Sometimes we wake up during the night and despite the fact that we have a good climate or the room is timed, we find ourselves sweating as if we had been doing an intense exercise, this type of night sweats could be accompanied by other symptoms or not.
Night sweating is defined as excessive sweating during the night with no apparent cause where the increase in sweating during the hours of sleep is very high, the individual will sometimes have to interrupt sleep to change sheets or pajamas due to humidity and perspiration.
Sweating is a body temperature regulation mechanism , when the internal body temperature rises, it is triggered as a cooling mechanism, this mechanism can be triggered by several factors, including physical ones, such as exercise, environmental temperature, among others. , and the physiological alterations of the immune system, colds, infections etc. We also sweat in the face of psychological stimuli such as fear, anguish, and stress. This is caused by the power of the nervous system to alter physiological processes such as the heartbeat and blood pressure.
The main causes of night sweats
Sweating is completely normal, and it allows us to maintain an adequate body temperature to avoid internal damage, mainly in brain cells that are highly susceptible to high temperatures, however sweating while we sleep is not a pleasant situation and if it happens to us frequently it could be associated with certain pathologies that we should pay attention to.
Physiological causes
Learn about the physiological causes of night sweats and their triggers for excessive perspiration.
Menopause : The hormonal disorders that women suffer during the pre and postmenopausal period are one of the causes of NS ( night sweats ) , scientists explain that by decreasing the production of estrogens , the brain reacts in a particular way by raising the body temperature to Through the alteration of the mechanism located in the hypothalamus, it must be remembered that hormones are the organism’s pharmacy.
Infections : Infections raise the body temperature to fight the bacterial or viral agent, respiratory or internal infections, even though they are small, can cause temperature rises at night , the body trying to control them will activate all the self-regulatory mechanisms including sweating, There are also more serious infections that we cannot fail to mention, such as endocarditis and tuberculosis. It is important to check if, apart from night sweats, we have other symptoms .
Hyperthyroidism : The thyroid is the magic box of hormones, and it is thanks to it that we can synthesize the other hormones, since its function is so important, when an imbalance occurs, its delicate function will alter the entire body, including the brain control centers of temperature and its.
Chemical drugs: Many are the medications that cause excessive sweating , including antidepressants and anxiolytics, other licit drugs such as alcohol, caffeine and tobacco can also alter temperature control.
Inadequate diet: An unbalanced diet, but especially copious, spicy or very seasoned dinners can cause night sweats, likewise people who suffer from gastric reflux or digestive problems are very frequently affected by this disorder.
Psychological causes
The psychological causes are very varied for night sweating disorder , during the night our brain summarizes what we have learned and experienced during the day to specify learning, it is obvious that if we have had a strong day, very hectic, or we have experienced stressful situations this will have repercussions in nighttime brain checks, panic and fear produce night sweats as well as high doses of stress.
How to treat it
- Wear cool clothes to sleep , remove excessive clothing.
- Swap sheets and duvets for lingerie that is fresh and made of cotton.
- Keep the room cool, either by using artificial cooling or by opening doors and windows.
- Take a night bath with warm water , hydrate your skin and use an antiperspirant, this will have a double function, it will serve to refresh your body and to calm your nerves.
- Practice relaxation techniques before sleeping.
- Avoid copious or spicy meals, especially at night, a light dinner, some fruits and cereals will be ideal.
- Avoid carbonated drinks or with excess sugar, coffee or tea, substitute it with natural drinks, warm infusions, relaxants etc.
- If you have night sweats due to menopause , try these essential oils to help mitigate them.
Remember, if the night sweats become too uncomfortable or uncontrollable, go to the doctor, maybe your body wants to tell you something and you should pay attention.