Suffering From Night Sweats? Here's What You Need to Know

Do you wake up in a pool of sweat? Do you have to change your sheets multiple times a night? If so, you might be suffering from night sweats. Night sweats are a common symptom of many medical conditions, but they can also be caused by your bed sheets.

Wondering how? Keep reading to find out!

Night Sweats: The Hot Topic

If you sweat during the night, you’re not alone. Most people do. What are the two biggest culprits? Your bedroom and the sheets you’re sleeping on.

What Are Night Sweats?

Night sweats happen when you sweat more than usual while sleeping—so much so, you might wake up drenched or needing to swap your sheets. They’re common during menopause, but other things like stress, a warm room, or even your bedding can trigger them too.[3]

If you regularly wake up with soaking wet sheets, you should consult your physician. Please see your doctor if you: [4]

• have night sweats regularly that wake you up or worry you.
• have a very high temperature (or feel hot and shivery), a cough, or diarrhoea.
• have night sweats and are losing weight for no apparent reason.
• you notice your sweats have a noticeable colour to them.
• have any questions or concerns regarding your sleep health.

The Science Behind Night Sweats

Your body is designed to cool down as you fall asleep. This drop in core temperature helps you reach deeper, more restorative sleep.

Sometimes, though, that system overshoots the mark.

When your internal “thermostat” gets thrown off, your body may release more heat than necessary, leaving you sweaty and uncomfortable. It’s your body trying to help, but just a little too enthusiastically. [5]

Common Causes of Night Sweats

Night sweats can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including: [3]

Hormonal & Health Factors

• Menopause symptoms (hot flushes)
• Hormonal imbalances
• Hyperthyroidism
• Diabetes
• Neurological conditions
• Certain infections
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

Mental Health & Lifestyle Factors

• Stress or anxiety
• Depression
• Alcohol or drug use
• Dietary triggers
• Obesity

Medications & Sleep-Related Causes

• Some medications (including certain antidepressants, steroids, and painkillers)
• Certain sleep disorders

Your Sleep Environment

• Bedroom temperatures that are too warm
  
• Bed sheets that trap heat and moisture, preventing proper temperature regulation

Other Facts About Night Sweats

Want to understand night sweats a little better? Here are a few helpful (and surprisingly common) facts to know: [3,4,6]

• Night sweats affect both men and women, but they’re more commonly reported by women, especially during hormonal shifts.
• Menopause is a major trigger, though night sweats can begin years before menopause officially starts.
• Support options do exist, including cognitive behavioural therapy, medications, and lifestyle adjustments designed to improve sleep comfort.
• Night sweats aren’t just a summer issue. They can happen in winter, too.

As you drift off to sleep, your core body temperature naturally drops, helping your body enter deeper, more restorative sleep. When this cooling process is disrupted, the body may try to release excess heat through sweating.

During colder months, this process can be unintentionally blocked:

• Heavier winter bedding and layered, stuffy duvets can trap heat and moisture close to the body.
• Reduced airflow from sealed windows and overheated bedrooms can increase nighttime overheating.
• Sleep experts suggest an ideal bedroom temperature of around 18.3°C, but winter bedrooms often exceed this once thick bedding is added.
• Less breathable fabrics may trap humidity against the skin, preventing heat and moisture from escaping.

When heat and moisture can’t dissipate properly, the body may sweat in an effort to cool down, leaving sleepers feeling overheated, damp, and restless, even in colder weather!

Still Sweating? You Need Better Bed Sheets!

Your old, traditional bed sheets can trap heat and moisture, which may be causing your night sweats. This is especially true if your sheets are made of cotton, which is incredibly stuffy and not the best at breathability or moisture wicking.

You need bed sheets made from moisture-wicking materials, like the coveted bamboo viscose, which can help keep you cool and dry at night. Don’t forget that for the perfect sleep oasis, your bedroom temperature should be in the sweet spot of about 18.3 degrees Celsius.

If you’re experiencing persistent night sweats, it’s always best to speak with your doctor to rule out any underlying medical causes. A healthcare professional can help determine whether it’s related to your sleep environment, or something else that needs attention.

Take a look at our favourite bamboo viscose sheets for sweaty sleepers:

100% Bamboo Bed Sheets

Why sleepers love them:

• Crafted from 100% viscose from bamboo
• Lightweight, breathable fabric designed for all-season comfort
• Thermal-regulating properties help balance body temperature
• Wicks away excess heat for a cooler night’s sleep
• Resists wrinkling, stains, fading, and bobbling
• OEKO-TEX Certified to be free of harmful substances and materials
• Designed to fit mattresses up to 35 cm deep
• Machine washable and dryer-friendly for easy care
• 8 beautiful colour options for your perfect, customised bedroom

Cosy Pro Tip: Pair your new bamboo sheets with a cooling Bamboo Mattress Protector. Made from 100% waterproof bamboo viscose, this breathable protector helps guard against spills, stains, and everyday wear, without trapping heat. Night sweaters, take note: this extra layer can help you stay cooler, cleaner, and drier while you sleep!

Why We Love Bamboo Bedding

It all comes down to Cosy House’s three Cs: Care, Comfort, and Cost.

Care:

We care about the planet. Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing renewable resources, requires less water than cotton, and produces more oxygen as it grows. Its strong root systems also help support healthy soil. [1,2]

Comfort:

We care about what goes into your home. Viscose derived from bamboo is lightweight, breathable, and feathery-soft, making it a popular choice for sleepers who value comfort and airflow.

Cost:

We care about you. Bamboo viscose offers high-quality performance at a more accessible price point compared to many traditional cotton alternatives.

Finding the Right Sheets for You:

The best bed sheets ultimately come down to personal preference.
Whether you sleep hot or cold, prefer lightweight layers, or want easier care, the right bedding can make a noticeable difference.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, you’re in the right place.

Keep Exploring Better Sleep!

Curious about night sweats, sleep science, bedding, and simple ways to rest more comfortably?
You’ll find helpful guides and cosy inspiration on our Cosy Living Blog.

From bedroom comfort to everyday home habits, we’re here to help you feel more at ease, night after night.

Stay cosy 💛

Enjoy 10% OFF your first cosy upgrade!
Shop the collection and use code BLOG10 at checkout.

 

Resources:

1. Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, May 24). Bamboo. Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo.   
2. Shrujal Jayesh Kumar, B., & Syeda, A. (2014, December). A case study on bamboo as a green building material. ISSN: 2249 – 8958, Volume-4 Issue-2. Retrieved from https://internationalgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/0165_10.1.1.678.7429.pdf. 
3. Causes of night sweats. Sleep Foundation. (2023, February 13). https://www.sleepfoundation.org/night-sweats/causes-of-night-sweats 
4. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, March 5). Night sweats. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/night-sweats/basics/definition/sym-20050768 
5. Tan CL, Knight ZA. Regulation of Body Temperature by the Nervous System. Neuron. 2018 Apr 4;98(1):31-48. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.02.022. PMID: 29621489; PMCID: PMC6034117. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6034117/ 
6. Causes of night sweats in men. Sleep Foundation. (2023a, April 6). https://www.sleepfoundation.org/night-sweats/men