Night Fever
January 2008
When we talk about night sweats we are not referring to simply a few beads on the brow. Sufferers are woken by drenching perspiration, necessitating a change of night clothes and possibly sheets and bedding.
Some commonly recognised causes of night sweats include:
Menopause.
Infections including HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, as well as endocarditis (infection of the heart valves), osteomyelitis (bone infection) and abscesses.
Cancer, particularly lymphoma.
Hormonal disorders such as hyperthyroidism, carcinoid syndrome and phaeochromocytoma (a tumour of the medulla of the adrenal glands).
Certain medications, such as antidepressants and other psychiatric medications, steroids, paracetamol and aspirin.
Hypoglycaemia, for example in diabetics taking insulin or other medication to lower their blood glucose levels.
Certain neurological conditions.
Drug or alcohol abuse, and even over-consumption of chili and spicy foods.
Anxiety.
Sleep apnoea.
Night Fever