Millions of people may struggle with this – and it’s not just the heat
One sweaty night is probably nothing to be that worried about – especially when the UK has recently baked in highs of 40°C with muggy nights in the 20s. But if it keeps happening or is paired up with other symptoms, then health experts say ‘don’t ignore it’ and speak to your doctor.
Dr Amir Khan, known for his expert medical opinions shared on ITV daytime shows like Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, spoke on his own social media page about a common symptom many could easily dismiss during hot weather. He said it could be a warning sign of something serious.
He said: “If you’re waking up soaking wet in the middle of the night, that’s not just inconvenient; it can be a red flag. [There] are five important causes of drenching night sweats and why this is a symptom you should never ignore.”
The practising GP claims that women entering the menopause or peri-menopause could notice this if they struggle to sleep or once they wake up. He said: “Hormonal changes around the menopause confuse the brain’s temperature control, cue the infamous hot flushes and night sweats.
“If it’s affecting your sleep or mood, speak to your GP. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or some lifestyle changes may be able to help.”
Aside from natural life changes, waking up in a sweat could be a sign of some “serious infections” like tuberculosis, HIV, or even some hidden bacterial infections in your heart. Dr Khan said the issues could be linked if you are also noticing things like “fever, weight loss, or fatigue”.
Some cancers, especially lymphoma, can present as a “drenching sweat”, said Dr Khan. He added that it can sometimes be an early sign of the blood cancer and said: “It’s rare, but never ignore it, especially if it’s combined with weight loss or swollen glands”.
A “sneaky” condition that could be causing excessive nighttime sweating is sleep apnea. The ITV regular said: “When your airway temporarily blocks during sleep, your body struggles for air, stress, hormone surge, your heart races, and you wake up hot and drenched without even realising why.
“If you snore, wake up exhausted, or your partner notices pauses in your breathing, ask your GP about getting assessed. Obstructive sleep apnoea is more common than you think, and it’s treatable.”
And, another problem that could be causing you to soak your sheets at night could be down to blood sugar or thyroid problems. This is especially true for people with diabetes and if people notice other symptoms like “trembling, weight change, or a racing heart”.
The NHS website says that “it’s normal to sweat during the night if the room or your bedding is making you too hot”, and that your body is naturally trying to cool down. See a GP if you have night sweats regularly that wake you up or worry you.
