If You Have Night Sweats, This Is Probably Why
If you've ever woken up soaked in sweat, you're not alone: most people will suffer from occasional night sweats. Causes of the sudden drenched sensation range from your room being at the wrong temperature to a more serious underlying health condition.
The most common reason behind waking up in a pool of sweat is that your room is too warm. If you wake up sweating and the room itself feels stuffy, you're not suffering from a true night sweat — you're simply sweating in your sleep (via WebMD). The National Sleep Foundation recommends that the temperature in the bedroom hovers between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit — cooler than most people would typically keep their houses during the day. Consider lowering the heat and letting your room cool down before you get under the covers. You can also opt for sweat-wicking materials in your bedsheets and pajamas, or sleep naked, and skip using heavy blankets. If you typically cuddle up with a pet or a partner, consider giving each other a bit more space (via KTAR News).
What else could it be?
If your room is cool, there's likely another reason you're waking up sweating. A real night sweat is actually a hot flash that happens in your sleep, and rather than waking up slightly sweaty, you're likely waking up completely soaked. The most common cause of night sweats is also the most common cause of hot flashes: menopause. If you've been having menopause-induced hot flashes during the day, they're likely to blame for sweating at night as well (via WebMD).
Even exercise can be to blame: Intense or high-volume exercise can cause your thyroid gland to release more hormones, which can trigger these night sweat sessions. If you only experience night sweats after exercising in the late afternoon or evening, try moving your exercise earlier in the day to determine if that is the root cause. Other hormone-disruptors like hyperthyroidism can also be to blame (via WebMD).
Occasionally, night sweats can signal more serious issues, including certain cancers, so if you are suffering from night sweats as well as other symptoms like a fever, weight loss or pain, see a doctor to get to the bottom of what's causing them (via HealthGrades).