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SYMPTOMS OF NIGHT SWEATS
* Damp and clammy bedding. You wake up to find your bedding soaked. You either feel too hot or clammily cold.
CAUSES OF NIGHT SWEATS
* Menopause or Andropause. Menopause in women is the most common cause of night sweats. However, some men also suffer from night sweats during the male menopause, or andropause.
* HIV, tuberculosis. In fact, any infectious disease or condition that brings on a fever can cause night sweats.
* Diabetes. Diabetes can also cause night sweats.
* Sleep apnea. This is the one that most concerns us. Night sweats can also be a sign of sleep apnea. If you also suffer from severe snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness, it might be time for a study.
* Alcohol, some drugs, spicy foods. Consumption of any of these can cause night sweats. And by drugs, I'm not necessarily referring to street drugs. Some prescription drugs, like Zoloft, can also cause night sweats.
POSSIBLE METHODS OF TREATMENT
* Determine the cause of your night sweats. As you can see by the list under causes, these are many and varied. Night sweats are not a sleep disorder but more accurately, a symptom of some underlying condition. Talk to your doctor.
* Change of lifestyle. Avoid alcohol and spicy foods. Talk to your doctor about medications you're taking to see if they could be the cause.
* Keep your bedroom cool. If weather permits, keep a window open, or try using a fan.
* Take a shower. A cold shower before bed might prevent an attack of night sweats.
* Ask your doctor about a sleep study. If you suffer from any other symptoms of sleep apnea, a study might be in order.
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