Why Do I Sweat in My Sleep?

There are times throughout any given day when we expect to sweat - your office is too warm, you have just finished a workout, you are nervous about an upcoming deadline. Unfortunately for some, sweating your sleep can come as an unexpected and unpleasant surprise. You are not alone, though. Sweating in your sleep is quite a common complaint that doctors hear every day.

While some reasons for waking up from excessive sweating can be easily explained by hormones or unhealthy sleeping environments, others require a little more medical deep diving.

There is nothing embarrassing about not being able to get enough sleep, and excessive sweating is something that should be taken seriously. It is part of your well-being, and there may be underlying causes that you have not considered. If you are not getting enough sleep because of sweating, there may be a valid reason why.

Common Reasons for Night Sweats

Night sweats have several known causes. If you are concerned about night sweats, it is important to discuss your situation with your doctor. Everyone’s body is unique, and the cause of your excessive sweating may require a professional consultation.

Here are some of the common reasons people sweat at night.

Your Stress Level

High stress levels can put your body into overdrive and lead to sweating at night. Whether it's because you're having nightmares or you're unaware of the cause, increased daytime stress can lead to increased sweating at night (Houston Methodist Leading Medicine).

Having a relaxing and predictable bedtime routine can bring your stress levels down and improve your sleep quality.

Your Sleeping Environment

Our bedrooms are designed for comfort. One of the most common reasons we experience sweating at night is because we are overheating our rooms and our bodies. Before you panic, try to cool, and enhance your sleeping environment. It might just do the trick.e, and promoting more restful sleep?

Some mattresses and pillows are not designed well to allow your body to breathe. Evaluate your mattress, sheets, comforter, and pillows and determine if one of these might be causing the issue.

Drinking Before Bedtime

If you enjoy having a drink to unwind in the evenings, you could be doing your body a disservice. While the depressant qualities of alcohol might help you feel sleepy, the stimulant effects can cause you to work harder to breathe. In turn, your body responds by raising your body temperature and begins to sweat (Korean J Fam Med.). When night sweats are bothering you, try to limit or forgo alcohol before bed.

Medications

Every medication we take influences our bodies, and sometimes night sweats can be a side effect. It is not uncommon for doctors to include your medications in the list of possible reasons you’re having uncomfortable nights. While not all people will experience night sweats from their medications, taking antidepressants, hormone supplements, or opioids can elevate your risk (HealthLine.com)

Sweating Disorder

Hyperhidrosis (or sweating disorder) is extremely rare, an issue for some. Although the cause is unknown, there are several things your doctor may recommend to keep you comfortable.

In addition to medications, avoiding heavy, synthetic materials will cut down on the amount that you perspire. When combined with a high-quality deodorant and clothing that lets your skin breathe, you can reduce your symptoms.(Mayo Clinic)

Medical Conditions

Our bodies can manifest problems in several ways. Poor sleep quality and excessive sweating can both be signs that something is not right with your body. Night sweating has been associated with everything from cancer to depression to auto-immune diseases (MedicalNewsToday.com).

Although it is more likely that something simple is causing your issues, it is important to talk to your doctor about potential causes if you are concerned.

Menopause

Few symptoms go together like menopause, hot flashes, and night sweats. For women, it is one of the most common causes of not being able to get a good night’s sleep. Caused by an imbalance or a change in hormone levels, both perimenopause and menopause can cause hot flashes and night sweats (ClevelandClinic.org).

Fortunately, it is a natural process that will subside over time. In the meantime, experts recommend eating a healthy diet and keeping your stress levels down. Both will aid in the reduction of the sweating symptoms that come with female aging.

More Tips for Reducing Sweating in Your Sleep

Experiencing night sweats is not uncommon, but there are several things you can adjust in your bedroom and lifestyle to reduce your discomfort. At Bedzzz Express, we are sleep experts and want to help you be as comfortable as possible every night.

Making changes to your bedroom and environment could help reduce night sweats. We recommend the following:

• Cooling gel pillows

• Breathable mattresses and mattress protectors

• Mattresses with active cooling technology

• Good quality sheets

• Wear breathable clothes

Stop into one of our locations today to find the right mattress, pillow, or sheets for you and get our advice on how you can get a better night's sleep.