Health - Wellness
Is Waking Up With Smelly Armpits A Health Concern?
By JENNIFER ANANDANAYAGAM
If your nighttime routine includes a nice long shower, freshly scented moisturizer, and clean pajamas, catching a whiff of your smelly armpits in the morning may be concerning.
It is common to experience varying body temperatures at night from a warm bedroom or too much bedding, but when you sweat as a result, you will notice the signs in the morning.
According to Dr. Albert Wu, you might wake up with smelly armpits when the bacteria on your skin interact with the perspiration caused by your sleeping environment.
Stress can be the culprit, too, according to neurologist Dr. Aarthi Ram. Overthinking the day's worries or anxiety when heading to bed means a sweaty body.
Smelly underarms might also mean that you have poor personal hygiene. Try meditation or reading, and avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and exercising too close to bedtime.
Dr. Aarthi Ram, per Houston Methodist, says antidepressants, hormone therapy pills, hypertension, and hypoglycemia medications can also cause you to sweat during the night.
It's important to note that while there are many reasons why you might perspire a little more at night, night sweats, which soak through your night clothes, are more serious.
Underlying conditions like hypoglycemia, acid reflux, infections, tuberculosis, diabetes, lymphoma, hyperthyroidism, and sweating disorders like hyperhidrosis may be the source.
See a doctor if you're concerned something serious is making you sweat. Getting to the root of the problem is the first step to finding relief from this unpleasant symptom.