Sleep Health Health & Wellness Updated · 5-minute read

What Causes Night Sweats? Understanding Excessive Sweating While You Sleep

Night sweats illustration

There are few more uncomfortable feelings than waking up in the middle of the night with sweat-soaked bedding and sleepwear. Unfortunately, this kind of excessive sweating at night is not uncommon.

What Are Night Sweats?

Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating that persist independent of the room's temperature, and can soak bedwear and bedding causing serious disruption to sleep. According to experts at the International Hyperhidrosis Society, cases of night sweats are not idiopathic, or brought on by an unknown cause, but rather are directly related to other phenomena in the body, meaning sufferers should notify their healthcare provider if night sweats persist.

Let's first explore the medical conditions that are commonly linked to night sweats:

Infections, Fever and Sweating While Sleeping

Bodily infections are known to be accompanied by a fever. A fever is often the tell-tale sign of an infection in the body, and the increase in body temperature can lead to night sweating. A feverish episode may be serious and require medical attention — contact your doctor immediately.

Hypoglycemia and Sweating in Bed

Hypoglycemia is a condition classified by lowered blood sugar levels. When the body experiences a decrease in blood sugar levels, it produces an excess amount of adrenaline to compensate for the loss. This extra boost in adrenaline is often accompanied by sweating. Blood sugar levels can be at some of their lowest during sleep, which can explain the excess of sweating during the night.

Hormonal Shifts: Female and Male Night Sweats

During perimenopause or menopause, it is not uncommon for women to be plagued with unpleasant "hot flashes" or periods of extreme heat unrelated to ambient air temperatures. This period of significant hormonal change can be the cause of night sweats in women. (Read more about how the BedJet can help perimenopausal night sweats and disruptive hot flashes here.)

Similarly, a change in hormone levels for growing teenagers can be the cause of their night sweats, and a drop in testosterone in men can trigger excessive sweating at night.

Hormone Disorders and Waking Up Sweating at Night

Similarly to the hormonal shifts the body experiences, there are certain hormonal disorders that cause excessive sweating. A common hormone disorder is hyperthyroidism, which is classified by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the hormone thyroxine. Some of the symptoms of this disorder are rapid heart beat, stress, anxiety, irritability, and heat intolerance, all of which can cause overheating during the night and an increase in sweat production.

Acid Reflux and Body Overheating at Night

Acid reflux can cause heartburn and other burning sensations within the body. It is a natural response for the body to respond to an increase in heat or to an illness with sweating, meaning that those living with acid reflux can often experience night sweats. It is not uncommon for sweating and heartburn to happen simultaneously. If you experience this often, it's highly recommended to seek out medical attention to address the issue.

Cancer and Sweating at Night While Sleeping

Excessive sweating can be an early symptom of a variety of cancers, especially lymphoma. However, it is important to note that sweating is not usually the only warning sign of cancers, and is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as recurring fevers and unexplained weight loss.

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BedJet's cooling climate comfort system for beds keeps sleepers comfortable by using the convective and evaporative methods of cooling. The BedJet's convective air circulation quickly gets body heat and body moisture out of the bedding — and the cooling is felt nearly instantly. BedJet is also the first sleep device ever clinically proven to reduce the symptoms of perimenopausal sleep disturbance in women.

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BedJet and How to Stop Night Sweats

If you experience excessive sweating at night, BedJet can help. The cooling climate comfort system for beds keeps sleepers comfortable by using the convective and evaporative methods of cooling. This method is extremely effective for keeping sleepers cool in bed if the bedroom temperature is under 79°F.

The BedJet's convective air circulation quickly gets body heat and body moisture out of the bedding. The cooling is felt nearly instantly! Typical BedJet owners find they can raise their A/C thermostat by anywhere from 2-4 degrees and still stay just as comfortable, which saves money on home cooling costs.

For many BedJetters who have suffered with symptoms of excessive sweating, overheating in bed and cold sweats at night, the BedJet has been a great relief — just read some of the Verified Reviews to find out what BedJet owners are saying about relief with BedJet. The BedJet is also the first sleep device ever clinically proven to reduce the symptoms of perimenopausal sleep disturbance in women.

BedJet's cooling relief can help those battling with night sweats and help them to find the uninterrupted sleep they have been searching for. If you find yourself suffering from night sweats and losing sleep because you're overheating at night, consult your doctor to determine the root cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are night sweats?
Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating that occur during sleep, independent of the room's temperature. They can be severe enough to soak sleepwear and bedding, causing significant disruption to sleep quality. Unlike normal sweating from a warm bedroom, true night sweats are linked to underlying conditions in the body.
What causes night sweats in women?
The most common cause of night sweats in women is hormonal change associated with perimenopause and menopause. During these life stages, the body experiences significant hormonal shifts that can trigger "hot flashes" — sudden periods of intense heat — which frequently occur at night and disrupt sleep. Other causes such as infections, hormone disorders, and acid reflux can affect women as well.
What causes night sweats in men?
In men, a drop in testosterone levels is a known trigger for excessive sweating at night. Other common causes include infections and fever, hypoglycemia, hormone disorders such as hyperthyroidism, and acid reflux. If night sweats persist, men should consult a healthcare provider to rule out an underlying medical condition.
Can hypoglycemia cause night sweats?
Yes. Hypoglycemia — low blood sugar — causes the body to release excess adrenaline to compensate, and that adrenaline surge is often accompanied by sweating. Because blood sugar levels can dip to their lowest point during sleep, this is a common trigger for nighttime sweating episodes.
Is excessive sweating at night a sign of something serious?
It can be. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, night sweats are rarely without cause — they are typically linked to an underlying condition in the body. Causes range from relatively common issues like hormonal changes and acid reflux to more serious conditions like hormone disorders and, in some cases, certain cancers such as lymphoma. If night sweats are persistent, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider.
How can BedJet help with night sweats?
BedJet uses convective and evaporative cooling to actively ventilate the bed, drawing body heat and moisture away from the sleeper nearly instantly. This is particularly effective for those whose night sweats are driven by thermal discomfort. BedJet is also the first sleep device clinically proven to reduce the symptoms of perimenopausal sleep disturbance in women. It works best in rooms where the ambient temperature is below 79°F.
When should I see a doctor about night sweats?
You should consult a doctor if night sweats are frequent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms such as recurring fevers, unexplained weight loss, or rapid heartbeat. These can be signs of conditions that require medical diagnosis and treatment. Night sweats alone that are disrupting your sleep are also worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Medical Disclaimer: No information on this website is meant to be construed as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for medical diagnosis or as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare professional. If you are suffering from a medical condition or have any specific questions about any medical matter, consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.

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