Waking up drenched in sweat, tossing off the blankets, and feeling overheated in the middle of the night can be frustrating and exhausting. Night sweats are a common symptom that can be caused by both thyroid and hormone imbalances. Understanding the root cause is the first step in finding relief.
How Hormones Affect Night Sweats
Hormones help regulate body temperature, and when they are out of balance, the body can struggle to stay cool at night.
• Estrogen and Progesterone: These hormones play a big role in temperature regulation. Drops in estrogen, especially during menopause or perimenopause, can cause sudden hot flashes and night sweats. Low progesterone can also make it harder to stay cool and comfortable at night.
• Thyroid Hormones: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) speeds up metabolism, which can make the body feel hot all the time. This often leads to sweating, increased heart rate, and restlessness at night. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause temperature regulation problems as well, leading to cold sweats or fluctuating body temperatures.
• Cortisol and Blood Sugar Imbalances: High cortisol from chronic stress or unstable blood sugar levels can trigger night sweats. When blood sugar drops too low at night, the body releases stress hormones to bring it back up, causing sweating and wakefulness.
Ways to Lessen Night Sweats
Simple lifestyle changes can help reduce night sweats and improve sleep.
• Keep the Bedroom Cool: Using a fan, breathable sheets, and lightweight pajamas can help regulate body temperature.
• Manage Stress: Deep breathing, meditation, and gentle movement can help lower cortisol levels and reduce hormone-related night sweats.
• Balance Blood Sugar: Eating a small protein-rich snack before bed can prevent blood sugar drops that trigger sweating.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water throughout the day supports proper temperature regulation and hormone function.
Finding the Right Doctor for Care
If night sweats are happening often, they may be a sign of a deeper issue. A doctor trained in functional medicine can check thyroid and hormone levels to find the root cause. A full thyroid panel, cortisol testing, and hormone evaluation can provide answers and a plan for lasting relief.
Night sweats can be disruptive, but they don’t have to be a permanent struggle. With the right care and lifestyle changes, it is possible to sleep comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed.