Why Do I Sweat While Sleeping? Nirva Experts Share 7 Reasons

But do not fret! You will be relieved to learn that nocturnal or night sweats usually account for your body's normal but logical response to specific situations. And it's more likely than not to address several of the causes.

"While night perspiration is understandably annoying, it is usually a normal body response. Why? Because it lowers your core body temperature that rises above the defined thermoneutral zone (your body's comfort zone)," explains Dr Israa, our Sr. Ayurveda Expert at Nirva. "Plus, if you experience sweating at night occasionally, it should not be a matter of serious concern. As per your body type, you can make necessary lifestyle modifications to address it. For instance, creating a comfortable sleep environment or behaviours."

Like every coin has two sides, there is a flip side to excessive sweating at night. While you can categorise some reasons you sweat in your sleep as your body's normal responses to its environment, some can indicate a health concern. 

'I Perspire a Lot!': 7 Reasons for Night Sweats

We spoke to our seasoned Nirva Ayurveda Practitioners to conclude why night sweats might be a thing for you. Read on to understand why they could be problematic. Here is a list of the seven top causes of night and how to address these that connect sleep and sweating: 

Did You Say Heat and Humidity?

Yes, we heard it! It is all a dicey game of the sleep environment. If it is too warm, your body will most likely sweat while you sleep. You may proclaim it to sound evident. Well, it may! However, it can be challenging to get the temperature right.

So, how can you fix it? Easy peasy! It would help if you evaluated whether your room temperature and humidity levels cause you to sweat in your sleep. 

"Ensure to keep your bedroom cool, say around 65 degrees, open your windows, or switch on your fan," Dr Shahnaz, our Sr. Ayurveda Expert, suggests.

The temperature of your sleep environment is most likely affected by minute things. Anything and everything, from your PJs to your mattress to the weather, can act as a differentiating factor. She further explains that the human body temperature tends to fluctuate throughout the night. In other words, you may be the correct cool at one point and profusely sweating at night at another.

Sipping that Glass of Alcohol Often Before Bed?

That one glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage that helps you drift off to sleep may be one of the primary reasons for night sweats. It may wake you at night and cause you to sweat more than usual, according to Dr Israa. "Alcohol and excessive sweating go hand in hand. Its intake increases your heart rate and relaxes your airways, making breathing harder—both of which can increase your body temperature, making you sweat," she says.

Dr Ismail explains that drinking alcohol affects the nervous system, causing a response in blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature, which could trigger the release of sweat. Try swapping your last drink of the night for a different calming beverage, like tea, turmeric milk, or tart cherry juice, and see if that helps.

Your Choice of Fabrics is a Differentiator!

Similarly, pay attention to what you put on at night and your bedding. 

"We always advise you not to overdress. So please pick breathable fabrics for bedding, blankets, pillow covers, and nightwear," Dr Ismail tells us. 

In other words, that means avoiding polyester, cotton, and nylon. Instead, stick to materials like wool, linen, bamboo viscose, lyocell, and hemp. Easy. Further, ensure your blankets and sheets are suitable for the season. Even better, Consider picking your duvet according to the weather. Whether it should be a light wool one for autumn or a down-filled one during warmer months, Make the suitable choice!

Anxiety and Stress Can be the Culprit!

Too much sweating at night can result from the causes mentioned above. However, if none of these causes contribute and you're suddenly sweating more in your sleep than usual, check your stress and anxiety levels. 

"When you are under immense stress, your brain tends to react, resulting in physiological alterations in your body. Consequentially, it affects both—increases your heart rate and releases hormones," Dr Israa says. All being said, such responses cause night perspiration. 

"While stress and anxiety-related sweating can occur during the night, it can also happen during the day. For instance, as a woman, you may undergo menopause sweating during any hour of the day. Other than that, several people may even perspire right before a job interview or, for that matter, an essential meeting presentation at work," adds Dr Naveen Venkallil, CMO at Nirva Health. So, how can you fix it? "Take some time to wind down before you go to sleep. Doing so should allow you to lower your stress and anxiety alongside sweating." 

