Overview
It is not pleasant to wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. Night sweats are a common issue, especially among men. While considered harmless, night sweats can be caused by low testosterone levels, thyroid issues, cancer, STDs, underlying bacterial or viral infections, sleep disturbances, or digestive problems. They can lead to an individual feeling tired, fatigued, sleep deprived, and cause focusing issues and trouble with remembering things. Treatment for night sweats depends on the underlying cause but primary care involves prescription medication and therapeutic interventions. In some cases, adopting positive lifestyle changes can also help improve sleep quality. Keep reading to learn more about what causes night sweats in men and how you can treat them.
What causes night sweats in men?
Night sweats can be caused by stress, digestive problems, hormone imbalances, some medications, and various underlying health conditions. Some potential reasons for men sweating at night include.
Common Causes
Common causes that men experience night sweats include
1. Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating even without ordinary triggers such as exercise, warm temperatures, nervousness, or stress. Primary hyperhidrosis occurs due to overactive sweat glands, while secondary hyperhidrosis is a side effect of a drug or underlying medical condition.
Hyperhidrosis can make you.
- Sweat till your clothes are soaked
- Sweat at night and during the day
- Sweat from multiple or one area, such as palms, face, feet, and underarms
- Sweat on either or both sides of the body
Heavy sweating can cause social embarrassment and anxiety in both men and women. It is a treatable condition that can be managed with medications.
2. Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD occurs when stomach acid can rise into your oesophagus and cause heartburn, throat problems, and a burning feeling in your chest. When GERD occurs at night, it can lead to night sweats. These night sweats are often accompanied by other symptoms, including.
- Chest pain
- Heartburn
- Swallowing problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Coughing, asthma, and respiratory issues with nighttime reflux
3. Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
Low testosterone levels can cause men to sweat excessively at night. Testosterone levels drop as you get older. However, certain health conditions, medications, injuries, or substance misuse can cause less testosterone production than normal.
Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, is accompanied by other symptoms.
- Fatigue
- Erectile dysfunction
- Night sweats
- Muscle weakness
- Decreased bone mass
- Loss of interest in sexual activity
- Depression or mood changes
- Irritability
- Trouble remembering or focusing on things
Dr. Joel Finkelstein, an endocrinologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, shares that,
“At levels not quite that low, men have decreases in their libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue and physiological changes many will not immediately recognize.”
4. Hormonal imbalance
Other than testosterone, an imbalance of other hormone levels can also cause men to sweat at night. They include
- Hyperthyroidism
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Diabetes and irregular blood sugar levels
- Cancerous conditions such as carcinoid syndrome and pheochromocytoma
Men can experience intense night sweats, sleep disturbances, increased heart rate, anxiety, mood swings, shortness of breath, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, and shakes. Cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders can also cause men to wake up drenched in sweat at night.
Seek immediate emergency care if you are experiencing breathing difficulties or chest pain, as it can be a signal of a life-threatening condition such as a heart attack or allergic reaction.
5. Stress and anxiety
Men can excessively sweat at night when dealing with high stress and anxiety. The symptoms of anxiety can vary among individuals, but some common signs that accompany night sweats due to stress are
- Persistent worry and tension
- Feeling dread and fear
- Body aches
- Stomach problems
- Sleeping difficulties
- Bad or troubled dreams
- Increased irritability and mood swings
- Weakness, dizziness, or trembling
A study in 2022 found that men conceal their anxiety as they do not perceive it as something that warrants attention, which is why it remains less diagnosed. Anxiety can significantly affect your daily life and make everyday activities a chore. If you are under high stress, speaking to a therapist can help improve the symptoms.
6. Sleep apnea
Night sweats in men can indicate sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when one stops breathing while sleeping and results in people waking up gasping for air. According to 2022 research, sleep apnea affects 25-30% of men compared to 9-17% of women, making it more prevalent in men.
Along with night sweats, men can experience other signs and symptoms as well.
- Feeling tired and fatigued during the day
- Snoring
- Waking up choking or gasping for breath
- Having a sore throat when you wake up
- Waking up frequently in the night
- Have focus troubles, mood swings, and irritability
Sleep apnea can increase the risk of developing serious health problems. Consult with your doctor if you are sweating or gasping for air at night.
Severe Causes
Night sweats can be triggered by severe underlying causes such as infections, neurological conditions, or cancer. If common triggers are not the cause, your doctor may rule out these rare and severe causes.
