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Cause of Nightsweats

If you have ever awakened to find your clothing and bedding soaked in sweat, you have experienced night sweats, or nocturnal hyperhidrosis. In most cases, this common problem is not cause for alarm--you may simply have become too warm during sleep. There are some specific causes, however, that may warrant a visit to your doctor to discuss your symptoms.

  1. Menopause

    • One of the more common causes of night sweats in women is menopause or perimenopause. Hormonal changes, specifically dropping levels of estrogen in the body, may trigger both hot flashes and night sweats.

    Infections

    • Night sweats may be caused by infections in the body. This could include bacterial infections (brucellosis), bone infections (osteomyelitis) or an infection of the lining of the heart (endocarditis).

    Cancer

    • Night sweats may be a symptom of cancer, including leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

    Endocrine Disorders

    • Certain disorders of the endocrine system can cause bouts of night sweats. Night sweats are a symptom of hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid.

    Medications

    • Certain medications, including antidepressants, may cause night sweats. Drugs given as part of hormone therapy may cause night sweats as well.

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