Why Do I Sweat When I Sleep

A common question people ask themselves is why do I sweat when I sleep? Sometimes it's easy to understand why you'd wake up dripping with sweat when you have a crippling nightmare. But when a nightmare isn't to blame then what is the cause.

Why You Sweat

While perspiring at night can be a symptom of a serious health issue, in general, it's nothing to sweat about and here's why. At night our body temperature drops a few degrees to signal that it's time to power down and conserve energy.

This allows the body to focus on the various healing actions that occur during sleep like directing blood flow to repair muscles and tissues that have been overworked.

Internal Thermostat

If your body's temperature rises above that ideal sleeping setpoint you sweat to regulate your internal thermostat which often wakes you up. Scary dreams can also make you clammy because nightmares trigger your fight-or-flight response your body releases adrenaline which quickens your heart rate and activates your sweat glands to help cool you down.

Other Reasons You Sweat

The most likely cause of your night sweats, your bedroom is too hot or you're sleeping with too many covers on. Lower your thermostats to an ideal sleeping temperature which is between 65 and 68 degrees and lose a blanket or two.

What You Can Do

Just don't make it too cold as shivering won't help you drift off. Two to three hours before you hit the sheets avoid eating spicy foods which can stimulate your body to irritate your stomach and raise your core temperature but do consider taking a warm shower or bath as your body naturally cools off afterward it will slip into sleep mode.

Seeing Your GP

If you're still regularly waking up drenched you should definitely see your doctor especially if your night sweats are accompanied by a fever or sudden weight loss both can be symptoms of various hormonal conditions or even a side-effect of some medications.

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