Waking up drenched in sweat isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s draining. Night sweats can turn restful sleep into a clammy battle against your own body. One minute you’re freezing, the next you’re kicking off your sheets. And while it’s easy to blame the thermostat, real night sweats often happen even in a cool, comfortable room.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Millions deal with night sweats every night. The good news is you can take back control with the right fabric choices, smarter sleep habits, and, when needed, medical guidance. Whether you’re managing mild night sweats or something more persistent, this guide helps you understand what’s happening and how to keep your nights and shirts dry.
Why Night Sweats Happen
Night sweats are your body’s version of hitting the overheat button. Sometimes it’s environmental, sometimes it’s hormonal, and other times it’s a mix of both. Let’s start simple.
Temperature Trouble
Before assuming the worst, check your surroundings.
● Too-warm bedding or pajamas: Thick flannel and fleece trap heat. Switch to lightweight fabrics and breathable layers.
● Overheated room: Keep your bedroom between 60 and 68°F, the sweet spot for better sleep.
● Late-night meals or drinks: Spicy food, caffeine, or alcohol raise your core temperature before bed.
● Short-term illness: Fevers and infections can temporarily spike your internal thermostat.
Even small tweaks like using cooling sheets and a sweat proof undershirt can make a big difference.
When It’s More Than the Room
If the air feels fine but you’re still waking up soaked, your body might be sending signals about something deeper.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Your hormones play a big role in temperature regulation, and when they shift, your body responds in noticeable ways.
● Menopause and perimenopause: Estrogen dips can trick your brain into thinking it’s overheating.
● Pregnancy or menstrual cycles: Hormonal changes during these phases often cause unpredictable warmth or sweating.
● Thyroid and testosterone changes: Overactive thyroids or low testosterone can disrupt your body’s heat control.
Medications
Certain prescriptions can alter metabolism or trigger sweating while you sleep.
● Antidepressants: Especially SSRIs and tricyclics.
● Steroids: Medications like prednisone and cortisone can elevate temperature.
● Diabetes and blood pressure drugs: Some may affect blood sugar or metabolism.
● Other medications: Hormone therapies, pain relievers, and methadone can also contribute to night sweats.
Stress and Anxiety
Emotional strain often shows up in physical ways.
● Adrenaline spikes: Stress and anxiety can activate your body’s fight-or-flight response, causing nighttime sweating.
● Restless sleep: Racing thoughts and muscle tension make it harder to cool down.
● PTSD or panic disorders: Nightmares and heightened alertness often lead to temperature surges.
Other Medical Factors
Sometimes, night sweats are linked to health conditions that need medical attention.
● Low blood sugar: Hypoglycemia at night can cause sweating as your body compensates.
● GERD: Acid reflux can irritate nerves and trigger sweating during sleep.
● Infections: Tuberculosis, endocarditis, and other infections often include night sweats as a symptom.
● Cancers: Conditions like lymphoma or leukemia can cause drenching sweats alongside weight loss or fever.
● Sleep disorders: Sleep apnea can disrupt breathing patterns and raise cortisol levels.
How to Stay Cool and Comfortable
Even if you’re still working on the root cause, these changes can make your nights more comfortable.
Dress Smarter for Sleep
Skip thick cotton tees and heavy flannel pajamas. Instead, wear sweat proof shirts that draw sweat away from your skin. A long sleeve undershirt built with cooling, breathable fabric helps regulate temperature without trapping heat. It’s perfect if you get both cold and sweaty through the night.
Sweat proof undershirts do exactly that:
● Wick away excess moisture before it soaks your sheets
● Keep your body temperature balanced
● Feel soft and lightweight for all-night comfort\
Sometimes, better sleep starts with better fabric.
Cool Down Your Space
Your environment should work with your body, not against it. Make a few quick changes to create a cooler, more breathable bedroom.
Try these cooling upgrades:
● Lower the thermostat or keep a small fan nearby
● Choose lightweight bedding like bamboo or cotton sheets
● Use a cooling pillow or gel-infused mattress topper
● Keep a cold towel or compress within reach for fast relief
A few tweaks to your setup can make a big difference overnight.
Adjust Your Routine
Your daily habits affect how well your body cools down before bed. A few mindful changes can prevent your temperature from spiking once you’re asleep.
Simple nighttime adjustments:
● Stay hydrated throughout the day but avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime
● Skip spicy or heavy meals late in the evening
● Finish workouts at least two hours before sleep
● Practice gentle wind-down rituals like deep breathing, light stretching, or a warm shower
A calmer body sleeps cooler and that means fewer wake-ups from night sweats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do men experience night sweats as often as women?
They can. While hormonal changes during menopause are a common cause for women, men may experience night sweats due to low testosterone, stress, or underlying health issues.
How often should I replace my sweat proof undershirts?
With regular use, a high-quality sweat proof undershirt can last 6 to 12 months before its moisture-wicking performance starts to fade. Frequent washing, especially in hot water, can shorten its lifespan, so wash gently and air-dry when possible.
Are certain fabrics better for preventing night sweats?
Absolutely. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics like bamboo, polyester spandex, or technical blends that draw sweat away from the skin. Avoid heavy cotton or polyester that traps heat and moisture.
Can using a long sleeve undershirt actually keep me cooler?
Yes, surprisingly. A long sleeve undershirt made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric helps your body regulate temperature more evenly, keeping you cool rather than trapping heat. It acts as a lightweight barrier that absorbs sweat and prevents damp discomfort.
Is it okay to sleep shirtless if I get night sweats?
It might feel logical, but it’s often counterproductive. Without fabric to absorb moisture, sweat stays on your skin, making you feel stickier and colder once it evaporates. A moisture-wicking undershirt helps absorb and disperse that moisture faster for a cooler, drier sleep.
The Takeaway
Night sweats might feel relentless, but they’re manageable once you identify the trigger and make a few smart adjustments. From room temperature tweaks to the right sweat proof undershirt, the fix often starts small.
Your body’s thermostat might need a reset, but your comfort doesn’t have to wait. Build a nighttime routine that keeps you cool, dry, and sleeping soundly. A soaked shirt should never be part of your bedtime story.
Stay dry. Sleep deeper. Wake up fresh. Shop Neat Apparels.
