All About Excessive Sweating at Night

Excessive sweating at night is commonly known as night sweats or sleep hyperhidrosis. This rarely happens to true hyperhidrosis sufferers because not sweating while the body is asleep is a characteristic of hyperhidrosis. What this usually means is that the causes of sweating too much at night are different from those causing hyperhidrosis during the day.

Though usually seen in early adulthood (which is often the case with hyperhidrosis), excessive sweating at night can happen to anyone at any age. No matter when it hits, it is a terrible problem! Apart from ruining clothes and sheets or mattresses, the biggest problem that comes with night sweats is that the patient's sleep cycle is disrupted. The uncomfortable wet or damp feeling often wakes the patient, disrupting their sleeping patterns. This can often lead to other problems such as anxiety, irritability, difficulty functioning during the day, acne, and nutrient deficiency, just to name a few.

So if it isn't hyperhidrosis, what is it?

Often, excessive sweating at night is linked to underlying medical problems. In the cases of night sweating among women, perimenopause and pregnancy are the common culprits for this excess sweating during nocturnal hours. For men, other medical problems, such as thyroid disorder or genetic problems may cause the excess sweat while asleep.

If you are suffering from sweating too much at night, it is important that you see your doctor. Since night sweats are often due to underlying medical problems, it is important that these problems are addressed in order to remedy the night sweats. While your doctor is investigating and looking for the right treatment method for you, try some of these coping mechanisms.

Sleep in an air-conditioned room or a well ventilated room: Some people are naturally hot or their bodies heat up faster than others. Sleeping in a well ventilated or air-conditioned room can help lessen the discomfort and ensure a better night's sleep.Keep a cold glass of water next to your bed: Like an air-conditioned room, drinking cool water can help cool you down and diminish sweating.Sleep with very little clothing: Having less cloth pressing against your body can also lessen excessive sweating at night.Make sure your clothing and sheets are cotton: Cotton is a fabric that "breathes" very well, meaning it circulates air very well and can stay cool. Using cotton can help cool your skin and lessen night sweats. It also dries faster than other fabrics.

Making sure that no medical problems are the real cause of your hyperhidrosis is very important because excessive sweating could mildest of the symptoms connected to these problems. Don't wait around for more symptoms or see if things get worse. The minute you notice something unnatural, see a doctor.

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