As a diabetic patient, do you experience sweating at night? Generally, the most common area where people experience sweating is behind their necks. Let’s check out what are the reasons that cause Diabetes Night Sweating.
One of the main reasons behind night sweating is low blood glucose. As per studies, up to 84% of diabetic patients experience sweating when they are hypoglycemic or with low blood glucose levels.
It generally happens among people who take insulin or diabetic medications termed sulfonylureas. When your blood glucose levels are too low, it leads to the production of excess adrenaline, which causes sweating. Once your blood glucose levels are back to normal, then sweating will also stop.
What Leads To Diabetes Night Sweats?
During the nighttime, your body uses energy from the carbohydrates you consume during the day time to repair and restore itself. Thus, if you don’t consume enough carbohydrates, your body’s thermoregulatory system may go wrong.
Apart from diabetes, night sweats may also be caused due to other factors such as menopause. When you exercise very close to bedtime, consume alcohol in the evening, or take some types of insulin in the evening, that can also lead to night sweating.
Top 7 Tips To Prevent Diabetes Night Sweating
To get rid of the discomfort of the night sweating, you can try out the following remedies.
Check the symptoms – The first step in curbing night sweats is to monitor your symptoms before going to bed. If found early, you can immediately correct your low blood sugars by eating a simple carbohydrate such as crackers or a piece of fruit.
Choose a cool bedroom – Secondly, choose a cool bedroom for sleeping. When you are sleeping, the best way to bring down heat around your body is to turn the thermostat down and go for less or lighter bedding. It is always recommended to use bedding made from natural fabrics such as cotton that are breathable. Sleeping with lighter or fewer blankets is another effective way to overcome your night sweat.
Use breathable clothing – As much as possible, wear lightweight, loose clothing made using natural fibers. This will aid in keeping your body cool and getting rid of moisture. Also, try wearing light layers so that as per the changes in your body temperature, you can remove your clothing or put it back again.
Reduce sweat triggers – Stay away from cigarettes, alcohol, and foods that aggravate night sweats. Avoiding them will naturally lead to a reduction of this symptom.
Use a cooling pillow or ice pack – There are pillows that come with a gel filling that stays cool at night times. As an alternative, you can also use a cool pack under your pillow. So whenever you experience sweating at night, just flip the pillow to the cool side so that it will help you cool down.
Exercise during the daytime – Plan your activities in such a way that you find time for exercising during day time. Hence, before you go to sleep, there will be enough time to replenish glucose stores.
Use an antiperspirant – To an extent, antiperspirant will offer your relief from night sweating. However, it may not be effective if you are having gustatory or facial sweating.
When To Consult A Doctor?
In some cases, night sweats may be an indication of an underlying medical condition that needs treatment. Generally when night sweat happens along with a cough, high fever, or weight loss without any other reason, then it may be a symptom of a serious medical condition. Among those with HIV or lymphoma, night sweats may be an indication that the disease is progressing.
Conclusion
Hope you found the blog quite insightful. Follow the above tips so that you can keep the problem of night sweats at bay.
However, as discussed, speak to your doctor if you are suffering from excessive sweating or experiencing any of the symptoms discussed above. Wish you all the best in your efforts against night sweats.
