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What Causes Night Sweats?

Aug 24, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Night sweats are commonly caused by either qi deficiency or yin deficiency. If night sweats result from qi deficiency, the formula *Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang* (Tonify the Spleen and Augment the Qi Decoction) may be modified accordingly. When night sweats arise from insufficient heart blood, they are often accompanied by palpitations and insomnia; treatment should focus on nourishing the blood and calming the heart, typically using a modified version of *Gui Pi Tang* (Restore the Spleen Decoction). In cases of yin deficiency constitution, internal “dry-heat” syndrome develops, which may also manifest as night sweats.

　　Night sweats (or “thief sweats”) is a condition described in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), primarily characterized by excessive sweating during sleep, which disrupts normal sleep patterns. Causes of night sweats can be broadly categorized as physiological or pathological. Physiological night sweats may be alleviated directly by regulating ambient temperature and humidity, as well as managing emotional stress. However, pathological night sweats require targeted treatment. So, what are the underlying causes of night sweats?

　　What Causes Night Sweats?

　　Night sweats typically arise from either Qi deficiency or Yin deficiency. If caused by Qi deficiency, modifications of *Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang* (Spleen-Qi Tonifying Decoction) may be prescribed. When night sweats result from insufficient Heart Blood, symptoms such as palpitations and insomnia often accompany them; in such cases, nourishing the blood and calming the Heart is recommended—*Gui Pi Tang* (Restorative Spleen Decoction), with appropriate modifications, is commonly used. If night sweats stem from Yin deficiency, patients may present with signs of internal dry-heat syndrome alongside sweating. Here, modified *Liu Wei Di Huang Wan* (Rehmannia Six Formula) may be employed. For night sweats due to Yin deficiency with hyperactive Fire, patients often experience the “five-center heat” sensation (heat in the palms, soles, and chest); treatment should focus on nourishing Yin and clearing Fire, using modified *Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang* (Angelica and Six-Yellow Decoction). The optimal approach is to undergo TCM pattern differentiation (*bian zheng*) first, followed by individualized herbal therapy—self-medication is strongly discouraged.

　　Night sweats refer to spontaneous sweating during nocturnal sleep. This symptom may signal an underlying pathological condition—for example, tuberculosis. As previously noted, night sweats may originate from Qi deficiency or Yin deficiency. In Qi-deficiency cases, modified *Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang* is indicated. When night sweats accompany palpitations and insomnia due to deficient Heart Blood, treatment focuses on replenishing blood and nourishing the Heart, using modified *Gui Pi Tang*. In individuals with Yin-deficient constitutions, internal dry-heat syndrome develops, manifesting as night sweats; modified *Liu Wei Di Huang Wan* may be used for regulation. For Yin-deficiency with Fire-excess type, the “five-center heat” sensation is common; treatment aims to nourish Yin and drain Fire, employing modified *Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang*. Nevertheless, herbal prescriptions should always follow professional TCM pattern differentiation, and all medications must be taken under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

　　It is advisable to minimize intake of spicy and stimulating foods, ensure adequate nutritional support, and consume ample fresh vegetables and fruits to supply essential vitamins and trace elements—thereby enhancing overall immune function. We hope this information proves helpful.

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