Everything You Need to Know About Night Chills & Cold Sweats

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As if getting enough quality sleep wasn’t hard enough, night chills and cold sweats can make it even harder. But what exactly are night chills and cold sweats? And what about night sweats? You have lots of questions, and we have all the answers. We’ll cover everything from the causes (like bacterial infections and anxiety disorders) to the solutions (like high-quality mattresses and doctor intervention). By the end, you’ll better understand how to manage your situation for a better night’s sleep. 

What Are Night Chills and How Can You Manage Them? 

Night chills are an uncomfortable, sometimes painful sensation that can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night feeling cold and shivering. They can leave you exhausted and frustrated the next day, as if you never got enough rest. Though night chills can be a symptom of underlying medical issues, like a fever or infection, they’re also a common complaint among healthy people. So what causes night chills, and how can you manage them?

What Causes Night Chills? 

Night chills are caused by a sudden drop in body temperature at night, resulting in an imbalance in the body’s core temperature. When your core temperature drops below its normal range, your body responds by creating a shiver-like reaction intended to help warm you up. A common cause of this type of temperature imbalance is sleeping in a room that’s too cold or not using enough bedding to stay warm. There are also several health-related reasons that can cause night chills, including:

• Viruses
• Bacterial infections
• Parasitic infections
• Hangovers
• Withdrawal from drugs and alcohol
• Sepsis
• Low blood sugar
• Menopause

How Can You Manage Night Chills? 

If your night chills aren’t related to any underlying medical condition, then there are several ways to manage them to get a good night’s sleep. First, make sure your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature — not too hot or too cold. You should aim for something between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Another tip is to use several layers of blankets and/or a comforter when sleeping so that you can add or remove layers as needed. 

Also, make sure you dress appropriately for bedtime. Avoid wearing too many layers since this could cause your body temperature to rise too much during the night, causing the opposite problem. If your situation is caused by a medical issue, it is essential that you talk to your doctor about it. Your doctor can determine the underlying cause and provide you with the proper treatment to relieve night chills. 

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What Are Night Sweats and How Can You Manage Them? 

We can’t talk about night chills without also talking about night sweats. Night sweats are intense episodes of sweating during sleep, usually accompanied by an increase in body temperature and heart rate. They generally occur during the first few hours of sleep but can also happen throughout the night. 

What Causes Night Sweats

While night sweats are typically caused by fever or hot flashes associated with menopause, other medical conditions can also cause them. These include infections like sleep apnea, cancer, diabetes, thyroid disorders, low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and anxiety- and stress-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, some medications may also be responsible for causing night sweats, including antidepressants and hormone therapy drugs. 

How Can You Manage Night Sweats? 

The best way to manage night sweats is to identify and address the underlying cause directly. If your night sweats are due to an infection or another medical condition such as cancer or diabetes, then your doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment. If your night sweats are due to anxiety or stress, relaxation techniques accompanied by therapy and prescription medication can help reduce symptoms. But if you suspect certain medications are causing your night sweats, then talk to your doctor about switching medications or doses. 

Additionally, some changes in the bedroom may help you in this area. First, sleeping in lightweight and breathable clothing can help reduce the intensity of night sweats. Also, keeping your bedroom at a cooler temperature can minimize overheating while sleeping. Using bedding like cooling pillows or gel-infused mattress toppers can also help. You can also opt for a mattress known to have excellent breathability, like a Casper mattress, which will be beneficial in keeping you cool and dry while sleeping. 

What Are Cold Sweats and How Can You Manage Them? 

Cold sweats are intense perspiration episodes that occur without physical activity or increased body temperature. They can happen at any time and are usually accompanied by intense fear or anxiety. Many people who experience cold sweats may also feel dizzy, nauseous and weak. Although most episodes of cold sweating last only a few minutes, some people may have recurring episodes throughout the day. It’s important to note that, unlike night chills and night sweats, these can happen at any time of day. However, many people do experience them at night as well. 

What Causes Cold Sweats? 

Cold sweats can be caused by anything from anxiety to low blood sugar to menopause. Some medical conditions may also trigger cold sweats, such as diabetes or thyroid problems. Additionally, certain medications or drugs can cause cold sweats as a side effect. Therefore, it’s important to consult a doctor if you experience frequent or prolonged episodes of cold sweat in order to rule out any underlying medical issues that could be causing the symptom.

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How Can You Manage Cold Sweats? 

The most effective way to manage cold sweats is by addressing the underlying cause of the symptom. For example, if you suffer from frequent cold sweats due to anxiety, reducing stress levels through mindfulness practice, meditation, exercise and doctor-prescribed medical treatments would be wise. Likewise, suppose your doctor suspects a medical condition might be responsible for your cold sweat episodes. In that case, they will likely recommend treatments accordingly for you to better manage your symptoms over time. 

Additionally, some lifestyle changes one can make may help reduce the frequency and intensity of cold sweating episodes, such as limiting caffeine intake and avoiding alcohol or spicy foods before bedtime, as these substances can all make night sweating worse in some individuals. 

Final Thoughts on Night Chills, Night Sweats and Cold Sweats

Night chills, night sweats and cold sweats can all be caused by different factors and should not be taken lightly. While some causes are harmless and benign, others may indicate a more serious underlying medical condition. It’s important to speak with a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms in order to identify the root cause and manage it appropriately. 

Additionally, making simple lifestyle changes can sometimes help reduce the intensity of episodes. Taking steps towards understanding, managing and treating your conditions is essential to overall health maintenance. With knowledge of what causes these conditions as well as how to treat them, you can get one step closer to feeling more comfortable while asleep.