t have that and then it dawned on me he lost a friend to Lyme and that is what he mentioned the most was how much he sweat.
Today I still am recovering from effects of it mainly neurological stuff like sleep schedule insomnia and occasionally night sweats. So the moral of the story is SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IF YOU EXPERIENCE NIGHT SWEATS, because the range of what it could be is enough for concern, yes it happens from stress yes it could be alcohol but SELF DIAGNOSING YOURSELF COULD BE A FATAL MISTAKE. I hope my story helps at least one person.
Brad says
Hi, I am 25 year old male, and have been dealing with waking up in the middle of the night in a complete sweat, head mostly then rest of body damp, I don’t feel I’m stressed, don’t mess around with drugs and only drink so often, weigh around 190 and I’m pretty sure I’m not a diabetic…..this happens to me maybe once or twice a week, and I would jus like some advice so I know where to go with this? Hope for it to wear off? See someone? Take something? Any help or advice would be much appreciated, Thank You
faby says
Hello,
I’m 25 years old female i have Familial Mediterranean Fever found out about it 2 months ago thanks god i have the mild one.. I’m taking colichicine 1mg i have to take it all my life 1 pill everyday! usually when an fmf patient get the attack for 3 4 days he gets a high fever during the attack! some of them get the attack without the fever I’m one of those patient!
What I’m concerned about for the past 2 months i wake up sweating not every night i woke up numerous times during the night, my chest my neck my hair are soaked from sweat, can anyone help me?
safoora vali says
I’ve been experiencing night sweats since i started taking mirtazapine. i wake up wet through and ever time i or my partner moves i feel really cold. so cold that i feel my insides are even shivering. i also have really vivid dreams with it. before i found out i was pregnant i would suffer from this few days before i started my periods. i am six weeks pregnant and have been waking up every night for the past four weeks. it really disturbs my sleep and i wake up feeling really frustrated and tired. I’m not sure if its the medication or my hormones. please help
Monica says
Hi Joseph,
I am starting to wonder if perhaps your sweating issue is related to grief/stress. I went through a bad break up almost a year ago and sadly am still not over it. Like yourself, I think about it constantly and am even questioning my sanity at this point (ie is it normal for me to think about someone a year later when he has moved on awhile ago with someone new?!). Like yourself I have had terrible bouts of night sweating these past few months – this is totally new for me and only now am I realizing that perhaps its associated with the unresolved stress of the breakup as well as a couple of other traumatic events I went through last year. I wake up almost nightly shivering cold yet excessively sweating. Its annoying having to change my sheets all the time and embarrassing to talk about but you’re right, there is a reason for this. I am hopeful that the reasons aren’t medical.
I don’t know what the solution is (hence my being on this site trying to find one) but know you aren’t alone with what you’re feeling/going through.
Joseph says
Hi,
I am a twenty-two year old male who recently graduated from college this December. In early November, the woman I dated for two years and fell in love with (and wanted to marry) left me for a guy twice my age. While initial anger set in (and a very self-destructive path trying to forget her), I found that no matter what I still care deeply for her. Now that I have shared my love life, here’s the issue:
Since Thanksgiving Break, no matter what time of day or evening or where I sleep, I wake up in a sopping cold sweat every couple of hours. I have always had sleep issues and problems managing stress, but this is something I have never experienced. I wake up constantly, sweaty and nervous and thinking of her. We do not keep any contact of any kind, and I am glad that the person she is with makes her happy. But these night sweats have been going on far too long, and my mind’s preoccupation with her has significantly impacted my ability to search for jobs and study for the LSAT. I feel awful complaining about this when I obviously do not have a medical issue associated with these night sweats, but I really, really do not want to go to therapy and was just wondering if anyone has ever heard of this before? I have other stresses that have been weighing heavily on my mind (such as the untimely suicide of my close friend in November and a close relative’s terminal cancer), but losing her seemed to break all the confidence and assurance I have ever had in life. I really just want to be able to sleep again, throughout the night, and without soaking my sheets. I feel like I am trying to get over a hardcore drug (which I have experienced, as I was addicted to morphine in the hospital during a month of major surgeries when I was fourteen). If anyone has ever heard of something similar to this please let me know.
I’m not looking for sympathy, just trying to sleep. I can’t focus on the LSAT or my future this way, and the lack of sleep is starting to take significant impact in my body. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Ambrose says
I’m 17, I’ve been having night sweats every single night for almost 3 weeks now. I’m pretty concerned, and that is why tonight I looked it up and found this. I don’t know how to get help. I have many stressors and anxiety problems that I can’t help, I’ve never told my doctor of any of these problems. I have tried marijuana and it helps on every level but I don’t like how I’m underage and in school and if I get caught I’d be in a lot of trouble.
My parents accept that it is probably the only safe thing to do, and they encourage it on a small level. My anxiety is probably the cause of my night sweats, any little stress I get is prolonged and I start sweating pretty bad. most nights I don’t smoke and I wake up drenched sometimes twice a night.
