Night sweats can be an unpleasant condition that disrupts sleep for both you and your partner. While there are some medical causes for night sweats in women under 40, for many people the cause is not determined. Environmental changes can help, however. In this guide we’ll give you a list of some of the causes for night sweats in women as well as a list of 8 things you can try to reduce the discomfort of night sweats in women under 40.

Causes for Night Sweats in Women Under 40

There are many medical causes for night sweats in young women, though it’s important to note that in most cases there isn’t a serious underlying medical condition at play. Don’t worry that you have a serious medical condition simply because you’re experiencing night sweats. For many people, sweating while sleeping can be the result of genetics, the sleeping environment or natural changes in body temperature during the day (body temperature is naturally higher in the evening).

If your night sweating is severe, persistent or if it is accompanied by other symptoms and you’re not able to improve the discomfort with environmental changes it’s a good idea to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

Here are some medical conditions that may cause night sweating in women under 40:

• Pregnancy is one of the main causes of night sweats in younger women. There are a host of hormonal changes that occur and these changes can cause significant night sweats during pregnancy and some women also experience night sweats after pregnancy.
• Hormonal changes can cause pre menopause night sweats. Even if you haven’t officially entered into menopause, you can experience hot flashes and night sweat well in advance.
• Any condition that causes low levels of estrogen, for example premature ovarian failure or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Low estrogen symptoms often include some form of flushing, hot flashes or sweating at night.
• Several classifications of prescriptions can also cause this uncomfortable condition. Antidepressants are one class of medication that is well known for causing this. If you’re taking prescription medication, ask your doctor if one of the side effects could be night sweating and if there is an alternative medication available.
• Infections, including tuberculosis and AIDS may trigger it.
• Cancers, particularly lymphoma, are often associated with night sweating. Most people suffering from cancer have other symptoms as well such as weight loss, fever and fatigue.

While these are the most common causes of night sweats in women under 40, please read my main article on night sweats, my article on sleep hyperhidrosis and my sweating while sleeping article for more comprehensive discussion of overall causes of sweating at night as well as the various tribulations of your hypothalamus and your autonomic nervous system.

Premature Menopause

Unlike night sweats in women under 30, women approaching 40 will be far more likely to start experiencing early symptoms of menopause or even premature menopause. Although premature menopause, or menopause starting before 40, isn’t very common it can be a cause of night sweating in women under 40.

Menopause generally occurs sometime between 45 and 55 years of age, but there are some things that can trigger early menopause.

• Genetics – Anyone with a family history of premature menopause will have a higher probability of experiencing it also.
• Surgery – Removal of the ovaries or a hysterectomy can cause a woman to start experiencing menopause symptoms right away.
• Chemotherapy or Radiation – Chemotherapy or radiation to treat cancers of the reproductive system can cause damage to the ovaries and in turn cause early menopause
• Autoimmune Disorders – Autoimmune disorders can cause the body to attack itself. If the body attacks the reproductive system and damages the ovaries it can result in premature menopause.

8 Natural Ways to Reduce Night Sweats In Women

Fortunately there are a number of things you can try to eliminate night sweating or at least reduce some of the uncomfortable effects.

1. Sleep in a cool room. Studies show that people sleep best in a room that is relatively cool. Set your thermostat to 66 to 68 degrees.
2. Wear pajamas made of natural fibers or designed specifically for night sweats. Natural fibers help to wick away moisture and also don’t trap heat the way that synthetic fabrics will, unless the synthetic material is specially designed to address sleep hyperhidrosis, like the wicking clothing I discuss on my night sweats sleepwear page.
3. Find natural fiber bedding made from cotton or a wicking fabric. Also be sure to check your mattress pad as some have a plastic backing that can trap heat and moisture. Read more about this at my night sweats bedding page.
4. Keep a glass of cool water on your nightstand. If you wake up in the middle of the night sweating, drinking cool water can help.
5. Reduce your stress levels. High levels of stress and anxiety can be triggers for sleep hyperhidrosis. Try deep breathing exercises before going to sleep, or take a soothing bath. Journaling can also help relieve stress.
6. Avoid trigger foods. Spicy foods, fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine are all known to trigger night sweats. Eating too many carbs or sugars shortly before bed can also cause night sweating.
7. Earlier in the day, brew a strong sage and chamomile tea, then refrigerate it. About 30 to 45 minutes before bed, sip your cool tea to help you relax and minimize the activity of your sweat glands.
8. Consider investing in a cooling mattress pad. These mattress pads can help keep you cooler during the night without disrupting your partner, or without having to adjust the temperature in the room.

For a more comprehensive collection of solutions for night sweats in women under 40, see my articles night sweats relief and night sweats treatment.

If the advice provided to you on Help For Night Sweats doesn’t provide you any relief, please discuss the matter with your doctor. Night sweats in women under 40 can be surprising, disruptive and uncomfortable, with consequences that may snowball over time if left untreated.