Night sweats can affect people of all ages. In some cases, excessive sweating disrupts sleep quality and necessitates changing clothes. The causes for this condition are diverse.
If night sweats persist despite adjusting the sleep environment, or if they are accompanied by fatigue, weight loss, or unusual lumps, individuals should seek medical attention. A doctor can recommend appropriate tests and initiate early treatment for better outcomes.
One common reason for night sweats is environmental factors. An overly warm bedroom can cause children to sweat during sleep, as their body temperature is higher than adults'. To mitigate this, children should wear light clothing, use a thin blanket, and the room temperature should be maintained at around 26-28 degrees C, adjusted according to the weather.
Hormonal fluctuations are another frequent cause of hot flashes and night sweats, particularly during menopause, pregnancy, or postpartum. Menopausal symptoms can persist for years, and doctors may prescribe medication to alleviate their severity. Hyperthyroidism and adrenal gland diseases can also trigger night sweats, often accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety, and a rapid heart rate.
Infections frequently cause high fevers, making individuals feel hot and sweat day and night. Bacterial or viral infections are common culprits. Certain conditions, including tuberculosis, malaria, fungal infections, and pneumonia, can also present with intermittent sweating, chills, and fever.
Cardiovascular diseases can also contribute to night sweats. Conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery syndrome, arrhythmias, or temporal arteritis compel the heart to work harder. This increased effort elevates body temperature and leads to sweating, resulting in evening heat and reduced sleep quality.
Night sweats are a common symptom in several cancers and a side effect of their treatments. These include breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometrial cancer, lymphoma, and acute leukemia.
Carcinoid syndrome is another potential cause. This syndrome occurs when neuroendocrine tumors release hormones into the bloodstream, causing facial flushing, sweating, and insomnia.
Furthermore, night sweats are associated with rapid weight gain, blood sugar imbalances, sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and other sleep-disrupting conditions.
Anh Chi (According to Very Well Health)
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