It really makes me uncomfortable and stresses me out cause I wake up at 5 and I lose sleep. I get really frustrated when I have to walk around my room to dry and wait for my bed to dry. It pisses me off actually. I really need support for my use of marijuana. People might see it as something a typical teen would say, but it’s not the same. I’ve seen 2 therapists and had visits since 11 and I stopped at 14. There’s no reason to my anxiety except for acute OCD that I may have received from my dad.
Please reply with some understanding and support
williamI says
I am a thirty year old black male. For the past couple of weeks I have been waking up in the middle of the night soaked in sweat. I’m always changing clothes between five to six times a night. I really didn’t know if something was going terribly wrong with me. I want to seek medical attention but can’t at the time. I’m unemployed and don’t have the money to seek medical attention. I have glaucoma and is taking medication for it, I also have high blood pressure and is taking medication for that also. Do you think with me taking too many medication could be one of the problems. The first night it all started, it was coming from the scalp of my head working its way down to my body. Now, it will start where ever and just work its course.
Megan says
I didn’t see my story, either, so if anyone can help with this, please let me know:
The night sweats started about 2 weeks ago. I live in the mountains, so around this time, the temperature can drop below freezing overnight. The heat is not on in the apartment, and I’m generally freezing during the day when the heat is not on. I’m still kind of cold when I fall asleep, but a few hours later, I’ll wake up soaking in sweat. If I’m wearing clothes, they are soaked too. I’ve tried drinking ice water before falling asleep, but it doesn’t seem to help. It’s too cold to sleep under just a sheet, so I’ve wondered about sleeping under a blanket (trying that tonight). I’ll wake up every few hours soaking in sweat, even without any clothing on.
Sidenote: I know that, like sleeping bags, you retain heat more if you sleep naked. The layers of clothing provide a barrier between your body heat and the heat retaining properties of the sleeping bag, meaning you’ll be warmer if you sleep naked…just FYI for all of those wondering about the difference between sleeping with our without clothing.
Anyway, I’ve checked the thermometer in the room before I go to bed, and the it’s always between 40 and 45 degrees, which some people would think is freezing! Lately, I have noticed a rash forming on my face, coincidentally the side I sleep on. The rash looks like small bumps, almost looking like blisters, and is slightly pink. It goes from the left side of my mouth, down to my chin and up the right side of my mouth up to my nose. Today, new bumps started to form on my right temple and upper lip. It reminds me of heat rash. Normally, I have normal skin, and these areas are kind of oily. I’ve also had a bad cough for a week or two, but thought it was going away.
Here’s the background: I’m only 21 years old. I am on birth control, and have been on the same one for 3 years, so it’s not that. I never had acne problems as a kid. I’m not pregnant, nor is there a chance of me being so. My mom’s mom had breast cancer twice, my mom has not had it. My diet has not changed recently. My workout regimen hasn’t changed either. Please help if you can.
Debbie J says
@dfree22
I completely sympathize with you!! I was diagnosed with pneumonia last week and although my fever has gone I am still getting night sweats. I am currently waking up every hour and my sheets and duvet are soaked through I usually give up after 4 hours or so and try o stay awake. I am so in need of some sleep now!! It would be interesting to know how long your night sweats lasted for?
Debs
dfree22 says
hey everyone,
I just read through everyone’s comments and didn’t see my story on there. I’m 23 years old. Male. I was recently (2 weeks ago) hospitalized for a week due to pneumothorax (collapsed lung), which was caused by (after several false negative blood tests) vally fever or, in medical terms, coccidioimycosis. I was worried about TB but my doctor assured me it was the valley fever and pneumothorax.
My Doctor says I should be patient when it comes to my night sweats but these really suck. Especially when it’s under 30 degrees outside. I wake up about 3 times a night soaked. I have to have 3 blankets when I go to bed (one for bed and 2 standby blankets and I fold them so I lay on them and am covered by them. This helps to have an easy switch but I haven’t had a good nights sleep in over a month and would looooooove to have one. Just wanted to post my valley fever as a reason so everyone doesn’t assume they have hiv or tb.
Has anyone ever tried the sage-chammomile tea? Going to try it when I can afford sage haha. Been on medical leave from work for almost a month. Sooo here’s to a healthy 2012
Let me know about the tea if you’ve tried it.
Val Higgins says
6 months ago I had brain surgery to remove an acoustic neuroma and since then I have been bedridden with agnozing pain and extreme sweating to the degree that I must change my clothing & bedding several times a day. I have been diagnosed with brain swelling caused by bone dust and trigeminal neuralgia. I cannot get the original neurosurgeon & neuro-ENT surgeon to address, let alone treat my surgical complications. Their solution: prescribe unlimited morphine & steroids, go home, bed rest until the complications resolve themselves – which could take 1-3 yrs for the bone dust BUT the only treatment for trigeminal neuralgia is to go back in & surgically fix their mistake. I’m so lost & frustrated!! Any ideas out there? My surgery was done in Boston MA.
