How to Stop Cold Sweats at Night

Night sweats can be embarrassing and most of all uncomfortable. These episodes are caused by a sudden elevation in body temperature. Sweating occurs when the clothing you are wearing and the bedding that you sleep with are unable to absorb the level of heat that your body is exuding. Many simple remedies, such as drinking chamomile tea before you go to sleep may solve your problem. If not, other, potentially dangerous, conditions could be the root of your problem.

Things You'll Need

• Fan
• Cotton sheets

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Instructions

• 1

  Adjust your sleep environment. You may want to turn the air conditioner up, open a window or purchase a fan. Switch to cotton sheets. Cotton is a breathable fabric. Sleep with just a sheet and if you are cold without a blanket, use a blanket made of thinner material. Switch to all-cotton or silk pajamas or switch from pants to shorts. If you have long hair, try pulling it back to keep it off your neck. Reduce caffeine, alcohol and spicy food intake because these can increase internal body temperature.

• 2

  Evaluate your stress level. Stress and anxiety can cause excessive sweating while you sleep. If you are a middle-aged woman, you may be experiencing symptoms of menopause. Some women go through menopause earlier than expected so don't rule this out as a possibility. If you are stressed, try lowering your stress level by delegating tasks or getting more rest. Lack of sleep can elevate stress levels and cause an increase in anxiety.

• 3

  Read the side effects on any prescription medicines that you may be taking. Night sweats are side effects of many popular medicines such as Cymbalta, Ambien and Accutane. If the night sweats are affecting your quality of sleep, you may need to change prescription medications.

• 4

  Visit your doctor. Diseases such as AIDS, breast cancer and Crohn's can cause night sweats. Make sure to tell your doctor about any other abnormalities that you may be experiencing.