Night sweats in men can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from hormonal changes to underlying medical conditions. Key causes include:
- Low Testosterone Levels: Men, especially those over 45, may experience night sweats due to low testosterone (male hypogonadism). This condition can occur due to aging, injury, illness, or problems with hormone regulation. Other symptoms often include low libido, fatigue, muscle loss, and mood changes. Testosterone replacement therapy may help treat these symptoms
- Sleep Apnea: This common sleep disorder, more frequent in men, can cause repeated episodes of breathing interruption during sleep, leading to night sweats along with symptoms like snoring, daytime fatigue, and waking up gasping for air
- Infections: Certain bacterial, viral, and fungal infections such as tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, and endocarditis can trigger night sweats as the body fights the infection
- Stress and Anxiety: Psychological factors like stress and anxiety can lead to increased sweating at night, often accompanied by other symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, irritability, and trouble sleeping
- Medications and Substances: Some medications (e.g., antidepressants, steroids), alcohol, and tobacco use can contribute to night sweats
- Other Medical Conditions: Conditions such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), autoimmune disorders, certain cancers (like lymphoma or leukemia), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hormonal disorders (e.g., hyperthyroidism) can also cause night sweats
- Physiological Factors: Changes in the body's thermoregulation and hormonal fluctuations unrelated to menopause (which is a common cause in women) can cause night sweats in men
If night sweats are frequent, severe, or interfere with sleep, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider to diagnose and treat any underlying causes
. In summary, night sweats in men are often linked to low testosterone, sleep apnea, infections, stress, medications, and other health conditions, making medical evaluation important when they are persistent or bothersome.
