There are two main categories of reasons why you might sweat at night: environmental and internal.
Environmental causes are the most common. Sweating is your body's way of regulating its temperature, so if you're simply too hot, you'll sweat to cool down. This can be because:
- The room is too warm: Aim for a bedroom temperature between 60- and 68-degrees Fahrenheit for optimal sleep comfort.
- You're wearing too much: Thick pajamas or lots of blankets can trap heat.
- Your mattress isn't breathable: Some mattress materials can trap body heat more than others.
Internal causes are less common but can also trigger night sweats. These include:
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, particularly during menopause, can cause night sweats.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause sweating as a side effect.
- Medical conditions: Infections, hyperthyroidism, and some cancers can cause night sweats.
- Anxiety: Nightmares or night terrors can cause sweating due to the body's fight-or-flight response.
If you're concerned about night sweats, especially if they're accompanied by other symptoms, it's always best to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the cause and recommend treatment options.
