What Are Night Sweats Anyway?

Excessive sweating while sleeping is generally called night sweats, which is not sweating that would be expected from sleeping in a warm room or in the use of too many blankets. This drenches your pajamas or sheets so you can't get comfortable again. Night sweats are a different deal altogether: Everyone sweats a little at night, but not everyone sweats like coffee pooped out from a fireplace.

Common Causes of Night Sweats:

1. Hormonal Fluctuations: If your internal thermostat gets out of whack, it can be due to menopause, pregnancy, or any other hormonal disorder.

2. Infections: Night sweats can be caused by tuberculosis, HIV, or endocarditis, because your body is battling a pathogen.

3. Medications: A side effect of some antidepressants, hormone therapy drugs, or even aspirin is night sweats.

4. Medical Conditions: Culprits known include hyperthyroidism, low blood sugar, and certain cancers (like lymphoma).

Who Is More Likely to Have Night Sweats?

Certain groups are more prone to this nocturnal nuisance:

- Women in Menopause: They don’t take the night off.

- People with Chronic Illnesses: Night sweats are usually caused by autoimmune disorders or infections.

- Those Taking Specific Medications: (Theoretically) some pharmaceuticals mess with your body’s temperature regulation.

If your night sweats are frequent and extreme, see a healthcare professional to find out why.

What You Can Do to Manage Night Sweats?

Fortunately, you needn’t suffer in silence. Here are some actionable tips:

1. Cool Your Sleep Environment: Reduce the temperature of your room, sleep in breathable bedding and moisture wicking pajamas.

2. Stay Hydrated: But if you sweat, you are dehydrating yourself so be sure to drink enough water.

3. Adjust Your Diet: Spicy food, alcohol and caffeine are all things to avoid eating or drinking prior to bed as they could induce sweating.

4. Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing, as high stress can cause you to sweat more.

Can the Nova Smart Ring Help?

If you’re on the monitoring side of your wellness journey the Nova Smart Ring might be your new best friend. Not only does this sleek device track your steps and heart rate, it records your nightly body temperature, too. The ring is able to detect small temperature fluctuations and help to decipher those patterns that might be connected to night sweats. This can be invaluable data for locating your triggers or even discussing solutions with your doctor.

When to Seek Medical Help

Night sweats that persist and are accompanied by symptoms such as a fever, weight loss or fatigue should be professionally evaluated. Don’t be afraid to make those appointments, it’s worth it for your health and sleep!

Final Thoughts

Night sweats are a literal and figurative wake up call. Occasional bouts of night sweats might just be chalked up to being overly wrapped up in the blankets, but chronic bouts of night sweats need to be taken seriously. While there’s nothing us humans can do to guarantee a godawful night’s sleep or minimize any of the other things that go with it, there’s plenty you can do to try to control your nights, evening and morning.