Sweating during sleep, also called sleep hyperhidrosis, is a common disorder in men and women. Sweating during sleep, which is not generally seen as a major problem, can also be a symptom of deadly diseases such as cancer. It is absolutely necessary to consult a specialist in order to learn the underlying cause for certain. So why sweating at night while sleeping? Here are the causes and treatment of sweating at night during sleep!
Causes of sweating during sleep
Infection
Tuberculosis is an infection mostly associated with night sweats. More common causes include HIV, flu, and other febrile illnesses.
Hormone (endocrine) imbalances
These can occur during menopause, diabetes, thyroid disease, puberty, and pregnancy.
Cancer
Night sweats can be an early sign of some cancers, particularly lymphoma. However, night sweats in cancer are often not the only symptom. Other relevant symptoms often include fever and unexplained weight loss.
Obstructive sleep apnea
The walls of the throat narrow and restrict breathing. Night sweats are three times more common in individuals with untreated sleep apnea than in the general population.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
The primary symptom is heartburn, but it is a common feature of night sweats.
Treatment of sweating during sleep
Persons with unexplained night sweats should definitely seek medical advice. Treatment for night sweats depends on the underlying cause. In summary, night sweats are often harmless and not thoughtful; however, it can sometimes be a sign of a more important underlying medical condition. Depending on the cause of your night sweats, there are some treatment options, including medications.
