Night sweats, also known as nocturnal hyperhidrosis, refers to excessive sweating during night-time. Sweating due to an extremely hot sleeping environment or wearing too many clothes does not count as night sweats. Night sweats are mostly caused by problems that originate inside our bodies. Here are 7 medical conditions that can lead to night sweats.
1. Idiopathic hyperhidrosis
Something is said to be idiopathic when it does not have a recognizable cause. Hyperhidrosis refers to the excessive production of sweat.
2. Low blood sugar
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, causes night sweats. It can happen when you eat very little or skip some meals. It can also occur because of the insulin medication that diabetic patients take.
3. Hormonal issues
When your thyroid begins to produce too much thyroid hormones, it causes a disease known as hyperthyroidism. A tumor of the adrenal gland known as pheochromocytoma also causes excess release of epinephrine. Such hormonal problems can cause night sweats.
4. Menopause
One of the most common signs of menopause is hot flashes. Hot flashes are described as feelings of excessive heat that begin in your chest region and continue up to your head and neck. Hot flashes can cause night sweats.
5. Some brain disorders
Although this does not happen very often, some neurological diseases can lead to night sweats. Strokes and autonomic dysreflexia are examples of such diseases.
6. Infections
The condition that is mostly linked to night sweats is tuberculosis. Some other infections like HIV, osteomyelitis, brucellosis and bacterial endocarditis can also cause excessive sweating at night-time.
7. Cancer
Certain types of cancers like mesotheliomas, lymphomas, leukemias and bone cancers can cause night sweats. However, night sweats that are caused by cancer occur alongside other symptoms such as fever and weight loss without any apparent reason.
There are several other factors that may influence the occurrence of night sweats. For example, exercising just before going to bed, consuming hot drinks or eating hot and spicy food can cause you to have night sweats. You don’t need to bother about these night sweats if they happen once or twice. However, a regular occurrence of these night sweats might be serious and you should go see a doctor.
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