Why do nocturnal sweating episodes occur in adults?
Night sweats can reflect perimenopause/menopause, low testosterone, hyperthyroidism, infections, lymphoma, sleep apnea, or medications. Persistent night sweats require systematic workup.
Full answer
Night sweats are episodes of nocturnal sweating significant enough to soak bedclothes. Causes span perimenopause and menopause (the most common cause in women >40), low testosterone in men, hyperthyroidism, sleep apnea, infections (tuberculosis, endocarditis, HIV), lymphoma, GERD, and medications (SSRIs, opioids, hormonal therapies, hypoglycemics). The provider-reviewed workup is symptom-anchored: TSH, Free T4, CBC, ESR, hs-CRP, estradiol/FSH (women), total and free testosterone (men), and sleep history. Isolated night sweats in young, otherwise-well adults rarely indicate serious disease but should not be dismissed when persistent.
Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.
- Symptoms & side effects — Primary source · oMeds
- Reviewed by Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA · Clinical Director, oMeds · Last reviewed 2026-05-29