If you sweat at night, here are six reasons why

PHOTO: Getty | Andrii Lysenko

Let's face it, one of the worst things that happens to people is waking up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat and in a state of total discomfort. According to the "Sleep" foundation, 41% of people experience this type of sweating at night, and a study published in the "Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine" lists some of the main reasons why this happens. Sherry Ross, obstetrician-gynecologist, says that from hot flashes to hormonal changes, here's what affects this condition.

- Hot flashes : The most common condition, especially for women during the menstrual cycle, day or night, is sweating. "Any hormonal changes cause significant decreases in estrogen that affect the hypothalamus, the gland that controls body temperature," says Ross.

-A hormonal imbalance: Hyperthyroidism and kidney disease, which occur when the body does not produce enough cortisol, can be other factors that affect night sweats.

-Low blood sugar: Low sugar (or hypoglycemia) can be another cause of sweating, especially in people with diabetes. Blood sugar can drop while you're asleep, causing fatigue, headaches and sweaty sheets.

-Taking medication: Some medications, especially antidepressants, can lead to night sweats, according to the Mayo Clinic. Therefore, if you have started a new medication and have unusual sweating, you should consult your doctor.

-Infection: In some cases, night sweats can be a sign of infection, including tuberculosis, bacterial infections, and conditions related to the nervous system or the body's hormone-producing glands (endocrine system).

-A health problem: Night sweats can also be caused by serious medical conditions. These are diseases such as: autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancer such as leukemia, anxiety and depression disorders, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, hyperthyroidism, etc.

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Source: Health