Steph says
This has been happening with my fiance, today I stated I’m not sure if I can share the same bed anymore. We’re about to get married and I don’t want it ruined by sweat. When he was younger he was borderline diabetic, then his parents made him eat well cutitng out all sodas and using all natural foods, well the 4 years we’ve been together he’s been adicted to soda, more or less the caffine. If he doesn’t get it he gets headaches. I’ve tried at least switching him to coffee but he’ll only have one cup then go for a soda. could this be triggering diabetes? he has lost some weight, and he’s in his early 20’s, and doesn’t have insurance so he can’t visit the Dr to get a solid answer. I’d put him on mine if it was possible, but it’s not. And we’re not as finacially stable as his parents were so we can’t buy all natural all the time. Maybe if I buy some la crux? it’s a type of soda with no sugar that he used to drink when he needed something other than water? if anyone is still answering any pushes in the right direction would help. I do have glucose meters but his level always seemed to be fine.
Kathleen Morrison says
I’m 68 and have been experiencing night sweats the last 6 months or so. Find taking any OTC medication for headache, etc., or prescription medication for cold or flu increases the intensity of the sweats during the period of time taking the medication. Without medication the sweats are limited or less intense. Have been tested twice for other problems but found nothing.
Also found wearing running shirts and shorts that wick have provide some relief from the “wet” feeling. Keep a large sheet towel under the sheets that also provides some relief. Also keep a towel wrapped around the pillow under the pillow case to help the pillow and my head from being “wet” all night.
Dr. recently prescribed Zoloft for depression. Took 2 days and woke each night in a “pool”. Called and said thanks but no thanks, although he says in a month it should change that!!! Can I wait a month?
Amanda says
Hello,
Ive noticed within the last month and a half ive woken up to me drenched in sweat on my bed, so bad that i have to put down a towel because the sheets are so wet. I dont wear anything to bed except some bottoms and thats it because i get so sweaty. I am a type 1 diabetic and have been one for a year and a half. And i think it has to do with that but this stuff has just started happening recently. It is really annoying and gross. Im just trying to figure out some maybe natural, non medication solutions. Since i do take so many other medications. Please help.
SweatHelp says
Hi Brandon,
Not sure why you have started sweating, but it could have something to do with the steroids – there is a local doctor who provides free medical advice (no strings attached) at DrMom4You.com and ask her the same question, she may have experience with steroids and sweating – you can ask anonymously…
Brandon says
I’m 24 I just recently been having night sweats waking up soaked from head to toe with bed soaked. I noticed that the nights I’m not sweating I’m freezing. I work out every other day and eat healthy, I take steroids and work is kinda slow right now and has me stressed. Last time I had a soaked bed was when I had pneumonia about 6 years ago. Don’t have the money to talk to a doctor right now and seeing if u know what’s wrong with me from everything I told u about me.
Thanks!
Amm says
Hi, my case is of weird condition. I had very serious accident on Feb, 2, 1982, smashed all over and was in comma for 42 days and luckily survived the accident. During my studies in the UK, I found out to have hypothyroidism and am on pills since 2001. I’ve been suffering from extremely cold in between my thigh flesh/muscles and bones mostly and recently grew to my chest and arms. This leads me to sleep in above 40c degree and covered with rugs. I’ve visited many doctors in the UK and my home Bahrain.
You may help me how to survive and reduce this chronic agonies.
Kind regards
Amm
Claudia says
I’m only 15 and started I’ve been getting night sweats for almost a year I drink once Ina while I don’t smoke I am on Meds but just started taking them a month ago so it can’t be that also
My family has a history of breast cancer so that worries me I usually sweat all over my body but not the bed and I’m freezing freezing cold
Let me know what u think
I need ur help:P thx
Constance says
I started to have night sweats as soon as I had my boobs job 12 years ago. It’s not underarms. It’s mostly neck and chest. I wake up at least 3 times per night in a pool! I have to change my top and pillow everytime I wake up and put a towel on top of the flat sheet that I also have to change when I change pillow and top. Sometimes I wake up freezin and other I wake up very hot. I used to not sweat at all, not even under arms while working out. Now, I sweat profusely while exercising and in a warm weather as well. I am 48 years old and thought that I was alone on this but thank God, seems like it’s more common that I ever thought. I made a comment to my doctor a couple times and she said that it’s nothing to be concern about. I was diagnosticaded maybe 10 years ago with hypoglycemia and never paid attention until almost 6 months ago when I really started to feel bad. Does the hypoglycemia can cause or help to the night sweats? Please help me!!! I would love to be able to sleep a night without having to get up to change clothes and pillows at least 3 times per night.
gail says
tracey,
you should be persistant with the doctors to find out what may be wrong with your son, strep infection or bacteria from strep can migrate into back of throa and cause meningitis or can also be the precipitant of mononucleosis (mono), Since he has such fatigue and if he is still having fever or headache, muscle aches or stiff neck you should take hime to doctor or infectious disease specialist orther possible causes for fatigue could be lyme disease and sometimes can minic mono or meningitis symptoms.
