Heavy sweating when a person is asleep at night.
Hot flashes that occur at night. Most women experience hot flashes, or sudden, brief increases in body temperature for about 1 to 2 years during menopause, as the body begins to produce less estrogen. In addition to an increase in the temperature of the skin, hot flashes cause a slight increase in the heart rate, which can lead to heart palpitations and dizziness. When night sweats occur, a woman may wake up drenched with sweat and have to change her nightclothes and bedding. Sweats may be followed by chills, and it may be difficult to get back to sleep. Estrogen or hormone replacement THERAPY (HRT) is sometimes recommended for hot flashes and night sweats. For women who choose not to take HRT, other medications are available. In some cases, it is helpful to eliminate alcohol and beverages or foods containing caffeine. If anxiety is a trigger, stress reduction techniques may help.
Copious sweating during sleep. Night sweats may be an early indication of tuberculosis or other disease.
Copious perspiration occurring in bed at night and found in conditions such as tuberculosis, brucellosis and lymphomas, as well as thyrotoxicosis, anxiety states and menopausal flushes.
Profuse sweating during sleep. It may be a symptom of lymphoma or other cancers, numerous infectious diseases, or menopause.
Excessive nighttime sweating, to the extent that it drenches one’s nightwear, can be linked to either a toxic condition like tuberculosis or an intense state of anxiety.