First: don’t panic. Most night sweats are harmless. But there’s a meaningful difference between “a little warm” and night sweats that drench your clothes or bedding.
Health services like the NHS specifically flag regularly waking up with soaking wet sheets as a reason to get checked.
Mayo Clinic uses a similar definition: heavy enough to soak nightclothes or bedding.
Why it happens (the broad, boring truth)
Night sweats can come from many non-scary causes, including:
- Bedroom too warm / too many blankets
- Alcohol close to bedtime
- Stress or anxiety spikes
- Hormonal changes (especially perimenopause/menopause)
- Medications (varies widely)
- Infections or inflammatory conditions
When it can be a medical signal
Some cancers—especially certain blood cancers like lymphomas/leukemia—can involve night sweats, and cancer-related sweating can also occur due to infection or treatment effects.
That said, night sweats alone often aren’t “the” clue—clinicians look at the full picture.
The calm 7-day checklist (do this before spiraling)
For one week, jot quick notes (30 seconds each morning):
- How wet? Damp vs. soaked sheets/clothes
- Room factors: temperature, blankets, fan, pajamas
- Timing: early night vs. near morning
- Triggers: alcohol, spicy food, intense workout, late caffeine
- Other symptoms: fever, unexplained weight loss, new lumps/swollen nodes, persistent fatigue
When to call your doctor sooner
Consider getting checked if:
- It’s soaking wet and recurrent, especially in a cool room
- You also have unexplained weight loss, fever, persistent fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes
- It’s new and escalating, or you’re worried for any reason
What you can try tonight (simple, low-effort)
- Drop bedroom temp a couple degrees
- Lighter bedding + breathable sleepwear
- Avoid alcohol close to bedtime for a few nights
- Cut “heat boosters” late (very spicy meals, heavy late workouts)
- If you’re stressed, try a 3-minute wind-down: slow nasal breathing + lights low
Night sweats are common and often benign. But persistent drenching is a reasonable “get it checked” threshold—because reassurance (or early action) is always better than guessing.
