Night sweats are more than just feeling sweaty.
When you have night sweats, you may soak through your clothes and sheets.
The medical term for excessive sweating ishyperhidrosis.
Verywell / JR Bee
Hyperhidrosis that happens overnight is sometimes termed sleep hyperhidrosis.
Environmental Causes
Yoursleeping environmentcan cause night sweats.
This is common for babies and young children.
In adults, similar conditions can cause sweating, too.
Sometimes, people sweat excessively without a known medical cause.
Primary hyperhidrosis is called idiopathic hyperhidrosis (cause unknown).
When hyperhidrosis is triggered by a medical condition or medication side effect, it is known assecondary hyperhidrosis.
Several conditions can cause night sweats.
Some infections can be life-threatening, such asendocarditis.
HIV:This virus can cause intermittent sweating, chills, and fevers, including night sweats.
Additionally, individuals with HIV or AIDS may be more prone to opportunistic infections that can also cause sweating.
Brucellosis:This bacterial infection is passed to humans from infected animals.
Additionally, several treatment options can cause night sweats as a side effect.
Carcinoid syndrome:This is resulting from a carcinoid tumor, which is a pop in of neuroendocrine tumor.
Carcinoid tumors release hormones into the bloodstream, causing symptoms such as flushing and sweating.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms:These include primary and secondary myelofibrosis, chronic myeloid leukemia, essentialthrombocythemia, andpolycythemia vera.
Several symptoms accompany these conditions, including night sweats.
In some instances, it can be dangerous to withdraw without medical support.
Summary
Night sweats can be disruptive and frustrating and signify a medical condition.
Environmental factors such as heavy blankets and hot rooms can cause sweating at night.
Additionally, hormonal imbalances and certain cancers can cause drenching night sweats.
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