What causes night sweats and nightmares, and what should be done about them?
Mar 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
Night sweats and nightmares during sleep may be caused by poor sleep environment, mental excitement before bedtime, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, etc. It is important to seek medical attention promptly, and improvements can be made through general treatments, medications, or other methods as directed by a doctor. In daily life, one should ensure adequate rest, maintain sufficient sleep duration, avoid staying up late, and engage in moderate outdoor exercise.
Excessive sweating during sleep and nightmares may be caused by poor sleep environment, mental excitement before bedtime, sleep disorders, anxiety disorder, depression, among other factors. It is important to seek medical attention promptly, and improvements can be made under medical guidance through general treatments, medications, and other methods. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Poor sleep environment: If the sleeping environment is too hot, the bedding is too thick, or ventilation is inadequate, the body may sweat to regulate its temperature. The cerebral cortex may remain in an excited state, increasing the likelihood of nightmares. Adjust the bedroom temperature to a comfortable range of 20–24°C. Choose bedding with appropriate thickness that feels comfortable and not overly warm.
2. Mental excitement before bedtime: Engaging in intense exercise, watching stimulating movies, or playing exciting games before sleep can leave the brain's nerves in an excited state. This cortical excitation may persist into sleep, leading to night sweats and nightmares. Avoid vigorous activities and stimulating content 1–2 hours before bedtime.
3. Sleep disorders: Sleep disorders may be related to psychosocial or environmental factors and could increase the risk of nightmares. Practicing deep breathing techniques before sleep may help reduce the frequency of nightmares.
4. Anxiety disorder: Anxiety disorder may be associated with trauma, stress, and other factors, often manifesting as irritability and tension, which may also lead to the aforementioned symptoms. Patients may take medications such as diazepam tablets, oryzanol tablets, or mecobalamin tablets under medical supervision to improve symptoms.
5. Depression: Depression may result from genetic or neurochemical factors, leading to reduced central nervous system excitability, impaired sleep quality, night sweats, nightmares, and feelings of restlessness. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as vortioxetine hydrobromide tablets, doxepin hydrochloride tablets, or amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets for treatment.
In daily life, it is important to get adequate rest, ensure sufficient sleep, avoid staying up late, and engage in moderate outdoor activities such as walking or jogging, which may aid recovery.
