Sleep HyperhidrosisSleep hyperhidrosis, also known as sleep sweats or night sweats, are characterized by episodes of nighttime sweating that occur even when it isn’t hot. During an episode, you may sweat so much that it soaks your bedding and clothing.Causes Sleep hyperhidrosis is a common problem that can be triggered by a variety of factors, including taking certain medications such as antidepressants, hormone therapy, antipyrectics, and hypoglycemic agents. There are also several diseases and medical conditions that can cause sleep hyperhidrosis. These include menopause, HIV/AIDS, stroke, tuberculosis, autonomic neurotherapy, and hyperthyroidism. To exclude serious, underlying causes of night sweats, a doctor will take your medical history, carry out a physical, and request radiographic and/or laboratory testing. Treating Sleep Sweats Night sweats are rarely a cause for concern, but you should see a doctor if they occur on a regular basis and disrupt your sleep. For example, some people who suffer from sleep sweats may be sleep deprived because they have to awaken frequently in the middle of the night to change into different sleepwear or wash their face or other affected body areas. Whenever night sweats are accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss, visit your physician right away for diagnosis and treatment. To prevent mild sleep sweats, lower your thermostat by one to two degrees and remove extra blankets from your bed. Furthermore, avoid consuming alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or spicy food within three hours of bedtime because they can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, triggering night sweats. You should also avoid exercising, smoking, and drinking hot beverages three hours before sleep because these activities can increase your metabolism and cause you to sweat excessively. In addition, use fans, open windows, avoid taking hot baths before you go to bed, and use light sleepwear so you can stay cool and comfortable throughout the night. If your night sweats are so severe that they require you to bathe, change into different sleepwear, or change your sheets, it’s essential to be evaluated by your doctor to identify the cause of your sleep hyperhidrosis and determine an appropriate course of treatment for you. Sources: Mayo Foundation: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hot-flashes/DS01143/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies; http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/night-sweats/MY00576; Stanford University: http://www.stanford.edu/~dement/sweats.html; US National Library of Medicine: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007259.htm; American Academy of Family Physicians: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0301/p1019.html Share Your CommentsWe welcome your insights about what you just read. Please leave a comment in the box below. |
Find more on sleep disorders Search in Your Area Browse by State All Local Guides Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut DC Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming |
