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Treating Night Sweats in Men Naturally

Bidisha Mukherjee
Most men find it difficult to deal with night sweats. This story furnishes some suggestions on treating this problem naturally.
If you wake up in the middle of the night sweating heavily, with your sleeping clothes and bedding all soaked, you're probably suffering from night sweats, which is known as nocturnal hyperhidrosis in medical terms.
Many men refuse to accept that they can also suffer from this medical condition, because they think that it is experienced only by women.

Underlying Causes

✔ The body temperature in men goes through a typical cycle. It tends to be high at around bedtime and decreases automatically just before waking. This sudden decrease in body temperature can make them feel so hot that they start sweating profusely.
✔ This problem becomes far more worse in those men who have idiopathic hyperhidrosis. This is a medical condition in which the person sweats heavily all the time for no definite reason.
✔ If you consume spicy foods, onion, or garlic in your dinner, then the chances of night sweats increases. This is because certain components of these food substances are eliminated by the body through the sweat glands.
✔ The side effects of certain medicines, taken at bedtime, can also result in this condition. The medicines include nitroglycerin, sildenafil drugs, antidepressants, etc.
✔ Stress is another major factor that contributes towards this disorder in men. If you are extremely anxious about your relationships, finances, or job, then your body may respond to the suppressed anxiety by releasing excess amount of sweat while sleeping.
✔ Men going through the andropause phase tend to experience this problem quite frequently. This is because the level of reproductive hormones decreases gradually.

Natural Remedies

Nocturnal hyperhidrosis may not be a serious issue, but it can make you uncomfortable and causes sleep disturbances. You would want to get rid of it so that you can sleep properly. Mentioned below are a few tips on treating night sweats in men naturally.
Tip #1
Let the temperature inside the bedroom be maintained at low so that you get a cool sleeping environment. If possible, keep at least one window of your bedroom open to ensure proper air circulation inside the room.
Tip #2
A cold shower just before going to bed is very helpful. It cools down the body, and keeps the body temperature low. Thus, the chances of a sudden drop in body temperature during the night become less.
Tip #3
While sleeping, wear clothes that are light, loose fitting, and made of natural fabrics, like cotton. So, even if you sweat, it will not get trapped in the clothes and cause any sort of discomfort.
Tip #4
Select the right kind of foods for dinner. Fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, soy products, and fish are great options, as they are known to have a cooling effect on the body. On the other hand, spicy foods, onion, garlic, caffeine, and alcohol should be avoided, as they tend to trigger the problem of night sweating.
Tip #5
Try to get rid of mental stress and anxiety before hitting the bed to prevent sweating caused due to anxiety. Practice yoga, deep breathing, meditation, or just take a brisk walk before sleeping to release the stress. Some people may choose to relax by reading a book, listening to music, or writing a journal. So, you can indulge in any activity, which will help you feel relaxed.
Tip #6
If you are a smoker, then here is another reason for you to stop smoking. Research studies have found that smoking can result in nocturnal hyperhidrosis. So, quit this habit to keep the problem of sweating at bay.

Herbal Remedies

Apart from a change in diet and lifestyle, the usage of some herbs, as alternative medicines, can prove to be beneficial in treating this problem in men. A few have been mentioned below:
Sage
This herb has a soothing effect on those nerves that stimulate sweating. Prepare herbal tea by soaking the fresh leaves of this herb in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. Strain the tea, put some honey in it, and drink after it cools down. Consumption of warm tea should be avoided, as it can trigger the problem of nocturnal hyperhidrosis.
Chasteberry
Men experiencing night sweats due to andropause can use this herb for treating the condition. It is helpful in restoring the hormonal balance of the body. It is available in the form of capsules and liquid extract. You can also prepare herbal tea using the dried herb, and drink it before going to bed.
Astragalus
This is another effective alternative medicine for treating night sweats in men. It improves the blood circulation, and helps in dissipating the heat from the body in such a way that excess amount of sweat does not get produced. It is available in the form of herbal supplements and should be taken daily.
The remedial measures given above should be used only when it is not accompanied by any other symptoms. If you suffer from acid reflux, fever, or swelling in the lymph nodes along with nocturnal hyperhidrosis, then doctors should be consulted. Moreover, those who are suffering from any infectious disease or have any other underlying health problem, along with night sweating, should report the matter to their doctor.
Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.