Sleep Apnea and Night Sweats
Key Takeaways
- Night sweats can occur due to various medical conditions, including infections, hormonal changes, and sleep apnea.
- Strategies to help cope with night sweats include staying hydrated, using a cooling pillow or mattress, and practicing relaxation techniques before bed.
- Treating sleep apnea with CPAP can reduce sleep apnea symptoms and night sweats.
Night sweats involve periods of excessive sweating during sleep that are not due to external temperature or using heavy blankets. Sweating can be so severe that it leaves you drenched and can interfere with getting proper rest.
Various medical conditions, including sleep apnea, can cause night sweats. Understanding the causes of night sweats and how to decrease symptoms can help improve your sleep quality.
Medical Conditions that Cause Night Sweats
Night sweats are a common symptom of various medical conditions. Some possible conditions that can cause night sweats are listed below.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes such as those that occur during perimenopause, menopause, and pregnancy can lead to problems regulating body temperature and subsequently night sweats.
- Sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway relaxes and blocks the flow of air to the lungs, leading to brief pauses in breathing. These episodes of apnea stress the body and activate the sympathetic nervous system. This activation causes an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and possible heavy sweating.
- Infections: Various types of infections, including tuberculosis and endocarditis, an infection of the heart, can cause night sweats as a response to increased body temperature.
- Some forms of cancer: Certain forms of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma, may lead to night sweats. These types of cancers may lead to an immune system response and the release of cytokines. The cytokines act on the part of the brain that controls body temperature, leading to night sweats.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
As mentioned above, sleep apnea may be a cause of night sweats. Additional symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Brief pauses in breathing when asleep
- Snoring
- Waking and gasping for air in the middle of sleep
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Memory problems
- Irritability
In addition to the symptoms listed above, untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk of cardiovascular incidents, including a heart attack or stroke. Learn more about what happens to your body if you have sleep apnea.
Does Treating Sleep Apnea Cure Night Sweats?
Treating sleep apnea may decrease night sweats if it is the underlying cause. Night sweats may occur due to repeated episodes of apnea, which cause a spike in stress hormones and adrenaline. This leads to sudden overheating and sweating during sleep. Treating sleep apnea removes the trigger that causes the stress response and night sweats often decrease.
How to Help Night Sweats
If you have night sweats, treating the underlying cause is always your best bet. However, multiple factors can contribute to night sweats, and there are several things you can do to relieve symptoms. Consider the following suggestions:
Keep Your Bedroom Cool in Temperature
Most people sleep better in a cool environment. Sleeping with open windows, air conditioning, or a fan may keep your bedroom cool and reduce overnight sweating.
Consider Buying Cooling Pillows and Mattress Covers
Cooling pillows are available that may help reduce sweating by keeping your head cool overnight. Cooling mattress pads are also designed to wick away moisture and absorb your body heat. They can help reduce night sweats. Also, select sheets made of moisture-wicking materials such as cotton and bamboo, and avoid heavy down comforters. It's also helpful to choose light, moisture-wicking sleepwear, which will help keep you cool overnight.
Stay Properly Hydrated Throughout the Day
Staying well hydrated throughout the day can help regulate your body's temperature, which may reduce sweating overnight. Water is your best option for proper hydration. However, limit water just before bed to avoid waking up to use the bathroom.
Practive Relaxation Techniques Before Bed
Practicing relaxation techniques before going to sleep can lower your stress levels and stress response, which may reduce overheating. Consider relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or listening to music. It's also helpful to avoid triggers before bed that can lead to excess sweating, such as spicy food, alcohol, and large meals.
Consider Medical Options
Medical options for treating night sweats may depend on the underlying cause. For example, sleep apnea, which can cause night sweats, snoring, and gasping for air overnight, is often treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
CPAP therapy helps prevent airway blockage and reduces apnea episodes overnight. Removing pauses in breathing overnight minimizes the stress on the body, including excess sweating. CPAP therapy helps with both symptoms of apnea and night sweats.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a common cause of night sweats. Treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy can reduce night sweats. It can also lower your risk of apnea complications, such as heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, it can improve overall sleep and quality of life.
Selecting quality CPAP supplies is essential to get the best treatment. Please visit The CPAP Shop to purchase your CPAP supplies and accessories. For more information, call our customer care team at 866-414-9700.
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