Night sweats, also known as nocturnal hyperhidrosis or restless-leg syndrome, is a condition where the arms and legs involuntarily sweat during sleep. This article will discuss common causes for night sweats and how to treat them.
Waking up drenched in sweat in the middle of the night is a common problem that many people face. There are many reasons for this, but the most likely cause is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where you stop breathing during your sleep and wake up with a heavy sweating.
In the winter, your nocturnal sweats may get worse (photo courtesy of Getty Images/Metro.co.uk).
You go into bed, pyjamas on and blankets piled, all set for a nice night’s sleep, only to be awoken in the middle of the night, pouring in perspiration and pulling off all your covers.
The plague of night sweats has destroyed many a gorgeous pajama set’s armpit, as well as disrupting your sleep, which may have immediate health consequences.
What are the causes of nocturnal sweats? And how can we put a stop to this affliction?
We enlisted the expertise of the specialists to rescue us from another night of sweat-soaked sheets and shattered dreams.
What causes night sweats?
To begin with, let’s be clear: it’s absolutely natural to sweat at night. We sweat constantly, and the addition of heated bedding and pyjamas may amplify that.
While you would believe that sleep sweating is more of a problem in the summer, it might really be worse in the winter.
‘As the temperature drops, we wrap ourselves in layers, turn up the heat, and roll ourselves up in our heavy duvets, which inevitably leads to heavy underarm sweating while sleeping, leaving bedding damp and the bedroom smelling like a school locker room,’ explains Dr Baldeep Farmah, aesthetic doctor and founder of Dr Aesthetica.
Night sweats, on the other hand, become a problem when night sweating becomes extreme – imagine soaked-through clothes and damp sheets – and occurs even when the weather is cool.
The following are some of the causes:
Sweating excessively might keep you awake at night (Getty Images/iStockphoto).
How can you get rid of night sweats?
If you’re having night sweats on a frequent basis, it’s worth seeing your doctor, even if it’s only to be sure there’s nothing wrong that’s causing them.
They may suggest an alternative if they believe night sweats are a side effect of a medicine. A doctor may offer hormonal therapy to women going through menopause.
If the source of your night sweats isn’t evident, there are a few therapeutic alternatives to help you feel better.
‘Your doctor may prescribe a stronger antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate, and in severe situations, some patients may undergo iontophoresis, a low-voltage electrical current therapy, or even surgery to remove or deactivate the sweat glands,’ adds Dr. Baldeep. ‘At the doctor’s office, propantheline tablets are also accessible.’
Botox is a common treatment for excessive sweating since it works by blocking nerve impulses and so reducing sweat gland activity in specific regions.
Dr. Aoife Turner, a plastic and cosmetic surgeon, explains: ‘Botox has been used to treat excessive sweating for many years.’
Additional Information: Health
‘The procedure entails a few of painless Botox injections that take just a few minutes and are placed just under the surface of the skin, where sweat glands are located, to safely limit their activity.
‘Without those painful, itchy, and often humiliating night sweats, the body will continue to naturally self-regulate its temperature.’
Dr. Baldeep said that after a few treatments, the sweat glands ‘eventually begin to produce less moisture,’ which means you won’t require Botox as often.
Avoiding triggers like stress, alcohol, spicy meals, smoking, and heavy blankets might also help you sleep better at night.
Try wearing breathable pyjamas made of cotton or silk at night and turning down your home’s central heating.
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Night sweats are a common problem, but there is no need to worry. There are many ways to treat it and prevent it from happening again. Reference: sweating at night while sleeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get rid of sleep sweats?
A: This is a common issue that most people deal with. You can try using an over the counter topical cream like Tiger Balm, or you can also try wearing loose clothing and keeping it cool to help reduce sweat.
What causes sweating at night while sleeping?
A: It is a natural response to the bodys release of an antiperspirant, which is generally sweat. This occurs at night due to hormonal activity that causes sweating.
How do you get a good night sweat with night sweats?
A: A night sweat is a rare disorder that can occur in people with sleep apnea. It causes you to wake up suddenly in the middle of a deep and restful slumber, sweating profusely for an hour or longer before settling back into your bed again, usually feeling exhausted and disoriented.
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