1. Infections
Various infections can cause night sweats. These sweats are associated with fevers, muscle aches, fatigue, appetite changes, weight loss, inflammation, redness, and swelling. Infectious causes for night sweats include.
- Bacterial infections such as tuberculosis and brucellosis
- Viral infections such as influenza
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like HIV/AIDS
- Osteomyelitis, also known as bone infection
- Endocarditis, an infection of the heart
2. Medications
Many medications cause night sweats as a side effect. Common drugs leading to excessive sweating include
- Anti-depressants
- Steroids such as cortisone and prednisone
- Antipsychotics
- Diabetes medication
- Pain relievers (analgesics) such as acetaminophen and aspirin
- Hormone therapy medication
Let your healthcare provider know if you are experiencing or suspecting that medications are causing you to sweat excessively. They can provide alternative drugs or offer treatment for night sweats.
3. Neurological conditions
While rare, certain neurological conditions can cause night sweats as a symptom. These nervous system disorders include
- Syringomyelia: A fluid-filled lump in the spinal cord
- Stroke: Blockage of blood flow to the brain
- Autonomic neuropathy: Damage to the nerves that carry signals to the internal organs
- Autonomic dysreflexia: Abnormally high blood pressure due to an overacting nervous system after a spinal injury
Seek emergency care if there are signs of stroke, as they can be fatal and may result in instant death. Getting prompt treatment can increase the chances of survival and recovery.
4. Cancer
Rarely night sweats could indicate cancer. It is very uncommon, and typically, there are other symptoms as well, such as persistent weight loss, fever, extreme fatigue, tiredness, pain in your bones, chest, and abdomen, and enlarged or swollen lymph nodes. Leukemia and lymphoma are two of the leading cancers where night sweats appear as a symptom.
How to treat night sweats in men?
Treatment for night sweats in men can vary, depending on the underlying cause. Possible treatment options include
Prescription medication
- Acid reflux during GERD is managed through antacids like omeprazole and esomeprazole to improve sleep quality.
- Antibiotics such as amoxicillin and antiviral medications are prescribed to combat infections.
- If anxiety and depression are the underlying cause, antidepressants such as citalopram are prescribed in low dosages for night sweats in men.
- If neurological conditions lead to night sweats and seizures, anticonvulsants such as gabapentin are prescribed to bring them under control.
- Thyroid and hormonal imbalances are treated with drugs like levothyroxine and metformin
- For excessive night sweats and hyperhidrosis, antiperspirants are prescribed.
Over-the-counter drugs
Over the counter treatment for night sweats in men include
- Antacids for acid reflux and GERD
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for infectious and non-infectious inflammation
- Pain relievers (analgesics) in case of headaches induced by sleep deprivation
Therapeutic interventions
Some severe conditions require proper therapeutic treatment plans to provide relief from the night sweats. Some therapeutic interventions include
- Testosterone replacement therapy to improve testosterone levels
- STDs like HIV/AIDS are treated depending on the symptoms of the patient. Your doctor may plan an antiretroviral therapy to counter the symptoms.
- A breathing device such as a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine for improving sleep apnea symptoms
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer
Lifestyle changes
While medication and therapy are required for treating underlying conditions, you can adopt some positive lifestyle changes to improve your sleep and night sweats. Some good habits can be
- Sleeping in a cool, dark, and quiet environment
- Using light, breathable clothing and bedsheets
- Having a diet that is low in fat, sugar, and salt
- Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight
- Not eating a couple of hours before bed
- Limiting alcohol, caffeine, and spicy food intake
- Practicing relaxation techniques and breathing exercises
When should I see a doctor?
Night sweats are a common occurrence in men and can generally go away after they resolve their source of stress and anxiety. If you experience persistent episodes of night sweats accompanied by fever, weight loss, fatigue, or they affect your quality of life and sleep, you should see a doctor. They can signal life-threatening conditions such as stroke and cardiovascular problems, which is why prompt treatment is important.
FAQs about night sweats in men
Night sweats can occur at any age in males but are common in men over the age of 35, as testosterone levels start to drop after that age. As men get older, they are at an increased risk of developing other health problems, which may also contribute to their higher rate of night sweats.
Prostate infections such as prostatitis and advanced stages of prostate cancer can sometimes affect testosterone levels and cause pain, stress, and anxiety leading to hormonal imbalances. These hormonal changes can manifest as night sweats in men.
