Are hot flashes and excessive night sweats keeping you up at night? If so, it might be time to make a trip to your doctor's office.
For most, night sweats are onset by a sleep environment that is too hot, but for some, they could be a cue of an underlying medical condition.
If you are one of many who suffer from excessive sweating throughout the night, we’ve outlined some common medical conditions that may be the cause of your night sweats. Keep reading to learn possible sources of the problem and if you should be concerned.
- Menopause. Hot flashes and sweaty nights are very common with women going through menopause and are often the first sign.
- Anxiety. High stress and emotions that cause sweating throughout the day can also have the same effect at nigh
- Idiopathic Hyperhidrosis. Also known as chronic sweating, this is a medical condition in which the body overproduces too much sweat.
- Hormone disorders. Night sweats can result from underlying problems in the endocrine system, such as too many or too few hormones. Those on hormone therapy medications may also experience night sweats as a side effect.
- Cancer. Night sweats can be an early symptom of some cancers, the most common being lymphoma. However, most with undiagnosed cancer will also experience other symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss and fevers.
- Infections. Endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves) or osteomyelitis (inflammation within the bones) can result in hot flashes and sweaty nights. However, Tuberculosis is the most commonly associated infection with night sweats.
Before you panic, there are many practical reasons one may experience night sweats, such as room temperature, bedding materials, or even spicy foods. Try eliminating any practical possibilities that could cause your night sweats before jumping to conclusions.
