Night Sweats Treatment

Sweating excessively during the night, even when the surrounding is not too hot is termed as night sweats. Such excessive sweating during the nighttime can sometimes even soak or drench the night-clothes or bedding of the sufferer. However, sweating while sleeping in an unusually hot room is quite normal, and is not considered as night sweat. Many times, it is a harmless condition. But, occasionally, it could be a sign of certain medical conditions, some of which can be quite serious.

Causes of Night Sweats
It is not always caused by diseases or disorders. Women, in particular can experience this condition while approaching menopause. However, it can also be related with some serious medical conditions like, tuberculosis, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves), osteomyelitis (inflammation within the bones due to infection), cancer, especially lymphoma, hypoglycemia and hormonal disorders like hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma and carcinoid syndrome.

Intake of certain medications, especially antipyretics like acetaminophen, antidepressant medications, niacin, tomoxifen, hydralazine and cortisone medications can also cause hot flashes. Sometimes, it can be due to a condition, known as 'idiopathic hyperhidrosis', which is characterized by the production of too much sweat during the night. But, the exact cause of this condition is still unknown. Apart from these, one can also experience these as a symptom of HIV/AIDS.

Night Sweats Cure
Its treatment depends on the accurate diagnosis of the condition, as it can have an association with a number of diseases and disorders. As for example, treatment for night sweat caused by cancer can be quite different from the treatment that is usually employed for night sweats associated with tuberculosis or conditions, other than cancer. So, only a physician can find out the root cause of this condition and accordingly design a proper treatment plan to treat both the cause and the symptom.

Night sweats among women during menopause is quite common and it can be treated with hormone replacement therapy. On the other hand, if it caused by intake of certain medications can be cured by discontinuing the particular medicine or replacing it with some other medication. However, this should be done only with the approval of your physician.

Natural Remedies for Night Sweats

Treating this problem naturally requires a few changes in your lifestyle, along with the inclusion of certain herbs and foods in your diet. Lifestyle changes include, avoiding smoking and restricting the intake of caffeine and alcohol. Smoking as well as intake of too much alcohol and caffeinated beverages can aggravate hot flashes. In addition to this, adopting an effective way to deal with mental stress and anxiety can also prove helpful in reducing night sweats. You can practice yoga, meditation or any other stress reduction technique to manage the level of stress, which in turn can prove effective for treating hot flashes naturally.

Apart from the above mentioned lifestyle changes, certain herbs and foods have also been found to provide considerable relief. Herbs that contain phytoestrogen like, black cohosh, sage, dong quai can be immensely helpful for treating it, especially for women. Some other herbs that too can be used are, chaste berry, motherwort, flaxseed, herbal tea, especially chamomile tea and licorice root. Foods that can be helpful in its treatment are, soy and soy products like, soy milk and tofu. Also eat more fresh fruits, whole grains and green vegetables, instead of processed foods.

Before adopting any of the treatment options, do not forget to consult your physician. Though the natural remedies like herbs can help you to treat the condition, it is of utmost importance to consult your physician, if you are experiencing excessive sweating during the nighttime, but not due to hot climate. Only a physician can ascertain the underlying causes, and rule out the possibility of any serious illness. If you opt for the herbs, please talk to an appropriate medical expert regarding the dosage and any possible adverse effect on your health, as certain herbs can cause serious side effects, if taken excessively. Lastly, maintain proper ventilation in the room, where you sleep, and if possible, use night-clothes and bedding made of light fabric like cotton.