What causes night sweats?
True night sweats, soaking through clothes or bedding, are different from being a bit warm. In women aged 40 and over, about 4 in 5 cases are hormonal. The rest split between alcohol, medication, infection, anxiety and (rarely) something more serious.
When to worry, red flags
- Unexplained weight loss (≥5% in 6 months)
- Persistent fever or feeling unwell
- New lumps, especially in the neck, armpit or groin
- Persistent cough, blood in stool or urine
- Drenching sweats with no other menopausal symptoms in a younger woman
Any of these = book a doctor's appointment this week.
How to stop perimenopause night sweats
- Bedroom 16–18 °C; breathable cotton/bamboo bedding
- No alcohol within 3 hours of bed
- Lighter, earlier dinner, finish 3 hours before sleep
- HRT, most effective treatment, often improves sleep within weeks
- CBT for menopause, reduces bother and improves sleep
- Cooling pillow / chillow under the head
Stop guessing your triggers.
Lila tracks night sweats against alcohol, food, stress and sleep so you can see what's really driving them.