lew says
for the last 3 yrs on and of i wake up and my bedding is wet through and iam freezing cold this will happen 2/3 times a nite it doesnt happen every nite but it comes and goes 1 month to another ab out to yrs ago i was geting a load of test done to see wot it were as well as test done on my heart and they couldnt find any think wrong pease could some1 help
jason says
i only get nightsweats when i nap in the daytime. never at night. as im falling asleep in the daytime i feel myself getting really hot and start to sweat. i wake up soaked ANY time i take a nap in the day. its been like this as long as i can remember. doesnt happen when i sleep at night. anybody know what might cause this? i realize its hotter in the day but my ac stays the same and if im awake im not hot its only when i start to fall asleep. i keep fans pointed at my bed anytime im sleeping and it doesnt help
Kat says
I started having night sweats a coupe years ago — drenching change my pj’s three times a night type of thing. After much experimention with my NP, we have landed on a high blood pressure med at a very low dose before i go to bed (i have low/ normal BP normally). I also take b6, magnesium, calcium and chaste tree berry. It has helped beyond my expectations. I do still have a night or two during that wonderful female time of the month, but for the most part the improvement has been remarkable.
achoo says
My husband sweats profusely while asleep every night only on the forehead and chest area and does have a dry cough sometimes.
Suraj says
Hi i have been waking up recently which was around the same time….. just after 12pm to find that my pillow is soaked and i cant use the pillow any more…. my t-shirt is also abit wet on my chest. i cant really understand why and its even on a cool night?
Please help me? is there something major wrong? im only 22yrs old……
Adam says
I am a 34 yr old man. I have had night sweats for as long as I can remember. When I sleep my body temp seems to rise. Past girlfriends have told me I am like a heater in bed, my body temperature is noticeably high when sleeping. I just now woke up from falling asleep on the couch; my clothes are damp with sweat. The temperature is 79 in my appt, pretty common for SoCAL. I wake up every morning a little damp, about 2 days a week my sheets are soaked. When I soak my sheets I leave my ceiling fan on and the sheets down to allow them to dry.
I don’t sweat much during the day, I don’t wear antiperspirant or deodorant. My sweat doesn’t stink (not just my opinion). I workout 3-4 times a week burning 500-1000 calories on aerobic then doing 30-60 minutes of weight training. I am soaked in sweat from my workouts; I weigh my self before and after workouts. Even with drinking water during my workouts, I loose about 3 lbs of water weight during a workout. I have considered myself lucky that my night sweats and my workout sweats allow me to rid my body of toxins which make sweat stink.
Diet: I drink maybe a pot of coffee a day… I think caffeine can have an effect. I eat spicy foods ( read that this can cause night sweats). My sodium intake is probably less than average. I try to make most of my own food, I add little salt. If I workout more than 3 times in a week I get slat cravings… I think this is the body’s way of asking for what it needs to maintain water balance.
I read on a website that night sweats can have to do with your thyroid and lymph-nodes. I had mono when I was 17, since then my lymph nodes have always been swollen. I do not get sick often, not even once a year on average. I do get a dry, sore, throat about once a month, but I think that is a result of smoking cigarettes. I don’t smoke often, but I smoke socially.
I’m not really concerned about my night sweats, I just was curious, so I did some internet searching. I figure everyone’s’ genetics, diet, activity level, and dreams are different. I think some people just heat up and sweat when sleeping …
Lindy says
Amanda,
I am very concerned reading your post, as the same thing happened to me a few years ago. You may have a serious case of hyponatremia (low blood salt), or another electrolyte imbalance if your symptoms are still going on. This can be life threatening, you may need to go to the hospital and be treated by a specialist to be sure you are treated properly to bring your electrolytes in balance. Kidney specialists are probably the most well trained in safely treating this condition, as they are the ones who write most of the medical literature about this, as improper treatment can be deadly. I wish you the very best. You can google hospital acquired hyponatremia. I will share more info if you ask.
Amanda says
I also recently starting suffering night sweats after receiving a blood transfusion consisting of 8 bags of blood. I have been told by my GP that the blood transfusion has upset the body and is causing the night sweats. I am waking up every 2 hours in a pool of water. It has now been 2 weeks and I hope that it goes away soon…. has anyone else experienced this?
Joe says
I have had this for several months. 33 yrs old, good health, active lifestyle. Cant figure any of it out.
I wake up soaked at least 5 times a week. No sudden changes in weight/diet/activity/stress levels.
HELP!!!
Sapan Pandya says
I have a long time night sweat around my neck area and also have a sort of coughing and throat infection since last few weeks. Can you please suggest the cause of it and is it a red light for my health.
your earliest reply will be of great help
tracy says
my 5 yr old son had a strep throat at xmas time and hasnt been himself since e.g pale, tired, loss of appetite and terrible NIGHT SWEATS. Hes had some blood work done which has been normal so far, he also had a chest xray which i was told was clear…now been told 3 wks later that lungs wern’t expanded enough for a clear veiwing so we’r returning to hospital 2mro for more blood work and a skin test for TB. Naturally im worried sick, any replys would be much appreciated 🙁
GARY says
night sweats at upper chest neck area.
Gary
Zachary says
I had my first time of waking up to my blankets being soken wet,it happened 2nights in a row and hasnt done it in a week.what could that be?
