While many individuals experience normal sweating during sleeping hours, night sweats are drastically different. Night sweats or "hyperhidrosis" is defined as excessive sweating beyond that which is necessary to cool the body. Individuals who experience night sweats often awaken with their pajamas plastered to their bodies, along with their bed articles saturated and needing a change.

The average person associates night sweats with "flashes" during menopause. However, there are a myriad of other possible medical conditions that may cause night sweats. These include: Infections such as HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis, Cancers - usually Lymphoma or Leukemia, Hormone Disorders - most commonly Hyperthyroidism or Andropause (a lack of testosterone in the body), Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), Sleep Apnea (a condition in which breathing stops for 10 seconds or more at a time and may occur literally hundreds of times per night), Diabetes Insipidus, Immune Disorders - such as Fibromyalgia and Lupus, Heart and Stroke disease.

In addition, various medications may cause night sweats. The most common categories of medications that cause night sweats are: psychiatric (especially antidepressants), fever reduction (aspirin and acetaminophen) and cortisone medications. There is also a type of hyperhidrosis known as "idiopathic", in which no underlying medical cause can be found.

If you are experiencing night sweats and are unsure of the underlying cause, it is essential that you seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis. Regardless of the underlying reason that you are experiencing night sweats there are many things that can be done to combat this uncomfortable condition.



The most obvious option is to wear lightweight bed clothes made of natural fibers when sleeping. Cotton pajamas rather than polyester or flannel are recommended, as lighter weight fabrics do not generate as much heat by the body. The more heat that is generated by the body, the more you sweat.

Down comforters are discouraged for the same reason. The ideal blanket or comforter for someone suffering from night sweats should be made of lightweight, breathable fabrics made of natural fibers. Cotton or silk are generally best, as they allow air to flow freely and won't "trap" the heat generated by the body.

Sheet thread count is another thing to consider when dealing with night sweats. Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads used to create one square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the tighter the weave. A tighter weave and higher thread count will allow less air to flow through the fabric and will hold the heat in. For this reason cotton sheets of no more than 300 thread count are best.

There are various cooling products on the market, that may help to relieve some of the discomfort associated with night sweats.

A cooling pillow insert can act as a personal radiator to absorb and dissipate your body heat through out the night.

Sleeping on a wool mattress pad may also help to reduce night sweats. Wool is unique in that it is the only fiber that has the ability to adjust to an individual's body temperature. It allows the individual to stay cool when it is hot and warm when it is cold. Wool is also highly absorbent, and will absorb the excess perspiration from night sweats.
Wool mattress toppers or pads may provide some relief for anyone suffering from night sweats; an added bonus of toppers and pads is that they provide an extra layer of comfort to any mattress.

For those who suffer from serious night sweats, being able to control the surface temperature of your mattress through out the night, will allow for a more comfortable night sleep. Our ChiliPad will allow you to cool your bed to your desired temperature and may be the added relief needed to get a more restful night's sleep.