Night sweats: what is normal?

Waking up hot and clammy is not fun. The NHS says most people sweat during the night, and it is normal if your room or bedding is making you too hot. Night sweats are when you sweat so much that your night clothes and bedding are soaking wet, even though where you sleep is cool.

Common causes listed by the NHS

• Menopause symptoms ("hot flushes")
• Anxiety
• Medicines, such as some antidepressants, steroids and painkillers
• Low blood sugar
• Alcohol or drug use
• A harmless condition called hyperhidrosis that makes you sweat too much all the time

Sometimes the cause is unknown. Some people also feel warmer in the days before their period, when progesterone has nudged body temperature up.

Things that can help

• Keep your bedroom cool and use light, breathable bedding
• Wear loose cotton nightwear
• Keep a glass of cold water by the bed
• Cut back on alcohol and caffeine in the evening