Are you a sweaty sleeper? Here is why you might have night sweats
Nothing can quite ruin a good night’s sleep than being a hot mess – literally.
Ever had your peaceful slumber disturbed by the realisation that you’re drenched in sweat?
Although this is a familiar occurrence during sweltering summer nights, some people experience this unpleasant phenomenon frequently, including in the winter.
But why do some sleep-starved souls sweat buckets in bed, and how can they stop it?
Here is everything you need to know about getting some dry shuteye.
Why do I sweat so much in my sleep?
There are many reasons why you might be experiencing a sweaty slumber, also know as night sweats.
According to the NHS, the most common causes are:
Menopause
That’s right – hot flushes aren’t just for the daytime.
Menopause causes hot flashes and night sweats because of changing hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone, which affect the body’s temperature control.
Anxiety and nightmares
Never a combination for a good sleep, these two factors can cause night time panic attacks and stressful bad dreams – leading to you sweating like a turkey in December.
Medicines
Medicines that target your hormones can also cause your body’s temperature gauge to become imbalanced, leading to night sweats.
This might include certain antidepressants, hormone treatments, and opioids.
Illnesses
Fevers are a common symptom for illnesses which can often lead to high temperatures.
Alcohol
Alcohol affects your nervous system, causing a fluctuation in blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature – which could lead to night sweats.
Sweating can be a result of alcohol withdrawal, or alcohol intolerance.
Low blood sugar
Those with hypoglycemia can often suffer from night sweats.
When your blood glucose drops too low, you produce excess adrenaline, which causes sweating.
Cancer treatment
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can result in night sweats.
They can also happen in men who have their testicles removed to treat prostate cancer.
Hyperhidrosis
This is a harmless condition that makes you sweat too much all the time.
Sleep environment
Simply enough, a stuffy room, a thick duvet and warm pyjamas can all contribute to you overheating at night.
How do I stop sweating in my sleep?
The solution to not sweating at night all depends on the reason behind it.
It’s worth talking to your GP if you’re regularly experiencing night sweats.
If they think night sweats are a side effect of medication, they may recommend an alternative. For those going through menopause, a doctor may recommend hormonal therapies.
If the cause isn’t clear, then you should start by addressing your sleep environment.
MORE : How to wind down and get your mind ready for sleep before bed
MORE : How much deep sleep do you need?
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