Solutions & prevention
Medicines for Night sweats
Heavy sweating during sleep that soaks the nightwear or bedding — often harmless, but persistent night sweats should be checked to find the cause.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Night sweats?
Night sweats are episodes of heavy sweating during sleep, enough to soak the nightclothes or bedding, and are different from simply feeling a bit warm because of a hot room or too many blankets. They are common, and often the cause is harmless — such as a warm bedroom or bedding, or being unwell with a fever.
- How it is treated: The approach is to identify the cause.
- Self-care: Keeping the bedroom cool, using lighter, breathable bedding and nightwear, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and spicy food before bed, and managing stress all help.
- When to seek help: See a GP about persistent or unexplained night sweats, especially with other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fevers, tiredness, or swollen glands, so the cause can be found.
What it is
Night sweats are episodes of heavy sweating during sleep, enough to soak the nightclothes or bedding, and are different from simply feeling a bit warm because of a hot room or too many blankets. They are common, and often the cause is harmless — such as a warm bedroom or bedding, or being unwell with a fever. Common causes include the menopause and perimenopause (a very frequent cause in women, with hot flushes and night sweats), anxiety and stress, some medicines (including certain antidepressants, hormone treatments and others), alcohol, low blood sugar, and infections. Less commonly, persistent night sweats — particularly when they come with other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fevers, tiredness, or swollen glands — can be a sign of an underlying condition that needs investigating, including some infections, thyroid problems, and, rarely, certain cancers such as lymphoma. So while occasional night sweats are usually nothing to worry about, persistent or unexplained night sweats, especially with other symptoms, are worth having checked.
How it is treated
The approach is to identify the cause. Simple, harmless causes are addressed first — keeping the bedroom cool, using lighter bedding and breathable nightwear, and avoiding alcohol, caffeine and spicy food before bed. Where the menopause is the cause, this is managed (including with HRT or other options if appropriate). A doctor will review any medicines that could be responsible. For persistent or unexplained night sweats, or those with other symptoms (such as weight loss, fevers, or swollen glands), a doctor assesses further to look for an underlying cause — with a history, examination and, where indicated, blood tests or other investigations — so that any treatable condition is identified and managed. Most night sweats turn out to have a harmless or treatable cause. The reassuring message is that occasional night sweats are usually nothing to worry about, but persistent or unexplained ones, especially with other symptoms, should be checked.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Night sweats
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Keeping the bedroom cool, using lighter, breathable bedding and nightwear, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and spicy food before bed, and managing stress all help. Reviewing contributing medicines and managing menopause where relevant also help.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP about persistent or unexplained night sweats, especially with other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fevers, tiredness, or swollen glands, so the cause can be found. Occasional night sweats from a warm room are usually not a concern.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Night sweats: frequently asked questions
What causes night sweats?
Often harmless causes such as a warm room, being unwell with a fever, the menopause (a common cause in women), anxiety, alcohol, or some medicines. Less commonly, persistent night sweats with other symptoms can signal an underlying condition worth investigating.
When should night sweats be checked?
See a GP for persistent or unexplained night sweats, especially with other symptoms like unexplained weight loss, persistent fevers, tiredness, or swollen glands. Occasional night sweats from a hot room or bedding are usually nothing to worry about.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Night sweats
- NICE CKS — Sweating
Related conditions
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