[46F] Experiencing excessive sweating during sleep with associated symptoms

Patient Description

A 46-year-old female has been experiencing excessive sweating during sleep for about a year, which is severe enough to wet her clothes. She wakes up with chills, and her surface skin temperature is higher than her inner body temperature. The sweating occurs every night and is not dependent on the type of dream she is having. She also experiences tremors and fatigue, with her skin feeling excessively hot. There is no reported unexplained weight loss, fever, changes in menstrual cycle, hot flashes, or palpitations, and no substance use that might contribute to the symptoms. The patient has a history of Lupus diagnosed in 2014 and is currently on multiple medications including Duloxetine, Lithium, Synthroid, Doxepin, Jardiance, Donepezil, Hydroxyzine, and Valporic Acid. She has allergies to Haldol, Raglan, and Compazine.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be contributing to your symptoms:

  • Hyperhidrosis: This is a condition characterized by excessive sweating, even when the body doesn't need to cool off. It can occur during sleep (nocturnal hyperhidrosis), and can be generalized (all over the body) or localized (in specific areas). It's not clear why some people sweat excessively, but it can be related to other medical conditions, medications, or menopause.

    • Treatment options include prescription antiperspirants, medications, nerve-blocking medications, and in severe cases, surgery.
  • Hyperthyroidism: This is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body's metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. It can also cause tremors, excessive sweating, and heat intolerance.

    • Treatment options include radioactive iodine, medications, and surgery.
  • Menopause: This is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It's diagnosed after you've gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s. It can cause hot flashes and night sweats.

    • Treatment options include hormone therapy, medications to help with symptoms, and lifestyle changes.
  • Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety can cause physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, and fatigue. It's possible that your dreams are causing anxiety, which is leading to sweating.

    • Treatment options include psychotherapy (talk therapy), cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.
  • Side effects of medications: Some of the medications you're taking, such as Duloxetine and Lithium, can cause excessive sweating as a side effect.

    • If this is the case, your doctor might adjust the dose or switch you to a different medication.

What you can do

It's important to consult with your doctor about your symptoms. They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, here are some things you can do:

  1. Keep a symptom diary: Write down when you have your sweating episodes, what you're doing at the time, and any other symptoms you're experiencing. This can help your doctor identify patterns and potential triggers.
  2. Stay hydrated: Excessive sweating can lead to dehydration. Make sure you're drinking enough fluids throughout the day.
  3. Wear breathable clothing: This can help keep your body cool and reduce sweating.
  4. Practice good sleep hygiene: This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, keeping your bedroom cool and dark, and avoiding caffeine and large meals before bed.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Trouble breathing
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Confusion or trouble speaking
  • Severe abdominal pain

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common causes of excessive sweating during sleep?

Common causes of excessive sweating during sleep include hyperhidrosis, menopause, anxiety disorders, infections, and certain medications. It's important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.


Can medications cause night sweats and what should I do if they do?

Yes, medications such as Duloxetine and Lithium can cause night sweats as a side effect. If you suspect your medication is causing night sweats, consult your doctor. They may adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.


How can hyperthyroidism affect my body and what are its symptoms?

Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body's metabolism, leading to symptoms such as unintentional weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, excessive sweating, and heat intolerance. It's important to seek medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment.


What lifestyle changes can help manage excessive sweating at night?

To manage excessive sweating at night, you can keep a symptom diary, stay hydrated, wear breathable clothing, and practice good sleep hygiene. Keeping your bedroom cool and avoiding caffeine and large meals before bed can also help.


Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories

Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback