Unexplained night sweats? Why you should see a doctor
17 July 2024 13:39
Are you waking up more frequently on a sweat-soaked pillow? Don't ignore it. It could be due to the heat, but it could also be a sign of a severe illness. When should you see a doctor? We explain.
When temperatures exceed 25 degrees Celsius, we start to sweat intensely. This is a completely natural phenomenon resulting from body thermoregulation. However, excessive sweating during sleep can be a symptom of a serious illness.
Waking up on a wet pillow? This is an important signal
Sweating during a heatwave is natural and affects everyone, regardless of age or gender. The body tries to "defend" itself against the high temperature by producing sweat, which lowers its temperature. The body also sweats at night, especially in the summer.
If the temperature in the room does not exceed 25 degrees Celsius, and yet you wake up "drenched in sweat," it could be due to severe stress or anxiety disorders. Increasing tension manifests in night sweats, teeth grinding, or nightmares.
How to help yourself? You need to lower your cortisol levels, also known as the stress hormone. Regular physical activity and meditation, which significantly reduce feelings of anxiety, will be helpful.
Stress is only one of the factors that causes night sweats. Taking certain medications contributes to the worsening of this condition. These include painkillers, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, cortisone, prednisone, and prednisolone), and most antidepressants.
Do you sweat at night? This could be a symptom of a serious illness
Night sweats can be bothersome. The problem arises when there is so much sweat that we wake up on a damp pillow. If this phenomenon occurs regularly, you should consult a doctor. Excessive sweating can indicate hormonal imbalances, diabetes, menopause, or a deficiency of certain vitamins.
If the doctor does not find any abnormalities, ensure that the bedroom temperature does not exceed 20 degrees Celsius. Before going to sleep, try to air out the room thoroughly. Invest in bedding and pyjamas made of natural materials such as cotton or linen.
