Understanding Night Sweats

Night sweats are the nocturnal version of hot flashes and they are one of the most common symptoms of menopause affecting as many as 75% of women. As menopause approaches, women often have questions about potential symptoms such as night sweats. Understanding what to expect, why night sweats occur, and how to manage night sweats can help a woman be better prepared for menopause. Keep reading to learn more about night sweats.

What are night sweats?

Night sweats, medically termed “sleep hyperhidrosis,” are episodes of nighttime sweating, which can range from mild to severe. It is often the case that night sweats can be so intense that they interrupt a woman’s sleep, which can in turn affect many aspects of her daily life such as work and social time. Common symptoms of night sweats include:

night sweats sleeping • Sudden and intense feelings of heat.
• Sweating (mild to severe).
• Heart palpitations and rapid heartbeat.
• Nausea.
• Headaches.
• Flushing.
• Chills.
• Damp or soaking wet clothes and bedding.
• Frequent interruptions of sleep.
• Loss of sleep or insomnia.

Women suffering from night sweats during menopause can experience mild to severe night sweats ranging in intensity and frequency during their usual sleeping hours.

Who is affected by night sweats?

night sweats critical Many women in their 40s and 50s develop night sweats, which can begin before the actual end of the menstrual cycle. The majority of women tend to develop symptoms three to 10 years before actual menopause, during a stage known as perimenopause.

Research shows that not all women are affected by night sweats in the same way; age, race, and other factors can influence how likely a woman is to develop night sweats during the menopausal transition.

Age can determine a woman’s experience with night sweats. One large study found that younger women are much more likely than older women to experience night sweats. Another found that only 10% of patients older than 64 had night sweats.

Research has shown that the prevalence of night sweats varies by racial group. One large study found that 3 in 4 white women experience night sweats. Another found that African-American women were more likely to suffer from night sweats than white or Hispanic women. Asian women seem least likely to report night sweats.

Night sweats are often the most intense during perimenopause. After this, a woman´s body adapts to its new hormone levels and night sweats tend to subside. However, approximately 10% of women continue to experience night sweats after menopause.

When should I see a doctor about night sweats?

Although night sweats are a common and normal symptom of menopause, a woman with questions or concerns should speak openly with her health care provider. Though relatively rare, there are more serious causes of night sweats. Some symptoms that may warrant a trip to the doctor include:

• Gasping or lapses in breathing during sleep.
• Infection or fever.
• Intense fatigue.
• A persistent cough.
• Drastic weight loss.

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to rule out other conditions aside from menopause.