The sweat It is a mechanism in the body that helps regulate body temperature. Their presence should not alarm us during sleep, but An excess that makes you soak the sheets and even wake you up yeah it may be a sign of a health problem.
According to Dr. Álvaro Barranquero, dermatologist and member of Top Doctors, “sweating can be influenced by multiple factors including room temperature, material or fabrics of clothing and bedding.”
However, although a excessive sweating at nighte (technically called nocturnal hyperhidrosis) can be conditioned by the aforementioned factors, but it can also “be a symptom of diseasesespecially of a hormonal, infectious, autoimmune, respiratory, neurological type».
Women, more affected by night sweats
According to Barranquero, “due to the hormonal changes that occur in menopause or perimenopause, it may be more frequent in women.”
“These sweats are a common symptom of menopausebut they are also caused by diseases or conditions such as infections, cancer, low blood sugar, hormonal disorders, and neurological conditions», they explain from the National Cancer Institute of the United States (NIH).
Menopause, cancer, neurological conditions may be accompanied by night sweats
Doctor Alvaro Barranquero
Dermatologist
In addition, they point out that what we eat also has to do with night sweats. “Sometimes they are a side effect of certain medicinescancer treatment, excess caffeine or alcohol and the consumption of tobacco or drugs”, they indicate.
Stress can also play a role in excessive night sweating. In fact, the nocturnal hyperhidrosis It is considered one more symptom of a general anxiety disorder, according to Sanitas.
What to do to avoid sweating at night?
First of all, Dr. Álvaro Barranquero recommends “ruling out (and treating) possible underlying diseases” such as those mentioned above.
Ventilate the room well
Wear pajamas with breathable fabrics
The sheets must be of natural fabrics
Do not drink caffeine or alcohol
Forget spicy food at dinner
Avoid smoking late in the afternoon – night
It also indicates that “it is essential to maintain bgood ventilation in the roomuse breathable fabrics and avoid the consumption of caffeine, alcohol, spicy food and tobacco in the previous hours.
With these tips, night sweats may decrease if it is not caused by a serious illness.