Why do I sweat at night

Short answer: Night sweats usually come from a bedroom that is too warm, a duvet that is too thick or nightwear that is too dense. Start with the room, then the duvet, and finally what you wear. If it continues, talk to your doctor.

The room is the most common cause

Above twenty degrees, the body starts to struggle to cool down. At night the body lowers its own temperature, and that needs surroundings cooler than the body. If the bedroom is too warm, the body tries to get rid of heat by sweating. That is why the room is the first place to look. See bamboo boxers.

The right bedroom temperature

Between sixteen and nineteen degrees is a good starting point. Turn the heating down a few hours before bed and air the room before you lie down. A window left ajar can help if it is quiet outside. A thermometer in the bedroom shows whether the room is as cool as you think.

The duvet comes next

A winter duvet in summer holds on to all the heat. The duvet should suit the season and the room temperature. Many people use the same duvet all year, but in warm months a lighter duvet or a blanket may be enough. If you only sweat at certain times of year, this may be the reason. See socks for men.

Bedding plays a part too

Besides the duvet, bedding matters. A dense fabric in the cover and sheet keeps heat and moisture close to the body. A more open fabric lets air move better. Change your bedding regularly and let the bed air in the morning before you make it.

Nightwear is the last link

A dense fabric stops moisture from moving away from the skin. When it stays, the skin feels clammy and you wake up. An open knit lets moisture escape and dry. Nightwear should sit loosely enough for air to move, without bunching into folds. See bamboo joggers for men.

Less is often more

Some people sleep best wearing very little. Others prefer a light layer that takes moisture from the skin. Try what works for you and notice how you feel in the morning. Waking up clammy is a sign that something in the room, the duvet or the nightwear holds too much heat.

Habits before bed

A hot bath just before bed, a large meal or alcohol in the evening can make the body produce more heat at night. Give your body time to settle before you lie down. Small changes to your evening routine can make a difference.

When to talk to a doctor

Night sweats usually have a simple explanation in the room, the duvet or the nightwear. But if you sweat heavily every night even though the bedroom is cool and the duvet light, there may be other causes. Then it is a good idea to talk to your doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common cause of night sweats

A bedroom that is too warm. Above twenty degrees, the body struggles to cool down enough to sleep calmly through the night.

What temperature should the bedroom be

Between sixteen and nineteen degrees. The body lowers its own temperature at night and needs a cooler room to do so.

Can nightwear make a difference

Yes. A dense fabric keeps moisture against the skin, while an open knit lets it escape and dry, so you do not wake up clammy.