Key Highlights:

• Night sweats can be the result of anxiety, stress, and hormonal imbalances.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep apnea may also play a role.
• Certain medications can trigger night sweats as side effects.
• Infections and cancer, although rare, are other potential causes of night sweats.
• Understanding and addressing the root cause is essential for managing night sweats with your healthcare provider.

Introduction

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night soaked in sweat? It’s not a pleasant feeling, right? This is known as night sweats. Quite a common issue, especially among men. But have you wondered why they occur? That’s what we are here to talk about.

This blog post discloses the main causes of night sweats in men. We will look at lifestyle habits, medical conditions, and more. Stick with us and by the end, you’ll know why these night sweats may be happening. Plus, how to manage them with help from your healthcare provider.

Common Causes of Night Sweats in Men

Let’s unravel the common reasons men face night sweats:

1. Anxiety or Stress

Feeling anxious or stressed lately? These emotions can make your heart race. The body then sweats more to cool down.

• Stress can make your nervous system overwork, causing you to sweat more, even at night.
• Your daily routine and sleep habits might be increasing your chances of experiencing night sweats.
• You can manage your stress levels and, in turn, control night sweats with relaxation practices or medication.

2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Do you have a burning feeling in your chest often? This could be a sign of GERD. GERD has been linked to night sweats in some cases.

• Certain foods, drugs, being overweight, or lying down right after eating might trigger GERD symptoms.
• A healthy diet, regular exercise, and abstaining from late-night snacks can help control GERD.
• GERD treatments may also reduce night sweats in some instances.

3. Hyperhidrosis

Packing an extra shirt because you sweat extensively? You might have hyperhidrosis. This can cause night sweats, too.

• Primary hyperhidrosis is caused by overactive sweat glands, while secondary hyperhidrosis may be a side effect of drugs or due to an underlying medical issue.
• Managing hyperhidrosis symptoms can be done with antiperspirants, medications, or even Botox.

4. Medications

Different drugs could lead to night sweats. These include antidepressants, hormones, painkillers, some drugs to lower fevers, such as aspirin and acetaminophen, and drugs like steroids and diabetes medication.

• Changes in your body’s chemistry or hormone imbalance as a result of drugs can cause night sweats.
• If your night sweats are linked to a certain drug, your healthcare provider can guide you on different treatment options or dosages.

If you wonder whether a medication may be responsible for this issue, you may check the drug’s packaging or ask a pharmacist or another healthcare provider.

Less Common Causes of Night Sweats in Men

The reasons mentioned above are pretty standard. However, there are lesser-known but significant causes too.

1. Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism)

Testosterone is a hormone vital for males. Low levels may cause physical and emotional symptoms, including night sweats.

• Hormonal fluctuations and imbalances are often missed causes of night sweats.
• Regular monitoring and regulation of testosterone levels could reduce night sweat occurrences.

One sign of hypogonadism, or low testosterone, is excessive perspiration in men. This decrease in testosterone may affect about 39% of men 45 years or older, according to research, leading to night sweats.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

2. Hormonal Imbalance

Apart from low testosterone, an imbalance in other hormones too can cause night sweats. These hormonal issues could include:

• Overactive thyroid gland production.
• Disorders of the adrenal gland.
• Problems related to pituitary gland functioning.
• Diabetes resulting from improper blood sugar level control.

3. Sleep Apnea

Ever woke up gasping for air? That might be sleep apnea. It could increase your chances of night sweats threefold.

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the airway muscles collapse temporarily during sleep, is quite common.
• Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less prevalent and involves issues with brain signals controlling breathing.
• Sleep apnea treatments range from changes in lifestyle to surgery.

4. Infections and certain diseases

Different infections can trigger night sweats, more so if they involve a fever. Some infections associated with night sweats include:

• Tuberculosis: A bacteria-induced infection harming the lungs primarily.
• Endocarditis: Swelling of the heart’s inner lining.
• Osteomyelitis: Bone/bone marrow inflammation, usually due to bacteria.
• HIV/AIDS: Viral infections damaging the immune system.
• Influenza: A common viral illness
• Autoimmune disease: Some examples include rheumatoid arthritis and giant cell arteritis
• Cardiovascular diseases: Some examples include aortic dissection and nocturnal angina.
• Hyperthyroidism: a very common symptom of this condition is excessive sweating, which may occur during the night

Rare Causes of Night Sweats in Men

It’s time for us to reveal some unusual triggers. They’re rare, but their importance in diagnosing night sweats cannot be downplayed.

Neurological Conditions

Nervous system disorders are known as neurological conditions. Specific disorders may trigger night sweats. These include:

• Stroke: Caused by blocked blood flow to the brain.
• Syringomyelia: A fluid-filled lump in your spinal cord.
• Autonomic dysreflexia: A harmful rise in blood pressure due to a spinal cord injury.
• Autonomic neuropathy: Damage to nerves that carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

Cancer

In rare cases, night sweats could signal cancer, mainly lymphoma. However, other signs are usually noticed first, like weight loss, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

• Lymphoma and leukaemia are most often linked to night sweats.
• Early detection and treatment improve the outlook for cancer sufferers.
• Regular tests and screenings can help spot early warning signs of cancer, allowing the necessary steps to be taken.

Researchers have found that your body’s internal temperature and sweating may be impacted by caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods. In my opinion, your night sweats may improve if you avoid them.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Diagnosis and Treatment

To find what’s causing your night sweats, reach out to a healthcare provider. They will review your medical history and symptoms and order tests if required.

When to See a Doctor

Not sure when to get help? If these points apply to you, contact your healthcare provider:

• If you often have night sweats or for a long period.
• If other alarming signs like fever, weight loss, or constant tiredness accompany night sweats.
• If night sweats are ruining your sleep and daily life.

Reducing Night Sweats

Once the cause is sorted, your healthcare provider will suggest the next steps. These may include:

• creating a cool sleeping environment
• using light, breathable, pajamas and sheets made from natural fabrics
• sleeping with air-conditioning or a fan on
• drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration
• practicing relaxation techniques or breathing exercises before bed and after waking up with a night sweat
• using clinical-strength antiperspirant on areas such as the underarms, hands, feet, hairline, back, chest, or groin before bed
• limiting the intake of alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods
• not eating 2–3 hours before bed
• getting regular exercise, but not too close to bedtime
• maintaining a healthy weight
• having a healthful diet that is low in fat and sugar
• receiving treatment for any underlying health issues

Conclusion

Knowing what’s causing your night sweats is key. With some causes being harmless while others needing urgent attention. So, keep in touch with your healthcare provider if you’re struggling with night sweats. They will analyse the root issue and help build a proper plan. This way you can find relief from restless nights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References:

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