Why Do Women Get Nighttime Sweats?

Wearing too many clothes or keeping your room too warm can cause you to sweat while sleeping. There are medical causes for nighttime sweats as well, some of which require treatment.

Menopause

• As women age, their hormones begin to fluctuate and the level of estrogen decreases. The drop in estrogen triggers the hypothalamus (which controls body temperature) to create physiological symptoms, one of which is nighttime sweating.

Hypoglycemia

• Changes in blood sugar can occur while sleeping, and sometimes a sharp rapid drop in blood sugar while sleeping can trigger nighttime sweats.

Idiopathic Hyperhidrosis

• Idiopathic hyperhidrosis is from an unknown source, and involves a sudden onset of profuse sweating. The palms, soles of the feet and armpits are the most affected areas.

Medication

• Certain medications may cause nighttime sweats in women. Anti-depressants are a common cause of night sweats, and anti-pyretic drugs such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen may also cause nighttime sweating if they are taken to treat a fever.

Cancer

• Nighttime sweats can be an early sign of cancer. Lymphoma is most commonly associated with night sweats. The night sweats are accompanied by fever and weight loss when cancer is the culprit.

Infection

• Various bacterial and viral infections can cause nighttime sweats, as well as HIV infection. Tuberculosis is also associated with night sweats.