Linda says
Hi Jessica,
Wow, you are a good person to be doing all this research! How does he sleep when he’s off pot for a couple of weeks? It could very well be related to his habit and his stress is more vivid during his sleep and causing the excessive nighttime sweating.
What should you do? Try to get him to stop for a couple of weeks and replace that with walking, etc. I’d hate to see someone go on meds for something they may be able to cure themselves!
Let me know what happens!
Jessica Frias says
I’m really concerned about my boyfriend, hes 26 yrs of age an he wakes up in the middle of the night sweating from head to toe. I can’t say he’s drenched in sweat, but hes sweating all over. Well his head is pretty wet as if he had just gotten out the shower. He does drink quit a bit and smoke (pot).
What could this be? I’m scared because of all the possibilities that I have been reading. He doesn’t sweat every night, just maybe 3 times a week or something close to that. I do know he’s been under a lot of pressure and stress but this has been an on going thing for the last past 3 yrs that we have been together. I also can not get him to go to the doctor……what should I do?
Robin says
WOW Ok I’m so glad I decided to google ‘night sweats and zoloft’ because I have been suffering every night from these things, and had zero idea that it had anything to do with taking antidepressants/SSRI prescriptions until right at this moment. It happens nightly. I am woken up due to either discomfort, from wet sheets, or I’ll toss or flip over and the slipperiness of my skin rubbing together will wake me.
Once, my leg was dripping sweat onto my other leg. And the dripping woke me. It started about a month or two after I started taking Zoloft. It’s the first SSRI I’ve ever taken before, to treat my depression. I am a 28 yr old female. 5’9 130 lbs.. I have a decent diet however I do love my sugars. I’m pleased to know that there might be some solution to this.
I’ve found that when I take sleeping pills (OTC) I’ll not be woken up from it. But I presume it still happens. Tomorrow I’ll see my doctor to discuss a new medication, or combos, so that these night sweats stop.. Because honestly, I’m the type of girl that needs a good ten hours of sleep, if I’m woken up early or am interrupted, you don’t want to be near me.
It’s comforting to now know that I’m not alone in these night sweats, and that it’s happening due to the SSRI. My fiancé was freaking out there for a minute because he’d touch me and I’d be drenched. I always told him it was happening, and he didn’t believe me until one night I realized it was happening, woke him up, and made him feel my whole body. He was in shock.
I’ll update this site if I have any progress with other meds. I’d love to see these night sweats be gone permanently… olive my sleep WAY tooooo much to be interrupted on such an uncomfortable, regular, basis.
Please email me directly @ robintfine@gmail.com if you’d like to discuss anything or trade stories. My name is Robin, I live in Dallas. Thanks for listening y’all. 🙂
Patti V says
Night Sweats I started taking Zoloaf and one of the side effects is night sweats . Hang in there they will go away. I have been on Zoloaf for about a month and a half and they are starting to ease up.
Lowell says
I had my first experience with night sweats after having four blood transfusions while hospitalized for 31 days in 1991. I was scared to death that I had recieved tainted blood. The doctor just sloughed it off as a result of my confinement to bed during my stay. I lost a total of 40 lbs. and have since only gained back 9. I have continued to have problems with recurring night sweats since then and started having nightly sweats four months ago. I wake up about four hours after having gone to bed, soaking wet from head to toe. My night shirt, sheets and bedding are all soaked. I’ve had blood work done and everything there is fine. It is very frustrating.
Robert says
OK first of all I NEVER GET COLD.Winter is my favorite season and I downright despise the summer. I’m saying all this because I wake with night sweats around my neck and upper back areas drenched in sweat and COLD. It’s really weird for me because it’s not the same as when I sweat and it’s hot out and I wake up sweaty but HOT. No, this time no matter what the temperature is, I wake up sweaty but cold! I think it’s my body trying to get rid off the toxins but can’t be sure.
It really is a pain because I have to change my t-shirt 2-3 times per night (not every night) and my hair gets wet. Also, sometimes right before I fall asleep, I can ‘catch’ my body is about to sweat and I noticed this ‘wave’ of heat coming off my body! It’s almost as if though I was the human radiator! It’s really strange especially since that day the window was cracked and it was maybe 6 degrees out (I live in Michigan) Any suggestions?
Megan says
I am 25 year old-5’4,127 lbs female. I have excessive nigh sweats for the past 3 going on 4 months now. I wake up frequently throughout the night to change because at times my clothes feel like they are choking me or cutting off circulation due to the wetness and them being soaked while I’m tossing and turning in bed. I have to change my sheets every night and place towels under and over the sheets I sleep on to help absorb my sweat.
I also had to cut my hair because it was so long and when I sweated and slept I would find myself waking up to it choking me by it wrapping around my neck. Sweaty, drenched, wet long hair can act like a thick rope. At the moment my doctor Rx me beta- blockers to help. I am doing some research prior to taking it because there are a lot of side effects and long term consequences.
