Natural Remedies for Night Sweats

Waking up drenched in sweat even though your bedroom is cool and your blankets aren’t too heavy? You’re not alone. Night sweats are more than just the occasional toss-and-turn from a warm room—they’re a frustrating and often uncomfortable symptom that can interfere with deep, restorative sleep and overall quality of life.

What Are Night Sweats?

Night sweats refer to episodes of excessive sweating during sleep that can soak your pajamas or sheets—even when your environment isn’t particularly hot. Unlike simply feeling warm under the covers, night sweats tend to be more intense and are often related to deeper internal imbalances like hormonal shifts, stress, or underlying health concerns.

This isn’t the same as waking up a little sweaty because your blanket was too thick or you had a spicy meal. True night sweats often come on suddenly, may recur frequently, and can leave you feeling anxious, tired, or even chilled once the sweat dries.

Why Do I Sweat at Night?

This is one of the most common questions I hear in my naturopathic practice. The answer isn’t always simple because night sweats can stem from multiple root causes—including hormonal fluctuations, thyroid imbalances, medications, infections, or even chronic stress. In women, perimenopause and menopause are especially common triggers, while in men, low testosterone or andropause may be at play.

As a naturopathic doctor, I focus not just on managing symptoms—but on helping patients understand the deeper "why" behind their health concerns. In this case, we look at your hormones, stress response, digestion, sleep quality, and overall metabolic health to create a complete picture.

What Causes Night Sweats? Common Root Issues to Explore

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones are powerful messengers in the body—and even slight shifts can cause symptoms like night sweats. This is especially common in:

• Menopause & Perimenopause: Estrogen fluctuations can disrupt the body’s internal thermostat.
• Andropause: In men, declining testosterone may trigger similar symptoms.
• Thyroid Disorders: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can lead to excessive sweating and restlessness at night.

If your night sweats are paired with fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, or irregular periods, it may be time to explore hormone testing. 

Infections or Chronic Conditions

Certain health conditions—especially those involving the immune system—can trigger night sweats. These may include:

• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Chronic infections
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

If you’re also experiencing fever, weight loss, or joint pain, it’s important to talk with your provider about deeper diagnostic testing.

Medications

Some prescriptions list night sweats as a known side effect. These include:

• Antidepressants (SSRIs)
• Hormone therapies (like estrogen or testosterone replacement)
• Certain diabetes medications or pain relievers

If your symptoms began after starting a new medication, it’s worth discussing alternatives with your healthcare provider.

Lifestyle and Diet Factors

Even what you eat and drink before bed can influence how your body regulates heat during the night. Common triggers include:

• Spicy foods
• Caffeine or alcohol
• Eating large meals late at night
• Overuse of heavy blankets or synthetic sleepwear

Keeping a simple sleep diary can help identify patterns—and I often help patients adjust their evening routine to promote deeper, cooler sleep.

Anxiety and Stress

Chronic stress activates your sympathetic nervous system—the same system responsible for "fight or flight" responses like sweating. Nighttime stress, anxious dreams, or adrenal imbalances may all contribute.

If your body is “on high alert” even while sleeping, it may be time to explore natural stress support tools, such as calming botanicals or breathwork. 

Natural Night Sweats Treatment: Remedies That Really Work

Herbal Support for Night Sweats

Black Cohosh

One of the most researched herbal remedies for night sweats, especially during menopause. Black Cohosh helps balance estrogen levels naturally and may reduce hot flashes and nighttime sweating.

Sage

Used for centuries in herbal medicine, sage tea or tincture is known for reducing excessive sweating. It's especially effective for menopausal women experiencing hot flashes and night sweats.

