Is It Normal To Sweat At Night? Night Sweats Explained

Picture this: you’re in the middle of a dream when suddenly, reality hits – you’re drenched in sweat! Night sweats can be disruptive, but understanding the causes and remedies could help you to sleep comfortably again. Scroll down and read more about all the causes of night sweats, and what you can do about it for a comfortable, restful night’s sleep.

Nobody really talks about night sweats, and you might be thinking ‘is it normal to sweat at night at all?’ The answer is yes!

It’s absolutely normal to experience body temperature variations while you sleep, and most times, night sweats are harmless and can be relieved with some changes to your nightly routine.

However, if you’re waking up absolutely drenched in sweat at night, it’s not only unpleasant for you, but could be a symptom of something else. And we’re here to help you understand the condition.

How much sweat is considered night sweats?

Night sweats are defined as “repeated episodes of very heavy sweating while you sleep, that soaks your clothes or your bedding.”¹ So, if you wake up, and need to change your clothes or bedding due to the amount of sweat, it could be that you’re experiencing night sweats.

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What causes night sweats?

Night sweats are medically known as nocturnal hyperhidrosis. This happens when your body produces an excessive amount of sweat while you sleep, leading to soaked sheets and an uncomfortable night's rest.

While the specific causes can vary, some physiological factors often play a significant role. The most common causes are²:

Medications and health conditions

Some medications and health conditions could be responsible for sweat in your sleep. Medicines that affect the sweat glands, nervous system and body temperature, like antidepressants or hormone therapy, may have night sweats as a side effect.²

There are also some health conditions that could be responsible for causing you to sweat, like an overactive thyroid or having a fever when your body is fighting an illness.²

It could even be a genetic condition. If you find that you’re sweating even when it’s cold out or without a cause, like during or after a workout, you might have ‘idiopathic hyperhidrosis’. This type of excessive sweating is often genetic and can get worse when you’re stressed.³

Menopause and hormonal changes

One of the primary culprits behind night sweats is hormonal changes. Night sweats are especially common during perimenopause and menopause, as changing hormone levels can lead your hypothalamus (the part of the brain that controls your body heat) to have trouble regulating your temperature, causing hot flushes, then causing the body to sweat more to cool itself down.⁴

Lifestyle causes

Night sweats aren’t always caused by a medical condition, and could be influenced by your day-to-day stress, eating habits and sleep environment. Some of the most common causes of night sweat are:

Stress and anxiety

The demands of modern life often lead to stress and anxiety, which can even be present in your dreams. Sweat at night may be your body's way to process the tension and strain you’ve experienced during the day when you’re asleep.⁵

Sleep environment

The ambient temperature, humidity and airflow of your sleep environment can significantly influence the chance of experiencing night sweats. If your bedroom is overly warm, or if you have heavy bedding or sleep clothing, your body may overheat, triggering sweating.²

Alcohol and food

Although there aren’t specific foods linked to night sweats, drinking alcohol or having spicy foods before bed can contribute to night sweats by raising your body temperature and causing sweating.²

There are some strategies that you can deploy to help combat or prevent night sweats:²

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and spicy food before bed, as it can cause your body temperature to rise, causing sweating.
• Check your bedroom temperature or if you sleep with heavy bedding, try to experiment and create the perfect sleeping environment for you.
• Open a window or use a fan during warmer months to improve airflow.

How are night sweats treated?

In case of night sweats due to a medical condition, a medical professional can provide treatment and advice. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so make sure you get checked by your doctor if you’re concerned.

What can I do to at home to relieve my night sweats?

• Breathable bedding: It's time to rethink your bedding choices. Trade in those heavy sheets for something more breathable, like cotton or linen. These fabrics let your skin breathe, preventing heat buildup. You can also treat yourself to a cooling mattress, mattress topper or pillows that are designed to regulate body temperature.²
• Breathable clothes: Your bedtime attire is crucial in the battle against night sweats. Opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking sleepwear that can keep you cool while you’re asleep.²
• Check your thermostat: Keep your room temperature in check to find your best sleeping temperature.²
• Apply some antiperspirant: Apply a small amount of antiperspirant on areas prone to sweating before bedtime. In fact, applying antiperspirant at night may even offer you better sweat protection the following day.

If you suffer from excessive sweating, a good antiperspirant can help make going to sleep feel good again. We recommend trying Degree® 5in1 Protection Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant for women and Degree® Clean Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant for men, both designed to deliver prescription-strength wetness protection and odor-control for up to 72 hours.

What are night sweats a red flag for and when should I be worried?

Most people who experience excessive night sweat are concerned it’s a red flag for something more serious. Most of the time, night sweats can be solved by adjusting the room temperature or removing some bedding.

However, if night sweats are new and are strong enough that you must get up and change your clothes and bedding, then they might be the signal for a medical condition. If night sweats are paired with fever, loss of appetite and weight loss, you should consult a doctor. ¹

There you have it; all you need to know about night sweats causes. And now that you know the best ways to get quick relief, sleeping will feel like a dream again. Sweating is normal and feeling good should be the norm too!

References:

1. Symptoms Night Sweats. Mayo Clinic.Opens in a new window
2. Newsom R, Singh A. What causes night sweats? SleepFoundation.org. Updated 2024.Opens in a new window
3. Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). Healthdirect Australia. Updated 2022.Opens in a new window
4. Night Sweats. Cleveland clinic. Updated 2022.Opens in a new window
5. Summer J, Singh A. Anxiety and night sweats. SleepFoundation.org. Updated April 13, 2023.Opens in a new window