Common Causes of Night Sweats

Night sweats are not unusual and not something to be concerned about most of the time. Typical causes of night sweats are a hot room or heavy blankets. Night sweats are common and usually aren't cause for concern, unless they are regular, interrupt your sleep or accompanied by other symtoms. Many older women have night sweats from the hot flashes associated with menopause. Sometimes night sweats can be due to a medical disorder or medications.

Medications that can cause night sweats

Night sweats are a common side effect of many medications, such as:

* Anti-depressants
* Medications that reduce body temperature e.g. aspirin, paracetamol
* Medications that lower blood sugar
* Hormone therapy

Medical conditions that cause night sweats

Diseases and conditions that can cause night sweats include:

* Autonomic neuropathy
* Brucellosis
* Carcinoid syndrome
* Infection of the heart lining
* HIV/AIDS
* Hodgkin's disease
* Overactive thyroid
* Leukemia
* Bone marrow disorder
* Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
* Osteomyelitis - a bone infection
* Infected abscess
* Stroke
* Cyst in the spinal cord
* Tuberculosis

It is important to get the advice of a health professional if you experience ongoing problems - beyond a couple of weeks, as it may be necessary to do a full investigation of the causes.