Night Sweats

Night sweats contribute to poor quality sleep for millions of people.
Diabetes, thyroid disorders, pregnancy, menopause and cancer treatment often cause excessive sweating. Night sweats or hot flashes can be so severe that the individual may have to get up and change their sheets and clothing during the night.
Waking up soaking wet and freezing to death can be quite uncomfortable.

Night sweats are a type of hot flash mainly associated with women experiencing menopause, but they can occur for men and women afflicted with other disorders.
Some medications can also contribute to night sweats for certain individuals. While the exact cause is not known, some medical researchers believe that night sweats and hot flashes may be caused by changes in circulation.

If you have a physical condition or are under treatment that is causing your night sweats, there's not much you can do to prevent them. You can take steps to stay more cool and comfortable.


Look for cool fabrics that effectively absorb or even draw moisture away from the skin. Look for light, cool fabrics and even athletic wear. A new fabric made from polyester that acts like a wick to draw moisture away from the skin shows promise. The garments that I found in a search are very expensive, averaging around $70 for one pair of pajamas.

Even if you feel cold when you go to bed, don't bundle up if you're prone to night sweats or hot flashes. Use extra blankets that can be kicked off when you feel hot.

While it would seem that sleeping in the nude would keep one cooler, the reverse is usually true. Perspiration tends to pool around the body and you may wake up in a puddle, which can feel even worse than wet clothing. With nothing between your body and the sheets to absorb moisture, you may find yourself getting up at 3 a.m. to change the bedding.

Take inventory of your bedding. Flannel sheets may be cozy and comfortable, but their warmth can make night sweats wetter. Stretch fabrics can make hot flashes feel hotter. Smooth polyester and cotton blends may keep you cooler through the night.

Unless you have severe allergies, keep your bedroom cooler by opening the windows. Utilize an air conditioner or fan. Fans can serve double duty by cooling off the room and providing the "white noise" that can help some people fall asleep.

Certain herbs especially Agnus Castus
can be very helpful in alleviating night sweats and hot flushes associated with the menopause.