Has anyone taken beta-blockers to help? Any advice?- Thanks
bessie says
I sweat around my neck at night real bad and have been doing this for years–i have to wash my pillow constantly because it gets soaking wet –my nine year old daughter is the same way–any suggestions–i have had my thyroids checked (nothing wrong with them)–i do have a high count of insulin in my body–and i am a carrier of TB–i found out i had it when i was a child–and took medicine for it–not sure what is going on
Mick says
Ok really worried now….the people who had cancer…..was the sweat around the mid section
Or just around the neck like the others
I wake up most nights wet through like I’ve urinated….but it’s sweat all around my mid section
I lost 10 stone in weight in 7 years but blood tests showed no thyroid trouble
Could it be this
amy says
I’m really worried about my boyfriend he sweats so much at night not every night but
Close to it and he’s always seems tired but he only works 3 days out of the week and as for his diet its not so good he eats fast food a lot , I’m really worried it could be aids because then it would affect me too but whatever it is I’m just worried and I can’t get him to go to the dr I don’t know what to do
Anne says
I too have suffered night sweats for the past few months, not sure when this started, but i am worried. I wake up 3-4 times every night completly soaked, even my hair is wet, and i am cold, i am not hot or even warm. The following day i am tired. I dont ever feel rested, by the way forgot to mention that i am 62 yrs. old, do not drink , but do smoke. I plan on seeing the dr. in the next few days, but i am worried, dont know what to expent. ANNE
Jodi k says
Wow- I thought I had it rough! Sorry to hear about these horrible night sweats.. I thought I was alone! My 3 year old & I both sweat really bad when we sleep.. he is really bad… I am not as bad. I am really scared now after hearing some of the stories on this page! I was hopeing it may just be passed down in the famiy. I dont have insurance to see a dr. but he has medicaid & a dr. appt. so I will be sure to let his dr. know. As for my self I dont know what to do. Wow life can be scary!
Jason says
just wanted to say i had drenching night sweats and it turned out to be testicular cancer.
Alex says
I had sinus surgery on July 16th (septo-plasty & terbinate reduction). I acquired a staph infection from the surgery center but think that’s cleared up now. I am still taking Levaquin for the infection. The strange thing is ever since the surgery I have been having severe night sweats, every night! I usually wake up 3 or 4 times a night to dry off and change towels. I’ve never had night sweats before, other than running a fever due to a flu. Is this related to the surgery, infection or possibly both? Please help as this makes “getting a good nights sleep” practically impossible.
Shon R. Edwards says
It’s too bad there are more problems than solutions out there. I have the same problem, needing to change clothes 2-3x per night when I wake up. This just started this year. I may have mild sleep apnea. I’ve had a back operation that failed, so am taking oxycodone and methocarbamol for it. Also, for anxiety I am taking abilify and lorazapam. Because some of these drugs have drastically reduced my testosterone, I am taking shots for that, as well. I find I have the sweats especially when I am sleeping/falling asleep, but also it can happen in the day time, as well. Maybe I need to try the oregano oil.
Capt..Tom Haydu says
I am 66 years old…learned about, and used Oil of Oregano for cold and flu prevention last year, and also used it to clear up a foot fungus. It worked very well. I also realized my sleep hydrosis that soaked three pillows per night and three tee shirts was reduced by 95% after a couple weeks. I put 3-4 drops of the concentrated oil in juice daily for two weeks. (it tastes nasty and burns undiluted) It also eliminated the foul odor I had in my feet….gone! I was amazed at these results. Take it for a couple weeks and cease for a week or so, as it will toxify your body if taken for too long a time without a break. I still take it when I have cold or flu symptoms a couple times a day…3-4 drops under the tongue and leave it there for a few minutes. The nasty taste is soon shadowed by the results I experienced. Check it out and be sure to buy a high quality oil. Good Luck!!
clare says
I use to never sweat , I never had to use Deodorant . People thought I was weird. They would tell it was not normal, not to sweat. That sweating gets the toxins out of your body. I was always cold, still am.
In the winter if it isn’t 78- 80 degrees inside I’m freezing, my fingers are turning blue. In the summer time it is the same way I can’t stand Air Conditioning it freezes me. I have to take a coat with me constantly. But now months ago I started sweating so bad. Water pouring out of my face and head. I have a rash now on the nap of my head that want go away.
I don’t know if this has any thing to do with it or not. I first got the rash when I had sleep on the same pillow as my brother who had came for a visit to my parent’s house from Africa. I’m the only one who has it . It won’t go away I have had it since Nov 2009 (Thanksgiving) I have also had back pain since then also.
At first I thought that it was one of the medications, but I have not been on the same medicines since then, because they have been (lets try this, no this , no this) instead of reading my medical records, and giving me the medical I needed for CRPS. I’m wondering if the excess sweating is from the excessive nerve pain, from my nerve damage.
Forget to say I am 50 and this is the first time it has happen to me.
Dominique says
Okay, honestly im scared. I just experienced my first night sweat last night it woke me up out of my sleep and i never wake up from my sleep.
I woke up and popped up with a big ” uuhhh” and i was literally soaked from head to toe like some one poured a gallon of water on me i had to change my clothes and all.
