Are COVID-19 Night Sweats Common?

• Night sweats are when you sweat a lot while sleeping, which can be uncomfortable.
  
  
• They can happen because of the Omicron or Delta variants of coronavirus, but they might also be a sign of other things like menopause, mental health issues, infections, or cancer.
  
  
• To deal with night sweats, you can try things like taking anti-anxiety medicines, using steroids, or making changes to your daily life.
  
  
• If your night sweats are caused by something more serious, you might need special treatments like chemotherapy or surgery.

Night sweats are those uncomfortable moments when you sweat a lot during the night, which can mess up your sleep and cause other health problems.

A good number of Americans, about 41%, go through night sweats at some point in their lives, and it happens more often to women.

Usually, night sweats are a sign that there might be something else going on in your body. Recently, they have even been linked to COVID-19 as a symptom.

In this article, we'll dig into what causes night sweats and what can be done to treat them.

What Are Night Sweats?

Night sweats are when you sweat a lot while asleep, and it's so much that it can even wet your clothes and sheets.

But just feeling hot because your room is warm or using too many blankets doesn't count as night sweats.

Sometimes, night sweats can come with other symptoms like:

• Having a fever
  
  
• Losing weight without trying
  
  
• Feeling pain in specific parts of your body
  
  
• Coughing a lot
  
  
• Having diarrhea

These symptoms are more serious, so it's a good idea to see your doctor if you have them.

How To Tell The Difference Between Night Sweats And Regular Sweating

Knowing the difference between night sweats and normal sweating is essential, especially when deciding if you need treatment or if your symptoms are something to worry about.

Regular sweating can happen for various reasons:

• Exercising before bedtime
  
  
• Feeling stressed
  
  
• Eating spicy foods
  
  
• Dealing with acid reflux or heartburn
  
  
• Sleeping in a too-warm room with too many blankets

Usually, these reasons aren't a big concern and can be managed with simple lifestyle changes or over-the-counter remedies.

On the other hand, night sweats are linked to underlying medical issues that can range from mild to serious. These may include things like mental health problems, viral infections, or low blood sugar. Some of these causes can be dangerous, so it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider if you're experiencing night sweats.

What Causes Night Sweats?

Night sweats are typically triggered by underlying medical problems or illnesses.

Consulting with your healthcare provider is always a good idea if you're worried about your symptoms.

Common causes of night sweats include:

• Menopause
  
  
• Anxiety or depression
  
  
• Viral infections like COVID-19
  
  
• Consumption of alcohol or caffeine
  
  
• Hyperhidrosis is when the body produces excessive sweat for no apparent reason.
  
  
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  
  
• Withdrawal from addictive substances
  
  
• Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea
  
  
• Autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, or rheumatoid arthritis

More serious medical conditions that can lead to night sweats include:

• Cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, or prostate cancer
  
  
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
  
  
• Tuberculosis or HIV
  
  
• Stroke

Certain medications can also contribute to night sweats, including:

• Antidepressants
  
  
• Hormone replacement therapy treatments
  
  
• Methadone, a drug used to treat opioid addiction
  
  
• Hypoglycemic agents used to manage low blood sugar

Are Night Sweats Related To COVID-19?

Night sweats have become a significant symptom of the Omicron and Delta variants, affecting more than 40% of infected individuals. What's noteworthy is that many patients continue to experience night sweats for months, even after the initial infection.

If you don't have any underlying health conditions and still suffer from night sweats, there's a strong possibility that it could be due to a COVID-19 infection. It's advisable to get tested to confirm.

While you await your test results, isolating yourself from vulnerable individuals and wearing a mask to protect others is essential.

In addition to any prescribed medication, the primary treatment for COVID-19 is rest and staying well-hydrated.

Medical experts also recommend staying current with your COVID-19 vaccinations, which may help prevent night sweats.

How To Determine If You Have COVID-19

It's essential to be aware of the common symptoms of COVID-19. If you notice any of the following signs, it's a good idea to consider getting tested for COVID-19:

• Nausea and vomiting
  
  
• Shortness of breath
  
  
• Congested or runny nose
  
  
• Diarrhea
  
  
• Cough
  
  
• Sore throat
  
  
• Loss of taste or smell
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Body aches
  
  
• Fever or chills
  
  
• Headache

How Are Night Sweats Diagnosed?

If you're experiencing night sweats, it's essential to consult with a licensed healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. During your consultation, they will likely inquire about the following:

• The frequency and duration of your night sweats.
  
  
• Any recent changes or additions to your medications.
  
  
• Any other symptoms or discomfort you may be experiencing.

Based on their evaluation, your healthcare provider may suggest further diagnostic procedures such as blood tests or X-rays to help identify the underlying cause of your night sweats.

What Are The Treatment Options For Night Sweats?

The treatment for night sweats varies depending on the underlying cause. Generally, medications like antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and steroids are employed to manage night sweats.

For infections, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics or antiviral drugs.

If menopause is the cause, medications that reduce hot flashes, such as Paroxetine, Gabapentin, or Venlafaxine, may be recommended.

In more severe cases where night sweats are linked to underlying conditions, treatment options can include:

• Surgery
  
  
• Hormone replacement therapy to alleviate menopausal symptoms
  
  
• Chemotherapy
  
  
• Radiation therapy

Entering a rehabilitation program if night sweats stem from substance abuse.

In the case of night sweats related to COVID-19, there isn't a specific treatment to target this symptom. Healthcare providers may advise:

• Resting adequately
  
  
• Maintaining a balanced diet
  
  
• Engaging in regular exercise

Implementing stress and anxiety management techniques.

Can Night Sweats Be Prevented?

You can take steps to prevent some of the more common causes of night sweats through lifestyle changes. Your healthcare provider may suggest the following to reduce your risk:

• Sleep in a cooler room.
  
  
• Use lighter and more breathable bedding.
  
  
• Avoid using tobacco products and illicit drugs.
  
  
• Limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine, particularly before bedtime.
  
  
• If you're experiencing menopause symptoms, steer clear of spicy foods.
  
  
• Aim to maintain a healthy weight.

These lifestyle adjustments can help you manage and prevent night sweats.

When Should You See A Doctor?

It's essential to recognize when it's time to seek medical advice regarding night sweats.

Consider making an appointment with your healthcare provider if:

• You experience frequent night sweats that interfere with your sleep.
  
  
• You have additional symptoms such as fever, cough, or diarrhea.
  
  
• You are losing weight inexplicably.
  
  
• These signs could suggest a more significant underlying issue requiring specific treatments.

You can also contact Mobi Doctor for medical guidance if you need assistance.