Night sweats are episodes of heavy sweating during sleep that can soak clothes and bedding, even when the room is cool. They are common during perimenopause and menopause, but they can have many other causes.
Hormone changes are a frequent cause. Falling estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause affect how the body controls temperature, which can trigger hot flushes by day and night sweats at night. Other causes include anxiety, infections, low blood sugar, some medicines such as certain antidepressants, alcohol and an overactive thyroid.
Night sweats are usually not a sign of anything serious. Still, it is worth seeing a GP if they happen regularly, keep you awake, or come with a fever, unexplained weight loss, a cough or swollen glands. A doctor can look for the cause and talk about treatment options, which may include hormone therapy for menopause symptoms.
Night sweats often interrupt sleep, which can leave people tired, foggy and less able to concentrate the next day. At work, a desk fan, a cooler seat away from heaters, layered uniforms, access to cold drinking water and flexible start times can make a real difference on bad days.
Sources: NHS, NHS Menopause, MedlinePlus.
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