Sweating can be a regular part of your body’s thermoregulation process, but it can sometimes be excessive. If you wake up drenched in sweat during the night, you may wonder why this is happening. While there can be a variety of causes, here are seven possible reasons you may be sweating in your sleep.
Stress And Anxiety
One of the most common causes of night sweats is stress and anxiety. When you’re anxious, your body can release hormones that cause you to sweat, even while asleep.
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Menopause
Women going through menopause can experience night sweats as their hormones fluctuate. Menopause can cause body temperature to rise, leading to increased sweating.
Infections
Bacterial or fungal infections can cause excessive sweating, especially at night. The most common diseases that can cause night sweats include tuberculosis, HIV, and endocarditis.
Medications
Some medications, such as antidepressants, can cause night sweats. If you’re taking a pill and noticing an increase in night sweats, it may be a side effect of the drug.
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Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause you to sweat during the night as your body struggles to maintain an average blood glucose level.
Hormone Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances, such as hyperthyroidism, can cause increased sweating, especially at night. If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, talk to your doctor.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to become shallow or stop briefly during sleep. It can cause your body temperature to rise and lead to night sweats.
If you’re struggling with night sweats, it’s essential to talk to your doctor to identify and address the underlying cause. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, you should be able to find relief and stop sweating.