Night Sweats While Sleeping: Causes and Solutions in Air-Conditioned Rooms

Q: Night Sweats While Sleeping: Causes and Solutions in Air-Conditioned Rooms

Hello： Night sweats can be normal or abnormal. <br>Some individuals who are overweight often experience significant night sweating. <br>In these individuals, it is important to monitor for snoring during sleep and whether there are any interruptions in breathing while asleep. <br

Experiencing excessive sweating during sleep (even in an air-conditioned room)?

My husband almost every night sweats profusely while sleeping! The air conditioning is on in the room, and the temperature is around 26°C (79°F).
He sweats on his forehead, back of the neck, chest, back, and even thighs...! However, when I ask him afterward if he feels hot, he says he does not.
(During the sweating, he is in a deep sleep state.)

Mr. Hsieh, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/06/09

Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine

Hello: Night sweats can be normal or abnormal.
Some individuals who are overweight often experience significant night sweating.
In these individuals, it is important to monitor for snoring during sleep and whether there are any interruptions in breathing while asleep.
If such symptoms are present, it may be necessary to consider obstructive sleep apnea, which can lead to sympathetic nervous system activation and result in excessive sweating at night, known as sleep apnea syndrome.
In such cases, it is advisable to seek treatment at a sleep center in a major medical institution.

Additionally, some individuals may experience night sweats due to various infections (such as tuberculosis), which can cause fever and sweating at night.
There are also patients with brain injuries who may sweat on one side of the body while the other side does not.
For example, patients with Horner's syndrome may exhibit this pattern of sweating, where one side sweats and the other does not.
In this situation, the abnormality is the side that does not sweat.

I recommend lowering the air conditioning by a degree or two, for instance to 24°C.
If the sweating persists, it would be advisable for your husband to visit a hospital for further evaluation.
Sincerely, Yao Quan.

Reply Date: 2006/06/09

More Info

Night sweats, or excessive sweating during sleep, can be a perplexing and uncomfortable issue, especially when it occurs in an air-conditioned environment where the temperature is controlled. In your husband's case, it seems that despite the cool temperature of around 26°C (78.8°F), he experiences significant sweating. This phenomenon can be attributed to several potential causes, which I will outline below, along with possible solutions.

Potential Causes of Night Sweats
1. Hyperhidrosis: This is a condition characterized by excessive sweating that can occur during sleep. It can be localized (affecting specific areas like the armpits or palms) or generalized (affecting the entire body). In some cases, the cause of hyperhidrosis is unknown, but it can be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, or certain medications.

2. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly those associated with menopause in women, can lead to night sweats. However, men can also experience hormonal changes, such as fluctuations in testosterone levels, which may contribute to sweating during sleep.

3. Infections: Certain infections, including tuberculosis, HIV, and other systemic infections, can cause night sweats. If your husband has any other symptoms, such as fever or unexplained weight loss, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional.

4. Sleep Disorders: Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea can lead to night sweats. In this disorder, breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, which can trigger sweating as the body struggles to maintain oxygen levels.

5. Medications: Some medications, including antidepressants, hormone therapies, and medications for diabetes, can have side effects that include night sweats. If your husband has started any new medications recently, this could be a contributing factor.

6. Anxiety and Stress: Psychological factors, including anxiety and stress, can lead to increased sweating during sleep. If your husband is experiencing stress in his life, this could be a contributing factor.

Solutions and Recommendations
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Given the variety of potential causes, it would be wise for your husband to consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend tests to rule out underlying conditions, such as infections or hormonal imbalances.

2. Maintain a Comfortable Sleep Environment: While the air conditioning is set to a comfortable temperature, consider using moisture-wicking bed linens and pajamas. These materials can help manage sweat and keep the body cooler.

3. Evaluate Medications: If your husband is taking any medications, review them with a healthcare provider to determine if they could be contributing to the night sweats. Adjustments or alternatives may be available.

4. Stress Management: If stress or anxiety is a factor, consider incorporating relaxation techniques into his routine. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle yoga before bed can help reduce stress levels.

5. Monitor Diet and Lifestyle: Certain foods and beverages, such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, can trigger sweating. Keeping a food diary may help identify any dietary triggers.

6. Sleep Hygiene: Encourage good sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensuring the sleep environment is conducive to rest.

7. Hydration: Ensure that your husband stays well-hydrated throughout the day, as dehydration can sometimes exacerbate sweating.

In conclusion, while night sweats can be a benign issue for some, they can also indicate underlying health concerns. It is essential to approach this symptom with a comprehensive understanding and seek professional advice to ensure that any potential health issues are addressed. By taking proactive steps and consulting with a healthcare provider, you can work towards finding a solution that improves your husband's sleep quality and overall well-being.

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