Waking up drenched in sweat occasionally is nothing to worry about — especially after a bad dream or on a hot night.
But if this is a constant thing for you, it may be cause for concern.
On X, the NHS warned patients that although it’s a ‘common’ symptom to experience every so often, ‘if you regularly wake up with soaking wet sheets, you should see a GP.’
According to the health service, a night sweats are when you sweat so much that your night clothes and bedding are soaked, ‘even though where you’re sleeping is cool.’
Both adults and children can suffer with them, and sometimes the cause is unknown.
However, Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor tells Metro they’re ‘particularly common during the menopause transition’ due to how hormones impact body temperature.
What constitutes ‘regular’ night sweats will differ for each person and depending on other factors, but Dr Wylie defines it as ‘several times a week or in a pattern that persists over a number of weeks’.
‘The reason is that persistent or unexplained night sweats can sometimes be linked to underlying health conditions such as infections, thyroid problems, diabetes, or, less commonly, certain cancers such as lymphoma,’ she explains.
‘They can also be a side effect of some medications, including antidepressants.’
When to see a doctor
According to the NHS website, it’s time to speak to your GP if:
- you have night sweats regularly that wake you up or worry you
- you also have a very high temperature (or feel hot and shivery), a cough or diarrhoea
- you have night sweats and you’re losing weight for no reason
Other health issues that can lead to night sweats include anxiety, obstructive sleep apnea, or a condition called hyperhidrosis that causes excessive perspiration.
Or, they may simply be down to lifestyle factors like eating spicy foods, consuming caffeine or alcohol, or exercising late at night.
Either way, Dr Wylie says it’s ‘sensible’ to chat to your GP, adding: ‘That allows us to check for any underlying cause and, if nothing concerning is found, to give reassurance.’
Underlying conditions aside, night sweats are important to address due to how they impact your sleep.
Even if you get the recommended seven to nine hours overall, interrupted sleep can affect your brain function, physical health, and emotional well-being.
Our bodies and brains go through several rounds of a four-stage sleep cycle each night, with the third phase – known as N3, delta sleep or deep sleep – believed to be the most restorative.
When you wake up before or during this, you’re missing out on vital recovery and growth — and by disrupting the cycle, you’ll likely feel extra tired the next day.
To prevent a disturbed night’s shut-eye, practice good sleep hygiene by avoiding screens before bed, keeping your room dark and quiet, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. In terms of night sweats more specifically, steering clear of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, and keeping your room nice and cool should help.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