I tried to go to sleep tonight but I’m scared. Whats wrong with me? im only 19.
erik says
I’ve been waking up with my pillow wet for the last 3 days or so in a row. I stress a lot at work and visit the gym for a long work out right before bed. Could it be that my body is reacting badly cuz of the work outs and stress? I am 30 years old and I stress out a lot. Please help?
christopher says
For the last three months when i wake up i feel a wet spot on my sheets and the spot is about the size of a dvd box cover or perhaps the size of a CD, either way, it’s small.
I even have the fan on when i wake up with my sheets wet the area that is wet is were my back would lay on my bed.
It doesn’t happen every night. I’m a little worried, my paw paw went threw this and he found out he had cancer.
mike uche says
This sweat is just around my neck and shoulders only and happens in the night. it soaks my pillow. It disturbs my sleep as i have to wake up and turn the pillow again and again. I just discover also that i don’t need to deeply asleep before experiencing it once i am lying down and about to sleep even under cold condition i had this sweat around my neck. pls what could be wrong. mike
donna says
For the drinkers above, I have been sober for 51/2 yrs. and in early sobriety it is normal to have all kinds of weird responses to life without drugs/alcohol. So sweating is normal for those folks—at least for the first year. I have been on Lexapro for about 1 yr. and also take adhd meds.
I do not know when the sweating started but it has prob. been going on for about 6 months or more. off and on. I soak the back of my neck and shirt. Usually it is random places all over. I turned 40 in Oct. and will contact doctor again because he says I am okay – Glad I am not alone.
I joke about buying the ‘menopause’ wicking pajamas but am not joking any more. Like the other ladies, I get cold when I get up to change clothes. I have tried to sleep with air conditioner on and still sweat, although, not as bad. Going back to Dr., I guess. And I have a rx for a beta blocker and it does not help.
Michael says
I understand its summer time here in Australia. But lately when its not hot just sitting and watching tv my hair and the back of my neck get soaked in sweat. Then when I’m in bed my pillows get soaked through.
Last night was the same my pillows were wet with sweat. I was covered in sweat. I had a ceiling fan above me on a window open and I could feel the cold breeze through the window, but I was covered in sweat. At one stage I awoke went to the toilet bathed in sweat and my breathing was almost asthma like (no i don’t have asthma). And the first 3 hours at work I felt like I was sea sick and yes lately I’m having trouble falling asleep.
I am worried I am on a heart medication 2 blood pressure tablets. Should I see my doctor or is it nothing .
kaci says
I’m only 18 and I have been waking up the past 4 weeks with my clothes soaked! my bed doesn’t get soaked it just mostly my back. I just need help because this scares me.
Terri says
I have endured terrible night sweats for 10 years, ever since I was put on SSRI anti-depressants for my chronic depression and anxiety. First, I was taking Effexor and then changed after a few years, to Cymbalta. I also suffer from lactose intolerance (not able to digest milk products), and severe food allergies to wheat, gluten, apples, pork, cola, and ginger. I have been avoiding these foods completely, and still have the profuse night sweats for about 2-3 weeks out of a month. I researched and found they may be caused by too much sugar intake before bedtime…but that is not always the case for me. I don’t know what to do. Please suggest.
Cody Lang says
Yeah, I’m only 15 and I had one the other night. I’m not sure why. I don’t drink or do drugs. Anyone know why this happens?
Ken says
I use to get hot night sweats and I found out that it was from AIDS ( the death defying illness caused by HIV infection). Now I am experiencing cold night sweats and I wake up from very vivid nightmares. I must investigate withdraw from alcohol as a possibility.
Ken
Tony says
i am a recovering alcoholic 52 years old attending AA meetings just reunited with my wife of 21 years after a year with 6 months separation. I have a blood clot behind my left knee which means i cannot work at least till February causing us sever financial strain after a lifetime of earning 20,000 UK Pounds pounds per month ($31,920 US Dollars).
I lost my contract 2 years ago after 19 successful years, this is when my alcoholic drinking started although i suffered chronic night sweats before due to business pressure.
We have 3 kids all beautiful and healthy. I get so filled with anxiety before going to bed with my wife i can almost feel the sweat coming. Last night i soaked the bed 3 times which is depriving my wife of her sleep which a) is unfair to her b) adds to my anxiety and C) leaves me tired and full of low self esteem and feeling worthless.
After my last drinking binge ended i had slept 2 nights in a convertible jeep in sub zero temperatures leaving me with very poor foot circulation. Could somebody please give me some advice?
Thank you so much. I am at my wits end but determined not to drink again even moderately. I have decided that complete abstinence is the only option left for me!
Also,
What medications are available for men’s chronic night sweats?
Adegoke Joseph says
Question:
This sweat is just around my neck only and happens in the night. it soaks my pillow. It disturbs my sleep as i have to wake up and turn the pillow again and again. I just discover also that i don’t need to sleep before experiencing it. Once it gets to about 20:00 Nigerian hours even under cold condition i had this sweat around my neck.
