Waking up to a sweaty mess in the middle of the night is nothing but a mood dampener (excuse the pun). It may stem from benign causes or it could be a sign of something serious, but it’s manageable nonetheless. Below, we take a look at night sweats and how moisture-wicking fabrics (in addition to other remedies) can keep you dry.
Top Causes of Night Sweats
If you suffer from night sweats, know that you are not alone. Yes, they disrupt your ability to sleep peacefully but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. The first step to knowing how to manage excessive sweating at night is to pinpoint the trigger.
Night sweats are defined as periods of severe hot flashes and extreme perspiration that drench your bedsheets and sleepwear. While you may believe that a heavy duvet or warm blanket is the cause, this is very rarely the case. Instead, it is more likely that you are experiencing secondary generalized hyperhidrosis.
Let’s have a quick look at the top causes of night sweats among adults.
1. Stress and Anxiety
While stress and anxiety are classed as mental health issues, they can regularly involve physical symptoms. Anxiety causes the mind to go into overdrive activating your brain’s fight or flight system. When this system is activated it causes blood vessels to constrict, your heartbeat to quicken, and your body to heat up.
To prevent overheating your body needs to cool down - that’s where sweating comes into play. If your night sweats are generally accompanied by feelings of worry, digestion problems, muscle tension, or irritability this is a good indication that anxiety could be the cause.
2. Medication
Certain medications can also come with the unfortunate side effect of heavy sweating. Drugs such as steroids, antidepressants, diabetes medication, and even painkillers are known to cause patients to sweat uncomfortably during the night. Understandably this can be alarming, especially if you’ve recently started taking new medication.
3. Hormonal Imbalances and Disorders
Hormonal imbalances and disorders can play a leading role in your excessive nighttime sweating episodes. For example, menopause is a common cause of night sweats in women and is generally hallmarked by hot flushes. Whereas, in the case of men, lower testosterone levels are known to cause your body to produce excessive sweat.
4. Cancers
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis can often manifest itself as a result of certain cancers. Cancers such as Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and leukemia are often associated with night sweats. If you experience night sweats accompanied by fatigue and weight loss out of the blue, it is recommended to see your healthcare provider as these can be early signs of cancer.
Moisture-Wicking Shirts Can Provide Some Relief
Want quick relief from the aftermath of night sweats? Your best bet is to invest in sweat-resistant clothing such as a moisture-wicking shirt. Fabrics that are designed with sweat-resistant capabilities are ideal for helping you to stay dry and sleep comfortably at night.
If your choice of sleepwear is too tight, this will only result in trapping even more heat. That’s why lightweight and breathable fabric is key. Moisture-wicking fabric naturally attracts sweat molecules, absorbs moisture, and is constructed to maximize airflow. This allows for sweat to be drawn away from your body and evaporated on the surface of the moisture-wicking shirt. Thus, keeping you dry and cool all night long.
Treat the Underlying Condition
Unfortunately for hyperhidrosis sufferers, excessive sweating is not just a daytime activity. To banish night sweats for good, you will need to speak to your healthcare provider to determine which underlying health condition could be causing you to sweat during the night.
As we mentioned above, numerous health conditions lead to increased production of sweat. By pinpointing what triggers your excessive sweating, during the day and at night, your doctor will be able to refer you to the best medical-based treatments needed to manage your condition. After all, the only way to truly stay dry when dealing with secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is to be proactive in managing underlying health conditions.
Don’t Let Night Sweats Put a Dampener On Your Dreams
Night sweats are uncomfortable, sticky, and a complete dampener on your sleep schedule. The good news is that with the right treatment, remedies, and moisture-wicking shirts you can get the peaceful night of rest that you’ve been dreaming of.
NEAT’s collection of sweat-resistant clothing comes in a range of colors and styles for both men and women. Using our sweat-proof technology, these t-shirts are designed to provide effective relief from the discomfort associated with excessive sweating. Allowing you to sleep in comfort.
For more insights on how to stay dry when managing your hyperhidrosis, check out our NEAT Freaks blog.
