Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNight SweatsCausesDiagnosisFinding Relief
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Night Sweats
Causes
Diagnosis
Finding Relief
In some people, this can occur spontaneously and without apparent reason (a condition called hyperhidrosis). In others, it occurs specifically and profusely at night. This is something we call “night sweats,” or, more specifically, sleep hyperhidrosis.
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What Are Night Sweats?
Night sweats frequently occur in people living withHIV, most often in later stages of untreated disease (when theCD4 countis below 200 cells/milliliter).
They cause profuse, drenching perspiration for no apparent reason and, while they themselves are harmless, night sweats can be indicative of an underlying medical condition that may be serious.
Night sweats differ from regular perspiration in that they occur without exercise and almost entirely when sleeping. Furthermore, they can be extremely profuse, soaking through bedclothes, sheets, and even blankets.
Hyperhidrosis and What It Means
Night sweats have numerous possible causes, ranging from common hormonal changes in women to more severe manifestations of HIV infection.
It’s important to note, however, that night sweats alone—without other symptoms such as fever, weight loss or diarrhea—are not a common manifestation of HIV.
Night sweats do, however, warrant investigation, as well as an HIV test should you be at risk of infection or have other symptoms.
Causes of night sweats can, among other things, include:
HIV especially causes night sweats during the acute illness that takes place with seroconversion (the period during which an antibody becomes evident in the blood).
Early Signs and Symptoms of HIV
Pinpointing the Cause
Night sweats aren’t something that’s treated directly; rather, the underlying cause has to be addressed. To help your healthcare provider identify the underlying cause, ask yourself:
Be sure to share these thoughts with your healthcare provider.
While you’re at it, considertaking an HIV testif you haven’t already. All Americans age 13 to 64 are recommended to get a once-off HIV test as part of a routine healthcare provider’s visit.
Rapid in-home HIV tests are also available for purchase at most major chain drug stores.
8 At-Home STD Tests
The worst thing about night sweats is they can be incredibly uncomfortable and unnerving. If you awaken in the middle of the night soaked in perspiration, here are a few things you can do:
If your night sweats are severe or increasing in frequency, they may be indicative of a life-threatening illness. Be sure to contact your healthcare provider right away so testing and treatment can begin.
The presence of night sweats has no direct correlation to disease progression or life expectancy in people with HIV. Rather, night sweats may suggest an underlying condition that may have poor health outcomes.
A Word From Verywell
If you have unexplained night sweats, talk to your healthcare provider right away.
Do not self-diagnose or dismiss your symptoms, as there is no such thing as “normal” night sweats. Get it checked as soon as possible, if only for peace of mind.
What It Means If Your HIV Test Is Positive
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About HIV.National Sleep Foundation.Four common causes of night sweats.Arnardottir ES, Janson C, Bjornsdottir E, et al.Nocturnal sweating–a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea: The icelandic sleep apnoea cohort.BMJ Open. 2013;3(5):e002795. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002795Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting tested for HIV.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About HIV.National Sleep Foundation.Four common causes of night sweats.Arnardottir ES, Janson C, Bjornsdottir E, et al.Nocturnal sweating–a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea: The icelandic sleep apnoea cohort.BMJ Open. 2013;3(5):e002795. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002795Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting tested for HIV.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About HIV.National Sleep Foundation.Four common causes of night sweats.Arnardottir ES, Janson C, Bjornsdottir E, et al.Nocturnal sweating–a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea: The icelandic sleep apnoea cohort.BMJ Open. 2013;3(5):e002795. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002795Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting tested for HIV.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About HIV.
National Sleep Foundation.Four common causes of night sweats.
Arnardottir ES, Janson C, Bjornsdottir E, et al.Nocturnal sweating–a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea: The icelandic sleep apnoea cohort.BMJ Open. 2013;3(5):e002795. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002795
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting tested for HIV.
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