Please assist.
joyce hensley says
i had back surgery September 14 2007 and again may 20 th 2009 after the first surgery the night sweats stared the day of surgery it lasted seven months and stop then when i had to have surgery in may this year it started again and i still have them every night i get tired of them and wish they would go away
Blossom(south africa) says
For the past 4 days I’ve noticed that when i woke up my body was dripping with sweat. I have a dry cough also. My fiancee suggests that I go and see the doctor because she suspects its TB. Could it be TB?
Chérie says
Please please help me. Much like all the other commenters above, I suffer from severe sleep hyperhidrosis. Every night I wake up drenched and have to change my clothes 2-3 times during the night. It’s awful and I usually get up cold and miserable. My partner is getting annoyed as he can never hold me 🙁
I’ve been taking Serlife 100 for about a year now. A SSRI anti-depressant. Please help 🙂
Thank you!
karen says
I have had night sweats for 8 years. i had sarcoidosis on the lung which took along time to diagnose,. Reading Victoria’s message was like reading about myself. I have no symptoms of sarcoid now but the nights sweats have never left me.
My hormone levels are fine so my GP prescribed low dose betablockers, they did not work and made me depressed, tired and ill. Always get your gp to test for sarcoid especially if you have chest problems and a hacking cough, It also can affect the skin and eyes so get it checked out.
I’m still looking for a solution and my husband has to live with my sweats too!!!!!! keep a dry sheet next to the bed to wrap around you when you get wet, take that one off when it gets wet and the bed should be dry by then, its not fun i know!!!!
Wearing pj absorbs the sweat and I’m never hot always cold when i wake up. My husband in the winter puts my dressing gown on the radiator when he gets up early for work so when i wake up i have something warm to wear. good luck
Note: Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown cause in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, or other tissues.
Miguel says
I will go to the doctor too, thank you!
joseph R says
i am 15 years old and started taking zoloft about a month ago i then started to wake up at night sweating. I don’t know if its from the zoloft and i’m very nervous zoloft possible?????
Yunesky fernandez says
At what age is normal for men to begin male menopause?
I am a 34 male and sweat excessively, have a stressful job, drink and smoke marijuana daily but am very concerned with the very heavy sweats I have at least 5 times a week, even if is cold which is my case; my home is very cold?
Have there been cases were exercise and diet helped this situation?
AC/DC says
I take Lexapro everyday once a day…. and I have developed severe night sweats. I soak the bed from my knees to my hair. I have found one thing that stops me night sweats….. arrid extra dry antipesperent cream (it comes in a small can and is a white cream) it contains aluminum. I wear a dab of this under each arm and WALAAAAA! no sweating at night! it’s great! now my husband will sleep in the same bed with me again.
victoria says
I always wake up in the middle of the night due to my clothes being soaking wet and the sheets too..i usually have to grab a cold glass of water and let the sheets dry a little or change them altogether.
The funny thing is that even though I’m sweating i never feel unusually Hot,in fact i feel cold and wen i try to uncover myself to ease the situation i usually end up grabbing the covers again because i end up freezing
i have a history of chest problems and i usually feel blocked and have a really dry mouth in the morning..I’m only 23. what could be causing the sweating? I’m living with my boyfriend now and he always complains about the sweating..it is becoming embarrassing for me…..please advise.
Jonathan Service says
I always wake up every night with very wet sheets! I was on betablockers for high blood pressure but was taken off them and ever since i have woken up every night like this.
I am always very tired and have been so for some time. I also suffered from blackouts and migraines before I went on beta blockers but I don’t know if this is related. I have not had any blackouts for a few months.
laura ruiz says
i wake up numerous times during the night, to find that my neck and ears are soaked from sweat, any ideas?
David says
I’m 41 and I’m in cars sales I haven’t had any diet change but for the last two weeks the night sweats are overwhelming.
I wake up my hair is soaked along with the bedding wet. I have tried cooler sheets it helps some. I have always have had a feet sweat issue but gold bond has always help; now it just barely cuts it down. The sweating in my hair has also produce a sweat rash at the base of my hair line in my neck.
Could it be Male menapause or something else due to the stress from job lately.. Should I see a Doctor??
Tony Walker says
I run alot and enjoy the sauna. I also take an Ambien to sleep and this I think…..makes me wake up with night sweats.
More so on the day’s that I spend too much time in the sauna
Melanie Macdonald says
Hi there,
I’ve just started keeping a diary of my night sweats, they seem pretty moderate. I have to sleep on a towel or change the sheets after and wipe my body down. I was wondering if it could be related to my job. I’m a fitness instructor and do a lot of exercise, in the evenings it can be up to 2 hours of strenuous work and there is a little more during the day. Could my muscles repairing themselves once I’ve gone to bed and resting be related in any way??
nathan says
en dias pasados e tenido sudoracion despues de tener un tratamiento para la gripe se me ha quitado pero a los quice dias me ha vuelto que me recomiendan
jeannie says
Any help for those of us on zoloft / wellbutrin to decrease day/night sweats?
Fritz says
I have been waking up every night for the past 2 months soaking wet.
After reading this I have made an appointment to see the Doctor.
Thanks
Kind regards
Fritz