Night Sweats and Confusion: When to Seek Neurology Help

Night sweats?

I experience severe night sweats while sleeping, accompanied by episodes of confusion.
For instance, at around 4 or 5 AM today, I found myself lying on the edge of my husband's bed in front of a fan.
When my husband asked me what was wrong, I simply replied, "It's so hot!" He suggested I change my clothes, but I was completely unresponsive.
When he helped me change out of my wet clothes, I had no memory or awareness of it.
There have also been instances where I felt overheated and sweaty, leading me to take a shower, but upon waking up, I had no idea why I was in the bathroom.
Which medical specialty should I consult for these symptoms? Thank you for your assistance.

Qiu Meimei, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/05/21

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology

A rare type of abnormal brain discharge known as autonomic seizures differs from typical convulsions characterized by limb twitching and frothing at the mouth.
It affects the body's autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms such as palpitations, goosebumps, sweating, and gastrointestinal cramping.
Following the brain discharges, there is a period of altered consciousness, after which the individual gradually regains awareness.
It is recommended to consult a neurologist for further diagnosis and treatment.

Reply Date: 2013/05/21

More Info

Night sweats and episodes of confusion during sleep can be concerning symptoms that warrant further investigation. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing significant nocturnal sweating and episodes where you are not fully aware of your actions, which could indicate a sleep disorder or other underlying medical conditions.

Night sweats can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, infections, medications, and even certain types of cancer. In your case, the combination of severe sweating and confusion suggests that it may not be a simple case of overheating or a benign sleep disturbance. The fact that you have no recollection of actions taken during these episodes—such as changing clothes or taking a shower—raises the possibility of a parasomnia, which is a disorder characterized by abnormal or unusual behavior during sleep.

Parasomnias can include sleepwalking, sleep talking, and night terrors, among others. These conditions often occur during transitions between sleep stages, particularly from non-REM sleep to wakefulness. The confusion you experience upon waking, along with the lack of memory regarding your actions, aligns with the characteristics of these disorders.
Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek help from a neurologist or a sleep specialist. A neurologist can evaluate your symptoms in the context of potential neurological disorders that may be contributing to your night sweats and confusion. They may recommend a sleep study, known as polysomnography, which can monitor your brain activity, heart rate, breathing, and other physiological parameters during sleep. This study can help identify any sleep disorders, including parasomnias or sleep apnea, which could be causing your symptoms.

Additionally, it is essential to consider other factors that may be contributing to your night sweats and confusion. Stress, anxiety, and lifestyle factors can significantly impact sleep quality and overall health. If you are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety, addressing these issues through counseling or stress management techniques may also be beneficial.

In summary, your symptoms of night sweats and confusion during sleep are concerning and should not be ignored. Seeking evaluation from a neurologist or sleep specialist is a prudent step to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention can help improve your sleep quality and overall well-being, so do not hesitate to reach out for professional help.

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