Further, small changes, like minimising your screen time before bed and adopting calming rituals into your nightly routine, can make a perpetual difference. They should help you fall asleep more relaxed (and less sweaty).

Dr Ismail also advises that stress can cause nightmares and panic attacks at night, which can trigger excessive sweating while sleeping. She recommends checking in with your healthcare provider if you're more stressed or anxious than usual. You can even connect with our experts at Nirva.

Medication and its Harsh Side Effects

Popping in some pills or syrups might increase swating as a side effect. Medicines like antidepressants or those associated with diabetes treatments, according to Dr Israa Ismail. Diving deeper into the realm, meds that can breed sweating at night comprise painkillers and a series of dietary supplements—for instance, calcium and niacin. 

"If you think the medicines you are consuming arouse severe night sweats, you should connect with your healthcare provider to evaluate the dosage and how to adapt to it. Or maybe there are other alternatives," Dr Ismail says.

Hormonal Fluctuations Can Double the Night Sweat Game

You may already know that hormonal changes can significantly cause sweating at night. "If you're in your menopause phase or undergoing any other hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, you are likely to experience increased night perspiration," Dr Israa says. So, how can you overcome this? She explains how cooling yourself down can help you care for perspiring feet and underarms. Yes, uncovering your extremities can help you as the cure for sweaty underarms, too. You can even place a cool handkerchief or washcloth on your head.

Hot Flashes and Menopause

Hot flushes, also called hot flashes, are a common menopause symptom caused by changing hormone levels. Ayurveda explains how excessive accumulation of pitta dosha in the body can lead to hot flashes. At the same time, ama, or body toxins, block the functional channels of the body (srotas). An imbalance in vata dosha, a common occurrence in menopausal age, leads to the circulation of heat becoming uneven, which women experience as hot flashes.

"Hot flashes can come seeping in at any time, day and night. Plus, they tend to last for a couple of minutes to a few. Unfortunately, they leave you feeling hot, turning red, and sweaty," Dr Ismail adds.

Also, please note that women tend to experience hot flashes while they undergo the transition period before menopause (called perimenopause). Additionally, they can experience the same during pregnancy or after birth.

Medical Conditions are Directly Proportional to Sweating Profusely at Night

You should evaluate your medical history to see if none of the above triggers your increased night sweats. Is it menopause-driven? This is where you discuss the symptoms of the issues with your healthcare provider. Why? Certain conditions, like menopause or severe gut issues, can result in increased night sweats more than usual. 

And there is more. "One of the rare possible causes is a sweating disorder called hyperhidrosis. The said medical condition ensures that your body produces excess sweat for reasons unknown," Dr Naveen claims. While this condition isn't as severe as you think, it can become frustrating. 

According to our experts, certain conditions are responsible for nocturnal sweats. These include hypoglycemia, i.e., low blood sugar, and hormonal disorders such as hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid. The list also comprises bacterial infections, gut conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Some neurological conditions and some cancers, like leukaemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma, also fall under the same list.

Did you know there is a long list of culprits triggering night sweats? Well, yes. You can also categorise night sweating as a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. The condition occurs when your airways narrow or collapse during sleep, causing you to stop breathing momentarily. Seeing your healthcare expert is essential if you wake up feeling out of breath or like you weren't breathing.

The Final Takeaway

Sweating in your sleep, i.e. nocturnal sweats, is typically normal. However, when you can adjust your sleeping environment to your requirements, why not? Doing so will help keep you dry, allowing you to sleep peacefully throughout the night. 

But if waking up to being drenched in sweat is becoming a regular occurrence, even after adjusting your room temperature and nightwear, it is a problem! Please do not hesitate to contact your healthcare professional, especially if you're noticing changes in your health.