General practice·General practice
Night sweats
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Night sweats are episodes of heavy sweating during sleep that soak through your nightclothes or bedding. They can happen for many reasons, from something simple like a warm bedroom to an underlying medical condition.
Key facts
- Night sweats are not a disease but a symptom that can have many causes.
- Most causes are not serious and can be treated or managed.
- Sometimes no cause is found, and night sweats go away on their own.
Yes, night sweats are a common complaint. Many people experience them at some point in their lives, especially during times of hormonal change or illness.
Night sweats can affect people of any age, but they are more common in women during menopause and perimenopause, and in people who have infections or certain chronic conditions.