Sweating and Sobriety – Why Alcoholics Suffer Night Sweats
Those with alcohol addiction suffer from many physical side effects while drinking and during the first 72 tumultuous hours of sobriety. One of the more uncomfortable side effects of quitting is night sweats. Night sweating makes sense, as the body is trying to purge and cleanse itself of toxins, but knowing that fact does not make one sleep more peacefully. Night sweats are particularly bad for those who are attempting to quit drinking alcohol.
Night sweats are one of the many physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Though they are terribly uncomfortable, it is obviously better to suffer through a few nights of uncontrollable sweating than it is a lifetime of alcoholism and the related problems that come with the disease
The good news is that there are things you can do to stay comfortable during your night sweats. The material of your sheets and blankets is important; be sure to have multiple layers that are easily removable for that time when you wake up unbearably hot. Get sheets made of cotton, linen, or some other light, breathable material.
Make sure that your bed is as breathable as possible. Getting a memory foam mattress or memory foam mattress topper could help you to keep the sweat away from your body, instead of stewing in it all night.
Keep a towel and an icepack or bottle of ice water nearby, so that you can make a cold compress to cool yourself down. If this doesn’t do the trick get up and take a cold bath or shower.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day; being well hydrated is an important factor in getting a good night of sleep. Though it may cause you to sweat temporarily, the release of toxins is integral in becoming sober.
And remember, though night sweats are distracting, uncomfortable and generally accompanied by nightmares or night tremors, whatever you are dealing with will go away. Night sweats are a temporary discomfort; alcoholism is a lifetime battle.
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Understanding Night Sweats and Sleep Temperature
Night sweats affect a significant portion of the adult population and can range from mild warmth to drenching perspiration that disrupts sleep and requires changing bedding. While occasional night sweats may be caused by environmental factors (room temperature, heavy bedding, or certain foods and alcohol before bed), persistent or severe night sweats can indicate underlying medical conditions including hormonal changes, medications, infections, or sleep disorders that warrant discussion with a healthcare provider. From a sleep products perspective, choosing materials that wick moisture away from the body and promote airflow is essential for managing night sweats — this applies not just to your mattress but to every layer of your sleep system, from mattress protector to sheets to pajamas.
Creating a Temperature-Neutral Sleep System
Managing sleep temperature effectively requires addressing every component of your sleep environment as a coordinated system. Start with a breathable mattress — innerspring hybrids and latex mattresses sleep cooler than all-foam designs due to better airflow through their construction. Add a moisture-wicking, waterproof mattress protector that prevents sweat from penetrating into the mattress while allowing heat to dissipate (avoid vinyl or plastic protectors that trap heat). Choose sheets made from moisture-wicking materials such as Tencel, bamboo-derived rayon, or percale-weave cotton rather than heat-retaining flannel or microfiber. Your pillow and pillowcase contribute to overall temperature as well — cooling gel pillows paired with moisture-wicking pillowcases address the significant heat radiation from your head during sleep. Finally, room temperature control (ideally 65°F/18°C), a ceiling fan or bedside fan for additional airflow, and breathable sleepwear complete the cooling system and can make a dramatic difference for those who tend to overheat during the night.
