When most of us think about what causes night sweats, our minds jump straight to hot flashes and menopause. But they’re not the only reason you might be waking up feeling like you just ran sprints in your sleep. That’s a fair thought, but that’s only one part of the story.
Women of all ages can deal with night sweats, and yes, men get them too.
Sometimes it’s hormones, sometimes it’s lifestyle, and sometimes it’s your body giving you a shout out, “Hey, pay attention to me.”
Let’s break down what really causes night sweats, what’s normal, and when it’s time to call the doctor.
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Night sweats are excessive perspiration beyond the norm that takes place while you’re sleeping. According to the Mayo Clinic, they can be heavy enough to soak your nightclothes or bedding.
They are usually connected to menopausal women and their hot flashes, which are a very common cause of night sweats, but there are other underlying causes of experiencing this perspiration.
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Besides menopause in women, what causes night sweats includes side effects of medication or even having an illness.
Keep in mind that underlying causes or diseases are also not the only reasons you may experience night sweats.
What causes night sweats for you could be simply sleeping in a room that is too hot, or having too many blankets or heavy sleepwear.
Night sweats are extremely common in women, especially during perimenopause and menopause, and the numbers back it up. According to The North American Menopause Society, about 75% to 80% of women experience hot flashes or night sweats at some point during their transition through menopause. These symptoms can stick around for 7 to 11 years for many women, especially women of color.
Research shows that Black women report night sweats and hot flashes more frequently and more intensely than women in other racial or ethnic groups
Hormonal changes, particularly fluctuating estrogen levels, are one of the biggest answers to the question “what causes night sweats?” in women. When estrogen dips, the body’s internal thermostat becomes more sensitive, causing sudden heat surges, flushing, and those middle-of-the-night drenched sheets.
But hormones aren’t the only thing at play. Stress, thyroid issues, certain medications, and infections can also be what cause night sweats in women.
If your symptoms feel sudden, severe, or long-lasting, it’s worth checking in with your provider, especially if night sweats come with weight loss, fever, or changes in your menstrual cycle.
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Just like women, men aren’t off the hook. Night sweats happen to them, too, and low testosterone (male hypogonadism) is one of the leading causes. As testosterone levels drop with age (or because of other health issues), the body’s temperature regulation can go a little haywire, according to UCLA Health, triggering hot flashes and night sweats.
In fact, it’s estimated that up to 38% of men over 45 may have lower-than-ideal testosterone, and even among otherwise healthy men over 60, that number can be as high as 20%. The World Journal of Men’s Health says low testosterone doesn’t just mess with your energy or sex drive; it can make your nights sweaty.
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These are 10 of the most common causes of night sweats for you to consider:
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Most night sweats are harmless, but continuous, drenching episodes deserve attention.
If you’re losing weight without trying, waking up with a fever or chills, dealing with a chronic cough, or noticing other changes in your health, it’s time to check in with your doctor.
If you’re unsure what causes night sweats to keep happening night after night, pay attention to what your body is doing during the day, too. Symptoms like fever, weight loss, or a lingering cough can help clue you in.
Night sweats aren’t always serious, but they shouldn’t be ignored when they start teaming up with other symptoms.
There are a few ways to help control your night sweats, including:
If you continue to have frequent night sweats, it’s time for you to seek medical attention.
Other reasons to see your doctor include interrupted sleep due to night sweats, as well as coughing, diarrhea, fever, and pain in specific areas that accompany them.
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If you notice weight loss or other concerns, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
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[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”Why do night sweats happen?” answer-0=”Night sweats can show up for simple reasons—like room temperature—or medical ones. If you’re wondering what causes night sweats, it usually comes down to hormones, medications, infections, or stress kicking your system into overdrive.” image-0=”” fontsize-0=”20″ fontunit-0=”px” count=”1″ html=”true”]
[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”Can stress or anxiety really trigger night sweats?” answer-0=”Yes. Stress revs up your nervous system and can lead to temperature swings at night.” image-0=”” fontsize-0=”20″ fontunit-0=”px” count=”1″ html=”true”]
[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”Which medications commonly cause night sweats?” answer-0=”Pain relievers like acetaminophen, certain antidepressants, and psychiatric meds can all play a role.” image-0=”” fontsize-0=”20″ fontunit-0=”px” count=”1″ html=”true”]
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Night sweats aren’t always a sign of something serious, but understanding what causes night sweats can help you catch changes in your body early.
Paying attention to your symptoms and how often they show up can point you toward simple fixes or let you know when it’s time to get checked out.
Either way, you deserve peaceful, non-sweaty, drama-free sleep.
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