Night sweats are repeated episodes of very heavy sweating during sleep, heavy enough to soak your nightclothes or bedding. They're often caused by an underlying condition or illness.
Sometimes you may wake up after sweating heavily, particularly if you're sleeping under too many blankets or your bedroom is too warm. Although uncomfortable, these episodes aren't usually considered night sweats and aren't sign of an underlying condition or illness.
Night sweats usually happen with other concerning symptoms, such as fever, weight loss, pain in a specific area, cough or diarrhea.
Schedule a visit with your health care provider if night sweats:
- Occur on a regular basis
- Interrupt your sleep
- Are accompanied by a fever, weight loss, pain in a specific area, cough, diarrhea or other symptoms of concern
- Start months or years after menopause symptoms ended
Show References
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- Tefferi A. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of primary myelofibrosis. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 10, 2022.
- Smetana GW. Evaluation of the patient with night sweats or generalized hyperhidrosis. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 10, 2022.
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Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/night-sweats/basics/definition/SYM-20050768