Valerian Root or Passionflower

If stress or anxiety is a trigger, calming herbs like valerian root or passionflower can help the body relax and regulate nighttime sweating by promoting restful sleep.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Reduce Night Sweats

1. Sleep Hygiene

Create a cool and calming sleep environment:

• Use light, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo
• Try cooling pillows or mattress toppers
• Keep the room temperature between 60–67°F (15–19°C)

2. Avoid Common Triggers

What you do before bed matters. Steer clear of:

• Caffeine (especially in the afternoon or evening)
• Alcohol, which can interfere with hormone balance
• Spicy foods, which increase core body temperature

3. Mind-Body Practices

Support your nervous system with pre-bed rituals that promote relaxation:

• Guided breathing exercises (e.g., 4-7-8 technique)
• Journaling to release mental clutter
• Gentle yoga or meditation to reduce nighttime stress

Nutritional Interventions for Night Sweat Relief

What you eat—and what you avoid—can have a profound impact on your body’s ability to regulate temperature, especially at night. Diet plays a key role in hormone production, inflammation, and nervous system stability.

1. Focus on an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats help support hormonal balance and reduce internal inflammation. Prioritize:

• Leafy greens (like kale, spinach)
• Omega-3-rich foods (salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds)
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts)

2. Stay Hydrated & Replenish Key Minerals

Sweating can deplete electrolytes, so it’s essential to stay hydrated and support your body with essential nutrients such as:

• Magnesium – for nervous system regulation and sleep quality
• B Vitamins – especially B6 and B12, which play a role in hormone metabolism and energy support

3. Limit Sugar and Processed Foods

Refined carbs and added sugars can cause insulin spikes and hormonal fluctuations—both of which can worsen night sweats. Reducing processed foods can make a big difference in stabilizing body temperature overnight.

Hormonal Balance Support

Many night sweats are rooted in hormone imbalances—especially during perimenopause, menopause, or thyroid shifts. A key part of natural night sweats treatment is addressing these imbalances at the source.

Natural Hormone Therapy (When Appropriate)

In some cases, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be used to gently restore hormonal harmony. These therapies are derived from natural sources and tailored to your unique biochemistry. They can be life-changing for patients struggling with:

• Menopausal hot flashes and night sweats
• Andropause in men (low testosterone)
• Thyroid-related sweating and metabolic changes

Functional Lab Testing

At my clinic, I offer comprehensive hormone evaluations to determine the root cause of symptoms like night sweats. This may include saliva, urine, or blood testing—designed to pinpoint imbalances and guide personalized treatment (without listing specific testing companies to honor clinic policies).

Mind-Body Therapies

Sometimes, it’s not just your body that needs support—it’s your nervous system. Emotional stress, unresolved tension, and burnout can all trigger night sweats or make them worse.

Meditation & Breathwork

Practices like mindful breathing, guided meditation, or gentle yoga nidra before bed can shift your body out of “fight or flight” and into the parasympathetic state—calm, rested, and cool. Even just 10 minutes nightly can help lower cortisol and reduce heat surges.

Acupuncture & Craniosacral Therapy

If stress or hormone imbalance is a known trigger, acupuncture and craniosacral therapy may offer deep support. These therapies help regulate your nervous system and promote circulation and hormonal balance. While not always performed in-office, I refer patients to trusted local providers as part of their integrative care plan.

Trust Your Body—and Support It Naturally

Night sweats are your body’s way of speaking up. Whether they’re caused by hormonal changes, stress, or deeper health imbalances, they’re not just a nuisance—they’re a message.

The good news? You don’t have to tolerate them or guess your way through remedies. With a personalized, root-cause approach rooted in naturopathic and functional medicine, it’s entirely possible to stop night sweats naturally and reclaim peaceful, restorative sleep. At Santa Teodora Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Wafaa Matti combines clinical insight, holistic therapies, and heartfelt care to help you find answers—and lasting relief.

Ready to address your night sweats naturally and holistically?

📍 Visit by appointment:
Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine
324 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024

📞 Call: 760-274-2377
📧 Email: clinic@drwafaamatti.com
🌐 Website: drwafaamatti.com

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