Sleep hyperhidrosis

Sleep hyperhidrosis
ICD-10	R61.9
ICD-9	780.8, 327

Template:Search infobox Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Sleep hyperhidrosis, more commonly known as the night sweats, is the occurrence of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) during sleep. The sufferer may or may not also suffer from excessive perspiration while awake. A night sweat caused by a medical condition or infection can be described as ‘severe hot flashes occurring at night that can drench sleepwear and sheets, which are not related to an overheated environment’. [2] True night sweats with medical causes should be properly investigated by a medical physician.

Classification of Sweating

There are four types of sweats:

1. Diaphoresis: Diaphoresis is a cold sweat. Diaphoresis is excessive sweating commonly associated with shock and other medical emergency conditions. It is distinguished from hyperhidrosis by the "clammy" or "cold state" state of the patient.
2. Primary Hyperhidrosis: Primary hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by abnormally increased perspiration, in excess of that required for regulation of body temperature. This is not a cold sweat.
3. Secondary Hyperhidrosis: Secondary hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by abnormally increased perspiration, in excess of that required for regulation of body temperature that is secondary to an underlying pathologic process such as infections, disorders of the thyroid or pituitary gland, diabetes mellitus, tumors, gout, menopause, certain drugs, or mercury poisoning. This is not a cold sweat.
4. Night sweats: Sleep hyperhidrosis, more commonly known as the night sweats, is the occurrence of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) during sleep. The sufferer may or may not also suffer from excessive perspiration while awake.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Sleep hyperhidrosis may occur at any age, but is most commonly seen in early adulthood.

Genetics

Night sweats may occur for genetic reasons and may be relatively harmless. However, they can be distressing and disrupt sleep patterns if severe; the patient may be frequently awakened due to the discomfort of damp sleepwear.

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

While some causes of night sweats, such as menopause, may be relatively harmless, night sweats may also be a sign of a serious underlying disease.

Causes

Common Causes

One of the most common causes of night sweats in women over 40 is the hormonal changes related to menopause and perimenopause. This is a normal part of menopause and while annoying, it is not necessarily dangerous or a sign of underlying disease. Some women experience night sweats during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

While there can be many causes of excessive sweating at night including the menopause and, for example, a bedroom that is unusually hot or too many bed clothes on the bed, it is important to distinguish night sweats that arise due to medical causes from those that occur because the sleep environment is too warm.

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

• History:

• Medical history should focus on potential infectious and oncologic causes
• Social history should focus on substance abuse and travel

Physical Examination

• Full exam with focus on endocrine, dermatologic and lymphatic systems

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram can be obtained if there is a high suspicion of endocarditis

Laboratory Findings

The folowing laboratory studies may be of use in determining the underlying cause of nightsweats.

• CBC w/ differential
• Eosinophil count
• Urinalysis
• ESR

More sophisticated laboratory studies would include the following:

• FSH
• PPD
• HIV w/ viral load
• Blood cultures
• Monospot
• Test for nocturnal hypoglycemia
• Free T4
• 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid

MRI and CT

• Suggest MRI/CT if necessary (chest/abdomen/pelvis)

Treatment

Treat the underlying etiology with appropriate therapy

Acute Pharmacotherapies

• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Antimicrobial if infection is the cause