Night Sweats | Sleep Hyperhidrosis | Causes Of Night Sweats | Night Sweats Cure

Night Sweats

Night Sweats Overview:

Night sweats, scientifically known as Sleep hyperhidrosis, is defined as, the occurrence of excessive sweating during sleep i.e., Sweating at night even when it isn't excessively hot in your bedroom and day sweats were defined as, excessive sweating during the daytime.

Hyperhidrosis patients sometimes experience nighttime sweats and the bed is soaking wet in the morning. This is not the most severe form that excessive sweating can take, but it does pose some problems to those having to deal with it.

Night sweats may occur for genetic reasons and may be relatively harmless. However, they can be stressful and disrupt sleep patterns if severe; the patient may be frequently awakened due to the discomfort of damp sleepwear.

One of the most common causes of night sweats in women over 40 is the hormonal change related to menopause and perimenopause. This is a normal part of menopause and while annoying.

It is not necessarily dangerous or a sign of underlying disease. Some women experience night sweats during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Sleep hyperhidrosis may occur at any age, but is most commonly seen in early adulthood.

Cause of Night Sweats:

There are several factors that can trigger excessive sweat during sleep. Most fever producing illnesses will also develop into excessive sweat at night, diminishing the healing and relaxing effects of a good sleep.

Women experience frequent nighttime sweats during menopause. Other triggering factors are food items that usually create sleep problems, like alcohol.

Other serious causes of night sweats include:

  • human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
  • Low blood sugar reactions (hypoglycemia) in people treated for diabetes
  • Cancers other than lymphoma
  • Overheating (too many covers or too much heat in the bedroom)
  • Drug withdrawal
  • Serious infections, such as abscesses, bone infections or bacteria in the blood stream
  • Menopause
  • Pregnancy
  • Certain types of hormonal conditions, such as hyperthyroidism
  • Medication side effects
  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Certain benign neurological conditions
  • Blood vessel inflammation
  • Panic attacks

Most women are told that the cause of hot flashes and night sweats is the decline in estrogen production from our ovaries in perimenopause and menopause. It is not true.

How Night Sweats Can Be Cured?

The first thing you need to do is to examine the phenomenon and identify its seriousness. If you experience a few nighttime sweats try to see if any of the above-mentioned factors contributed to that. If this problem occurs repeatedly you are advised to see a physician.

After a doctor's appointment you will have a better understanding of this problem and you should also receive proper medication to help you deal with it.

Night sweats can be avoided by following:

  • Acidic foods (pickles, citrus, tomatoes)
  • Hot drinks
  • Caffeine (coffee, black tea, cola, chocolate)
  • Alcoholic drinks, including wine and beer
  • White sugar
  • Hydrogenated or saturated fats (meat, margarine)
  • Stress
  • Hot weather
  • Tobacco or marijuana
  • Intense exercise, especially lovemaking
  • Anger,
  • Spicy food (cayenne, ginger, pepper)

 

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