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Getting freebies is something that everyone enjoys. Not having to pay for something makes everyone happy. Whether it is a sample of your favorite cereal or the newest soda on the market, getting something free is always nice.
What about getting something for free that you don’t want, such as cold sweats, headaches, and rashes. These are things that come along at certain times that we really could live without. Cold sweats are often referred to as night sweats that could be a sign of a physical or a psychological condition, or a combination of the two. Some people consider cold sweats as something minor, but they can also be a sign of an underlying condition that needs to be treated.
Doctors often know of patients who complain of cold sweats. If your bedroom is hotter than usual, or if you wear too many clothes to bed, you may just be sweating while you sleep, which is normal. But if your cold sweats are affecting your sleep and other parts of your life, then it’s something that you should look into. Cold sweats are often known as hot flashes or night sweats that can leave your pajamas and sheets drenched that are not the cause of a hot climate.
Here are seven of the most common reasons why you’re experiencing cold sweats, plus some tips on how to treat them.
Menopause
Menopause is the biggest cause of cold sweats. Women refer to them as hot flashes during the day, which turn into night sweats at night. This is one of the earliest symptoms of menopause. Over 50% of women experience hot flashes and night sweats as they transition into menopause.
This can be avoided by reducing your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress can help as well. But if you find that your cold sweats are common and unbearable, then you need to speak with your doctor about treatment options. Some of the most common treatment options include exercise, hormone replacement therapy, prescription medications, and supplements.
Sleep Disorders
Most people experience nightmares every so often, which is normal. But night terrors are a serious occurrence that’s often associated with cold sweats. Other symptoms include accelerated heartbeat, dilated pupils, and hyperventilation. This serious condition is experienced by 5% of children, according to University Health News.
Medication
Medications come with their share of side effects, most of which are unpleasant. If you started a prescription medication around the same time your cold sweats started to occur, it’s probably related to that medication. Most medications that treat anxiety and depression, such as SSRIs and tricyclic medications, cause cold sweats.
Prescription medications that are used to lower blood sugar levels can also lead to cold sweats. In addition, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and aspirin can also cause this uncomfortable feeling.
Diabetes
Diabetes is often linked with cold sweats. Patients diagnosed with diabetes are also known to have hypoglycemia, which increases glucose levels during the night. This also causes dizziness, headaches, and nightmares in addition to cold sweats. To reduce your chances of hypoglycemia, eat a small snack or meal before bedtime or check your blood sugar levels during the night. Also, utilizing products that have anti-diabetes effects like berberine supplements is critical. If this problem persists, then speak with your doctor about adjusting your insulin doses.
Anxiety
Anxiety is often associated with cold sweats. While it’s normal to sweat when you’re nervous, frequent and excessive sweating isn’t normal. When linked with heavy breathing and shaking, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Cold sweats are often a sign of generalized anxiety, panic attacks, or social anxiety.
There are many different types of anxiety disorders. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of anxiety and to find out which kind you have. If you often experience cold sweats and overwhelming feelings of anxiety, you should see a specialist who can provide you with treatment options.
Chronic Sweating
Chronic sweating can happen at any time of the day or night. If you experience chronic sweating and cold sweats, then you may have a health condition called hyperhidrosis, which is a genetic condition. While the underlying condition of hyperhidrosis isn’t known, it’s not a serious condition. However, it’s still important to see your doctor if the problem persists.
Treatment options include Botox injections and surgery that removes the excess sweat glands that lead to chronic sweating.
Infections
Your cold sweats could be the sign of a serious infection. Excessive sweating can be your body’s response to a wide variety of infections, such as abscesses, endocarditis, HIV, osteomyelitis, and tuberculosis. It’s important to see your doctor and to undergo any tests to determine the underlying cause of your cold sweats.