What Causes Night Sweats & How to Stop Them

When was the last time you woke up in the middle of the night drenched and soaking in sweat? This overnight perspiration may have been so severe that you needed to change your clothes, or even your sheets. For many, these night sweats can contribute to poor sleep quality and hinder your ability to perform at your peak during the day. In this article, we’ll explore the potential causes of night sweats, when it may be a good idea to reach out to a doctor, and sleep hygiene tips that may help support healthy overnight temperature and sleep-wake patterns.

What Are Night Sweats?

Night sweats, medically known as nocturnal hyperhidrosis, is the repeated occurrence of excessive sweating during sleep usually related to an underlying medical illness or condition. Night sweats are technically different from feelings of overheating resulting from environmental factors like bedroom temperature or heavy bedding. When experiencing night sweats, simply lowering the temperature and removing your comforter may not always cut it. 

Night sweating is also distinct from hot flashes, which are sudden periods of intense heat occurring during any time of the day. Hot flashes may be classified as night sweats if they happen in the middle of the night and regularly incite excessive overnight sweating. Night sweats are also different than skin blushing or “flushing”. Flushing is a sudden reddening of the upper chest and face area resulting from increased blood flow. Unlike night sweats, periods of flushing do not usually cause intense sweating. 

Night sweats are surprisingly common yet under-reported. Researchers estimate that night sweats occur in approximately 10 to 41 percent of people, with the highest prevalence occurring between 41 and 55 years of age (AAFP). Unfortunately, even when night sweats are severe, a majority of patients in this study did not report their symptoms to their physicians.

What Causes Sweating in Sleep?

The body’s internal temperature regulator – a process known as thermoregulation – allows us to maintain optimal core body temperature. These mechanisms help by returning you to a state of homeostasis, or equilibrium. These thermoregulatory processes are incredibly complex and often influenced by many factors. As a result, identifying one underlying cause of night sweats can be difficult without the help of a doctor. Night sweats may be related to sleep conditions and other health problems. You should talk to your doctor if your night sweats are frequent, persistent over time, severe enough to affect your daytime life, or accompanied by other health problems. In this article, we’ll explore five common causes of night sweats.

Menopause

Menopause is a time of natural menstrual cycle changes that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age. During menopause, significant hormonal changes to estrogen and progesterone may affect certain thermoregulatory processes, causing hot flashes in approximately 80 percent of women (MenoMartha). Menopausal hot flashes cause temporary sensations of heat, sweating, flushing, anxiety, and chills that last between 1 to 5 minutes. 

Studies have shown that severe hot flashes are often associated with chronic insomnia. For example, researchers from Stanford University found that more than 50 percent of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women reported chronic insomnia symptoms. Menopausal hot flashes occurring at night can provoke night sweats and, not surprisingly, may contribute to poor sleep quality and sleep-wake problems. 

In 2023, the FDA approved Veozah (fezolinetant), a nonhormonal medication targeting neurokinin receptors in the brain to reduce hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women who cannot or choose not to use hormone therapy (Washington Post).

Hormonal Disorders

The endocrine system comprises a range of glands that are responsible for producing and secreting hormones. Changes to the endocrine system resulting in hormonal problems may be related to night sweats. Examples of medical conditions and hormonal problems that are associated with night sweats include: 

• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) 
• Diabetes (and elevated blood sugar) 
• Endocrine tumors (adrenal gland tumors and carcinoid syndromes) 
• Orchiectomy (testicular removal) 
• Ovarian failure
  

Additionally, anxiety disorders and autonomic neuropathy (damage to your autonomic nerves) can also lead to night sweats (Mayo Clinic).

Infection and Immune Responses

Infections that result in fever, chills, fatigue, and malaise may also be associated with night sweats. Excessive overnight sweating likely occurs if an infection triggers a fever. Several specific infections are thought to be risk factors for night sweats including: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis, fungal infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart’s lining), and other infections. 

In rare cases, persistent night sweats combined with other symptoms like unexplained weight loss and fever may be an early sign of cancer such as lymphoma (UNILAD).

Medications

Several medications and drugs are known to have side effects associated with night sweats. These medications include: 

• Antipyretics including acetaminophen used to lower fevers 
• Antihypertensives used to treat high blood pressure 
• Phenothiazines used to treat psychotic disorders
  

Excessive caffeine too close to bedtime can also cause generalized sweating. Lastly, substance abuse – especially alcohol and heroin – can increase the risk of developing night sweats (Mayo Clinic).

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Night sweats are a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Research from 2023 shows that up to 30 percent of individuals with OSA experience night sweats, compared to only 12 percent of the general population (Neurolaunch). In patients who successfully treated their sleep apnea using positive airway pressure, the prevalence of night sweats dropped significantly. 

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common but debilitating sleep disorder that goes largely undiagnosed. It’s important to speak to your doctor if, in addition to night sweats, you experience the following after unrefreshing sleep: 

• Constant tiredness 
• Poor concentration 
• Morning headaches 
• Depressed mood 
• Weight gain 
• Lack of energy 
• Forgetfulness 
• Sexual dysfunction 
• Frequent urination at night

How to Treat Night Sweats

It’s important to remember that frequent night sweats may be a sign of an underlying illness or condition that warrants a doctor’s visit. As discussed, there are many potential causes of night sweats. Ruling out more serious conditions can help your doctor find a treatment option that works best for you. Potential treatment methods may include changes to your environment, medication, or behavioral therapies. 

Here are some healthy sleep tips that are part of a regimen of sleep hygiene to support your sleep: 

• Keep your bedroom temperature cool: Although the recommended sleeping room temperature range is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s important to remember that the right temperature for you is likely unique. If you frequently wake up too cold or too hot, adjust the thermostat accordingly. 

• Use breathable bedding: Consider using a lighter mattress and sheets that can help disperse heat. Certain mattress pads like the ChiliPad Sleep System can also support sleep by allowing you to set the mattress in one-degree increments from 55° – 110°F. 

• Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption: For many people, a major step in sleep improvement is identifying sources of caffeine and then reducing caffeine consumption, particularly later in the day. Alcohol can also spike body temperature and induce sweating. Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption (especially in the evening) may help reduce night sweats. 

• Relax and unwind: Several studies have found that relaxation-based methods using controlled breathing techniques can help reduce hot flashes by up to 50 percent. In addition to reducing hot flashes, relaxation techniques can help with falling asleep.

How Can SleepScore Help

Download the free SleepScore App for insights and articles on how well you sleep, the quality and quantity of your sleep cycles, and sleep improvement progress with science-backed tips and insights. Download it for free from the App Store and Google Play Store! 

Sleep well!

Sources

1. American Academy of Family Physicians. (2020). Persistent Night Sweats: Diagnostic Evaluation. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/1001/p427.html 
2. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Night Sweats – Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/night-sweats/basics/causes/sym-20050768 
3. Washington Post. (2023, May 31). FDA Approves First Nonhormonal Hot Flash Drug for Menopause Relief. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/05/31/menopause-veozah-hot-flashes 
4. MenoMartha. (2024). Hot Flushes: What You Should Know About Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms. https://menomartha.com/health-topic/hot-flushes 
5. UNILAD. (2025, May 26). Doctor Warns Night Sweats Could Be a Sign of Cancer. https://www.unilad.com/news/health/cancer-insomnia-night-sweats-symptoms-night-493730-20250526 
6. Neurolaunch. (2023). Can Sleep Apnea Cause Night Sweats? https://neurolaunch.com/can-sleep-apnea-cause-night-sweats