Sweating in your sleep, also known as night sweats, can feel uncomfortable and even worrying at times. While occasional sweating might just be your body’s way of regulating temperature, frequent or intense night sweats could be your body’s way of sending subtle messages.
One common reason is hormonal changes. For both men and women, shifts in hormones like during menopause, low testosterone, or thyroid imbalances can trigger excessive sweating at night.
Your body might also be signaling an underlying infection. Conditions such as flu, tuberculosis, or other bacterial and viral infections can cause night sweats as your immune system works to fight off illness. Sometimes, it could even be a side effect of certain medications, like antidepressants or fever-reducing drugs.
Stress and anxiety are other key contributors. Even if you don’t feel particularly tense, your subconscious stress levels can raise your body temperature while you sleep, leading to sweating. Additionally, metabolic or chronic conditions, such as diabetes or low blood sugar, can manifest through night sweats.
If your body is consistently drenching your sheets, it’s important to pay attention. Noticing patterns, such as when the sweating occurs and whether it’s accompanied by fever, weight loss, or fatigue, can help you understand what your body is trying to communicate.
Often, it’s a signal to slow down, manage stress, or seek medical advice to ensure nothing serious is brewing under the surface.