Night sweats are not only an embarrassing and uncomfortable thing to deal with, but they also could be a sign of some serious condition that requires treatment. If you are experiencing this issue, it can be concerning to you. That’s why it can be essential for you to learn more about the causes of night sweats and treatment. This article aims to help you see the different causes and treatments of night sweats.
Causes of Night Sweats in Men
There are quite a few different reasons why a man can be experiencing night sweats. In this section, you can see some of the various reasons for night sweats in men.
Stress or Anxiety
You may notice that you experience night sweats when you feel particularly anxious or stressed. People tend to have their way of experiencing stress. To determine whether or not your night sweats are caused by stress and anxiety, think about if you have been these symptoms:
- Persistently worried, tension, and fear
- Dizziness/trembling
- Aches or pains
- Weakness/fatigue
- Weakened immune system
- An intense and unexplainable feeling of dread
- Stomach issues
Even if you don’t think you’re feeling stressed or anxious, this could be a reason for your night sweats.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
There is a link between night sweats and GERD. GERD is a condition where the muscle responsible for keeping the esophagus isn’t properly functioning. When the muscle doesn’t work properly, the stomach acid will rise into your esophagus, leading to heartburn. If you notice that you are experiencing heartburn at least three days a week, you may be suffering from GERD.
Symptoms of GERD include:
- Heartburn
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble swallowing
- Regurgitation (when food or liquid comes back up your throat)
- Chest pain
- Respiratory issues like asthma or cough
Hyperhidrosis
Some people have a condition where they experience excessive sweating regularly, not just at night. If that’s the case, then you will also experience this problem at night time as well. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition with some underlying cause, such as a medical issue or a side effect of your medication.
Medications
Certain medications can cause night sweats. Medications are known to cause night sweats to include:
- Hormone therapy drugs
- Steroids, like prednisone and cortisone
- Medications for diabetes
- Antipsychotics
- Acetaminophen
If you think that your medications cause the night sweat you are experiencing, you should talk to your doctor about this issue.
Low Testosterone
Men who have low testosterone may experience night sweats. There may be a variety of reasons as to why your testosterone may be low, including age, injury, and certain medications and medical conditions. Other signs of low testosterone include:
- Fatigue
- Reduced Libido
- Changes in mood, such as irritability and depression
- Erectile dysfunction
- Muscle weakness
For those experiencing signs of low testosterone, you should let your doctor know to get the help you need to treat this problem. This is done in the form of TRT or Testosterone Replacement Therapy, a treatment that helps to increase testosterone levels in the body.
Hormonal Issues
In addition to low testosterone, other hormonal disorders can cause night sweats. These conditions include:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Pheochromocytoma
- Carcinoid syndrome
Sleep Apnea
Men who have night sweats can sometimes have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea means that you stop breathing as you sleep. This can be dangerous as it can increase your chance of developing other health issues. Studies have shown that sleep apnea can lead to night sweats in men and women.
Infection
Even mild viral infections can lead to night sweats. From mild to more severe infections, night sweats could be a sign that you need to get checked out by a doctor. This is especially true if you are experiencing other symptoms like a high fever that doesn’t improve or gets worse over time, and you notice redness or swelling.
Neurological Conditions
Neurological conditions can lead to night sweats. These conditions include:
- Syringomyelia
- Stroke
- Autonomic dysreflexia
- Autonomic neuropathy
These can be potentially life-threatening conditions, so you should contact a doctor as soon as possible to get a diagnosis to receive treatment.
Treatment for Night Sweats in Men
The treatment for night sweats can depend on your condition’s underlying cause. This is why you need to talk to your doctor about your night sweats and any other symptoms you may be having. If there is no underlying cause for this condition, the doctor may offer additional tips to help stop this problem. These include:
Wearing Comfortable Clothing
It can be something that you are wearing at night. Wear nighttime clothes of moisture-wicking, breathable, cotton fabric. These can not only keep you cool but also help your sweat evaporate easier.
Stay Healthy
Maintaining a healthy weight can be essential in preventing night sweats. Obesity can lead to night sweats and other conditions that can lead to night sweats.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
If you are experiencing stress and anxiety, it’s also a good idea to start practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, breathing exercises, and guided imagery.
Avoid Certain Things in Your Diet
Some specific foods and drinks can lead to night sweats. You should avoid trigger foods like caffeine and spicy foods, leading to night sweats. Avoid these trigger foods, and you may notice an improvement in your symptoms.
Stay Cool
Night sweats don’t usually happen because of the ambient temperature in the space, but doing things to keep cool at night can help you reduce this problem. This means that you can do things like turn on the air-conditioner, use breathable bedding, or buy a mattress that helps you sleep cooler. These are things that can significantly reduce this problem.
Conclusion
Night sweats can be an uncomfortable and experience thing to deal with. However, no one treatment works for everyone. The key is to find out the underlying cause of your night sweats and then get treatment for that cause. It can take some patience and persistence but resolving this issue can be the best thing for your quality of life.
If you feel that a hormonal imbalance may be affecting your sleep and causing night sweats, contact EVOLVE patient care. Our team of hormone specialists can help optimize your testosterone levels and treat symptoms that an imbalance may cause.
