Night Sweats: The Common Causes
By Sara Butler
Do you wake up drenched in your own sweat sometimes? If so, then you may suffer from a condition known as night sweats. It can be an alarming experience to wake up this way and realize that it's not because your bedroom is too hot or you've piled on too many blankets. Before you get too nervous, here are some of the most common reasons for night sweats and when you should be concerned about their presence in your nightlife.
Common Cause No. 1: Infection
Many infections can lead to a fever and a fever can lead to night sweats. Bacterial infections and HIV infections, as well as tuberculosis, often have night sweats as a major symptom. If your night sweats are going on for several weeks and you're feeling generally unwell, then make sure to seek medical care in order to find out if the cause of your night sweats is an infection.
Common Cause No. 2: Medication
If you're on certain medications, they can increase your chances of experiencing night sweats. If you take medications such as certain antidepressants or even acetaminophen in order to treat a fever, then you can experience night sweats as a side effect. If they last longer than a few weeks, then talk to a medical professional about it.
Common Cause No. 3: Hormone Issues
There are some conditions associated with your hormones that can cause night sweats. If you have an issue with an imbalance that impacts your hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature, then it can bring night sweats about. Talk to a trusted medical professional about what you can do to help balance your hormones if you think they may be the cause behind your night sweats.
Common Cause No. 4: Menopause
Speaking of hormones, a decrease in estrogen that some women experience as a side effect of menopause can cause issues with hot flashes -- and those hot flashes can lead directly to night sweats. Make sure to keep your room cool when you're asleep to help reduce the chances of night sweats if you're a woman who has reached menopause and avoid alcohol to help.
If you're experiencing night sweats and don't know why, then talk to a medical professional. You don't want to ignore them, especially since they can be a sign of something serious.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.