Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating. This article will explain what hyperhidrosis is, how it can affect restful sleep, as well as the best ways to combat it.
Although I have spoken with multiple experts to offer advice, please remember that Im not a licensed healthcare professional. Your healthcare provider should be contacted if you have any medical concerns.
What Is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating, was identified in a 2017 study published in the Annals of Dermatology. It typically affects the armpits, palms, soles and scalp. Hyperhidrosis is a condition that affects almost 3% of the population, according to the study.
According to Dr. Nikola Djordjevic from HealthCareers.co, hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes people to sweat abnormally regardless of temperature or physical activity. Although it is harmless, hyperhidrosis can cause discomfort and embarrassment.
According to a 2017 study published in Dermatology and Treatment, hyperhidrosis may be genetic. 65% of those affected reported a family history of the condition. However, it is still not known what causes hyperhidrosis, Dr. Eric Nofzinger from Ebb Therapeutics informed me.
A 2014 study in Cosmetic, Investigational and Clinical Dermatology found that hyperhidrosis affects both males and women between the ages 25 and 64. It is most prevalent in the armpit. The study also points out that hyperhidrosis treatment will vary depending on the individual and could include surgery or other unique therapies like lasers and microwave technology.
Hyperhidrosis And Sleep
In Dermatology and Treatment, 44,384 hyperhidrosis patients were identified. The study found that this condition can lead to anxiety and depression. Sleepopolis knows that anxiety and depression can lead to sleep problems, including racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep.
Dr. Djordjevic said that hyperhidrosis can affect your sleep quality and decrease the amount of restful sleep you get. Is hyperhidrosis a common condition?
It all depends on who you are.
Dr. Anna H. Chacon from Smart Style Today explained to me that sweating decreases when you sleep, but Dr. Marisha Garshick from Certain Dri said that hyperhidrosis sufferers may not sweat at night.
Hyperhidrosis can cause people to sweat even if they are asleep. The US National Library of Medicine suggests that hyperhidrosis sufferers may feel the need to sweat even when it is cold outside. This is because they have sweat glands that are overactive. Although Dr. Garshik says that sweating may not be an issue at night, she notes that people who sweat at night could have disrupted sleep.
Night Sweats
Night sweats can occur if you are not hyperhidrosis-prone but still sweat heavily at night. Night sweats, although they are distinct from hyperhidrosis and can be related to sleep.
According to Ireland’s nidirect government website, night sweats can be described as excessive sweating that causes people to wake up in the middle of the night covered in sweat. Night sweats are not like hyperhidrosis. They do not affect all genders equally. According to the US National Library of Medicine night sweats are more common among women than in men.
Dr. Garshick explained to me that night sweats can lead to sleeplessness, which can have a negative effect on one’s mood. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, night sweats can cause sleep problems, stress, and tiredness.
In Climacteric, a 2013 study found that night sweats can affect your sleep quality. Night sweats, which are common in 20-25% women who are menopausal, can cause discomfort and embarrassment.
Night sweats can cause more than fatigue and stress. Over a period of 14 years, night sweats were also linked to an increase in the risk of developing heart disease.
They can be very dangerous, even though they appear harmless.
How To Reduce Sweating
Although night sweats and hyperhidrosis can present many problems, there are ways around them. Multiple medical experts were consulted to provide some suggestions on how to reduce night sweats.
1. Use An Antiperspirant
Dr. Garshik suggests that you apply antiperspirant before bed. Dr. Garshik explains that antiperspirants block sweat from being released by the sweat glands. Therefore, applying antiperspirant to bedtime will ensure maximum absorption and higher efficacy.
Dr. Garshick said that 68% of Americans don’t read the instructions before applying antiperspirant, and 56% don’t know that antiperspirant should be applied at night instead of in morning. She also recommends that you dry the area where you intend to apply antiperspirant prior to applying it. Dr. Chacon suggests using an antiperspirant that contains aluminum.
2. 2.
Susan Bard MD, Vive Dermatology told me that aluminum chloride solutions can be applied to areas of sweaty skin. This is especially true for the armpits. Research has shown that 15% aluminum chloride in salicylic acids gel can help with skin irritation.
3. 3. Create The Right Environment For Sleep
Dr. Bard suggests optimizing your sleep by keeping the temperature low and using breathable cotton or bamboo sheets. A cooling latex mattress may be a better option than memory foam. It is known to dissipate body heat more effectively than memory foam. According to Dr.
Djordjevic. Djordjevic also suggests wearing breathable pajamas before going to bed.
4. 4.
Cooling your forehead is a good idea if you have night sweats. A damp rag and cold water are the best ways to cool your forehead. This has been proven to reduce night sweats, according to Dr. Nofzinger.
5. Avoid Sweat Triggers And Try Relaxing Exercises
Dr. Djordevic told me that you should eliminate sweat triggers at night. These include but aren’t limited to:
He recommends that you reduce stress through relaxing activities like yoga.
6. You Might Consider Estrogen Replacement Therapy And Medications
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), estrogen replacement therapy might be able to control night sweats. This may not be an option if you have breast cancer. The NCI suggests that you talk to your doctor about non-estrogen drugs such as progesterone or megestrol.
7. Keep Your Home Cool
According to the US National Library of medicine, people suffering from night sweats should open windows. Fans can also circulate the air in your home. They suggest that you wear loose-fitting cotton clothing to keep your home cool.
