How to Prevent Sweating at Night

Sweating at night is something that the body does in response to either an internal or an external trigger. In order to pinpoint the cause one must look at each person’s individual circumstances regarding room conditions where they sleep, current medications, disease history and dietary habits. Any or all of these factors can play a role in contributing to this problem. Women experiencing menopause are prime candidates for sweating due to the extreme hormonal changes taking place.

Step 1

Drink between 6 to 8 glasses of cold water throughout the day to properly hydrate your body. This will help to regulate your internal cooling and heating process. Your body gets rid of excess heat by producing sweat, which then evaporates and cools the skin. Sucking on ice chips, especially in hot weather, is another hydration technique that can be used whenever convenient.

Step 2

Practice deep breathing exercises throughout the day. For example: Hold a deep breath for half a minute and then slowly exhale. This will slow down your metabolism and help your body regulate its internal temperature.

Step 3

Eliminate caffeine, spicy foods and alcohol from your diet, since each has an effect on your metabolism that could promote sweating.

Step 4

Perform some form of daily aerobics such as riding a bicycle, jogging or going for a brisk walk earlier in the day, which increases endorphin production, burns fat and helps to normalize the natural balance of your body’s furnace.

Step 5

Refrain from doing any strenuous work or exercise just prior to going to bed. Your body needs 3 to 4 hours to become relaxed and unwind from any stresses of the day.

Step 6

Lower your body temperature right before bedtime with a cool shower. Lower temperature stops your body from producing sweat to cool off the skin.

Step 7

Wear cotton fabric to bed. It provides a wicking effect for perspiration. Wear only a minimum amount of bed clothing, so that excessive covering is not the cause of sweating.

Step 8

Lower your bedroom thermostat in the winter or turn on an air conditioner or a fan in the summer to cool down your sleeping environment. Room temperature and humidity can trigger a sweating event.

Step 9

Consult your physician if your medication produces night sweating as one of the side effects. Ask your physician about an alternative medication that would not induce sweating.

Things You'll Need

  • Cotton bed clothing
  • Ice chips

References

Article reviewed by demand36534 Last updated on: Nov 26, 2011

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