Quick answer
What could night sweats mean?
Night sweats are drenching sweats during sleep that soak your nightclothes or bedding, and they are common during the menopause and with infections. They often settle once the underlying cause is treated. Night sweats with unexplained weight loss, fever or swollen glands need a GP assessment to rule out serious conditions.
Understanding night sweats
Night sweats are episodes of heavy sweating during sleep that soak your nightclothes or bedding. Occasional sweating on a hot night is normal and nothing to worry about. Repeated drenching sweats, especially when they come with other symptoms, should be discussed with a GP.
Common causes of night sweats
Menopause is the leading cause of night sweats in women aged 40–55. Infections — including TB, HIV and endocarditis — can also cause sweating at night.
Medicines such as antidepressants and steroids, alcohol and anxiety are other common triggers. Rarely, lymphoma or another cancer presents with night sweats.
Self-care for night sweats
Keeping the bedroom cool, using light bedding and avoiding alcohol and spicy food before bed can all help reduce sweating at night. If your night sweats are related to the menopause and they are affecting your sleep or quality of life, discuss HRT or non-hormonal options with a GP.
When to see a GP about night sweats
See a GP if you have regular night sweats that last for more than a few weeks, especially if they come with weight loss, persistent fever, a cough or swollen glands. Blood tests and imaging may be needed to identify a treatable underlying cause.
Common questions about night sweats
- Are night sweats normal in menopause?
- Yes — hot flushes and night sweats affect most women during menopause. Hormone replacement therapy or lifestyle measures can help if symptoms are troublesome.
- Can anxiety cause night sweats?
- Yes — nightmares, panic attacks and anxiety can all cause sweating at night. Treating the underlying mental health problem and improving sleep hygiene may reduce episodes.
- When should I worry about night sweats?
- Persistent drenching night sweats that come with weight loss, fever, cough or swollen lymph nodes need investigation. Infections and blood disorders are among the causes doctors check for.
- Do certain foods cause night sweats?
- Alcohol, spicy food and caffeine before bed can worsen sweating at night. Reducing these and keeping the bedroom cool may help.