Why Do I Sweat in My Sleep?
When a person wakes up drenched in sweat and their bedsheets covered in a layer of moisture, we naturally want to find an answer for why this is happening. Sweating during sleep can be an embarrassing phenomenon but understanding why it can be happening is a great place to start. In this article, we will look at the potential causes and ways to stop sweating in your sleep.
What Causes Sweating During Sleep?
When it comes to sweating in the night, there are several potential causes. Identifying what is causing the sweating can lead to knowing which steps to take to reduce it.
- Stress & Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are among the most commonly reported causes of sweating in your sleep. It’s not uncommon for a person to wake up drenched in sweat due to an anxiety dream or because of a stressful day. People who suffer from anxiety may wake up feeling like they’re in a “panic” due to their racing thoughts or feeling of dreadEven during
- Hormone Imbalance
Hormone imbalances or fluctuations are another common factor which can cause someone to sweat in their sleep. Such changes can cause night sweats, particularly in women. Hormone imbalances due to pregnancy, menopause or taking certain medications can lead to too much sweat at night.
- Overheating
One of the main causes of sweating during the night is overheating. This is both in terms of the environment of the bedroom as well as the number of layers and kind of bedding used. If your room is too hot or your bedding is too thick, your body temperature could increase too much during the night, leading to sweat. Keeping your room cool and wearing less clothing during sleep can help to lower your body temperature.
- Medical Conditions
Other medical conditions can also lead to sweating during sleep. Diabetes and thyroid problems can cause night sweats due to fluctuations in hormones, as can some infections and autoimmune diseases. In more serious cases, it may be necessary to speak to a doctor to find out more about the potential cause of your night sweats.
How to Stop Sweating in Your Sleep
If you are sweating during your sleep and want to find a way to reduce it, there are a few steps you can take.
- Keep Your Room Cool
As discussed above, overheating is often a factor when it comes to night sweats. Keeping your room at a cool temperature can help to regulate your body temperature. An ideal temperature range is between 55 – 75°F (13-24°C).
- Wear Less Clothing
Wearing fewer layers, especially with lightweight fabrics, is also a great way to help prevent sweating in your sleep. Natural fabrics like silk or bamboo can help your body to regulate its temperature more effectively.
- Try Relaxation Techniques
If you find that your night sweats are related to stress or anxiety, then using relaxation techniques before bed can be beneficial. Whether it is yoga, journaling or meditation, taking the time to relax can help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety.
- Adjust Your Diet
Your diet can also have an effect on your body’s temperature. Eating cooling foods like cucumber, watermelon, and mint can help to keep your body’s temperature down. Avoiding spicy foods and alcohol before bed can be beneficial too.
Sweating during sleep can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable phenomenon, but understanding the potential causes can help to pinpoint what needs to change in order receive a more restorative night’s sleep. By making sure the bedroom is cool, wearing less clothing and using relaxation techniques can all reduce the amount of sweat produced during the night. As each person is different, it may take several adjustments to find the one which works the best. If the night sweats continue, then it may be worth speaking to a doctor to identify any underlying medical conditions which may be responsible.
