What’s Your Body Trying to Tell You?

Night Sweats

Most Likely Causes

Hormonal fluctuations can alter the body's internal thermostat, making you sweat as you sleep. A thyroid disorder can also cause night sweats.

Less Likely Causes

Some drugs, including antidepressants, have this side effect. Certain diseases, such as cancer, lupus, and a major infection (like tuberculosis), can also leave you dripping at night.

What to do: 

• Lower the temperature in your bedroom at night by opening a window or using a fan.
• Moisture-wicking sleepwear and sheets (in a microfiber material) can make a sweaty episode more tolerable.
• If the sweats don't abate or aren't linked to your menstrual cycle, talk to your doctor to rule out an illness.
• If the problem is hormonal, hormone therapy or a low-dose oral contraceptive might help.