What causes insomnia and night sweats?

Insomnia and night sweats may be caused by factors such as changes in the sleep environment, negative emotions, kidney yin deficiency, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, or hyperthyroidism. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Changes in Sleep Environment

For example, alterations in lighting, temperature, or air circulation in the bedroom may disrupt normal sleep patterns, preventing the brain from relaxing and thus leading to insomnia and night sweats. It is recommended to maintain a stable sleep environment and avoid watching TV or using mobile phones before bedtime, which can help improve sleep quality.

2. Negative Emotions

Excessive mental stress, severe depression, or other negative emotional states can increase neural excitability in the brain and elevate heart rate, potentially causing insomnia and night sweats. Practicing stress-relief techniques such as meditation or yoga may help alleviate these symptoms.

3. Kidney Yin Deficiency

This condition may be related to chronic illness damaging the kidneys or congenital insufficiency. After onset, kidney yin deficiency and internal deficiency heat may lead to symptoms such as insomnia and night sweats, possibly accompanied by sensations of heat in the palms, soles, and chest (five-center heat) and潮热 (tide-like fever). Patients are advised to take medications such as Dabuyin Pills, Shensong Yangxin Capsules, or Anshen Granules as directed by a physician.

4. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction

This may be associated with prolonged mental stress or staying up late. When the autonomic nervous system becomes functionally disordered, the aforementioned symptoms may occur, sometimes accompanied by chest tightness. Patients should follow medical advice and may use medications such as propranolol hydrochloride tablets, diazepam tablets, or domperidone tablets for treatment.

5. Hyperthyroidism

This condition is usually caused by excessive thyroid hormone production or low immune function. Increased secretion of thyroid hormones accelerates the body's metabolic rate, potentially leading to insomnia, night sweats, and weight loss. Patients are advised to take medications such as propylthiouracil tablets, carbimazole tablets, or metoprolol tartrate tablets under a doctor’s supervision to manage symptoms.

In daily life, patients are encouraged to maintain a light diet and avoid spicy foods such as chili peppers and Sichuan pepper. Drinking a cup of warm milk before bedtime may also help relieve discomfort.