Breaking the Cycle: Understanding Drinking and Night Sweats

Is There a Connection between Drinking and Night Sweats?

Have you ever found yourself waking up covered in sweat after a night of heavy drinking? Or perhaps you’re worried about a loved one you know who is? Sadly, many find themselves considering if the night sweats they are experiencing may relate to their alcoholism or general alcohol consumption. The truth is, for some, there is a connection between drinking and night sweats.

Ultimately, night sweats can be more than just a nuisance or a minor struggle. Night sweats in the context of heavy drinking can be an indicator that your body is battling a substance use disorder (SUD) and is in withdrawal. Ultimately, it’s vital to address these concerns with a medical professional, as withdrawal from alcohol use disorder (AUD) without treatment can be dangerous and, in some cases, fatal.

For those in the recovery community, understanding the connection between drinking and night sweats is crucial for establishing practical coping skills and long-term wellness. For those with an active addiction to alcohol or considering a sober life, recognizing these symptoms can be a powerful motivator to seek help and begin making meaningful life changes.

In this blog post by GateHouse Treatment, we’ll explore the relationship between night sweats and heavy drinking. Additionally, we’ll provide an overview of withdrawal symptoms in the context of alcohol dependency. Finally, we will discuss actionable tips for managing these challenging experiences and ways to find help if you or someone close to you needs it.

So, keep reading to learn more about the relationship between night sweats and alcohol use. For more blogs about substance use disorders, addiction, recovery, and GateHouse Treatment, click here.

Understanding Night Sweats

Night sweats, also called nocturnal hyperhidrosis, are episodes of excessive sweating that occur during sleep, leaving you feeling drenched in sweat. These experiences can also accompany an increase in heart rate and feelings of anxiety or panic.

In some cases, nighttime sweating is just a natural bodily process that regulates a person’s body temperature. However, excessive sweating can be a warning sign of a more serious, underlying health issue. Other reasons for night sweats may include but not limited to:    

• Hormonal changes throughout life
• Medical conditions like infections
• Cancer

However, a common cause of night sweats that many overlook is their lifestyle choices, including their alcohol consumption.

Night Sweats and Drinking

According to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, when a person drinks alcohol, their blood vessels dilate, which affects body heat. When the body attempts to cool down, it may lead to excessive sweating during sleep. Over time, frequent and excessive alcohol consumption can also disrupt hormone levels and cause other changes in the body’s thermoregulatory system.

Furthermore, a person can experience various other system difficulties related to their liver, heart, and more, as explored by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. These variables in the context of alcohol use often lead to increases in night sweats and more grave consequences in the long term for some.

How Do I Recognize If I’m Experiencing Night Sweats?

If you regularly wake up covered in sweat, it may be a sign that you are experiencing night sweats. However, there are a few key differences between regular sweating and night sweats that can help you recognize the difference.

One main difference is the severity and degree of the sweating. While regular sweating may leave you feeling slightly damp, night sweats often leave you completely soaked in sweat. Additionally, night sweats can occur even when your bedroom is at a cool temperature. In contrast, regular sweating usually occurs in response to heat or physical activity.

Another key difference is the accompanying symptoms related to your night sweats and drinking habits. Night sweats caused by alcohol use may accompany a rapid heart rate, feelings of panic, and even tremors. These symptoms may also be present during the day if you are experiencing withdrawal from alcohol.

Managing Life with Night Sweats

If you are experiencing night sweats, some strategies can help you manage your symptoms. While these tips may not completely alleviate night sweats, they can make them more bearable and improve your overall sleep quality. But in the long term, it’s essential to consider how you’ll manage your drinking and how it’s disrupting your life.

• Keep a towel and clean clothes nearby: Having a towel handy can help you wipe off excess sweat. Additionally, having a change of clothes can help you quickly remove the discomfort of being wet.
• Try breathable bedding: Consider bedding made from cooling materials that help absorb moisture and keep you cool throughout the night.  
• Keep water nearby: Alcohol can dehydrate your body, making it challenging to regulate temperature. Keeping water beside your bed can help restore lost fluids and prevent further dehydration overnight.

When to Seek Help for Alcohol Misuse

If you are experiencing night sweats due to your alcohol use, it is typically a sign that it’s time to seek help for your drinking habits. Increasingly high alcohol consumption can have high consequences on your physical, mental, and emotional health. These variables can affect relationships, overall well-being, and more.

The most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:   

• Extreme worry
• Insomnia
• Shakiness
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Restlessness
• Headaches
• Body aches
• Nightmares
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increasing heart rate

If you are experiencing these or more severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, it is vital to seek medical support immediately. It can be lifesaving.

Recovery Options for Substance Use Disorders, Including Heavy Drinking

Fortunately, there are addiction treatment options available for individuals struggling with alcohol or general heavy drinking to limit difficulties like night sweats. These may include supports like or a combination of the following:

• Therapy or counseling
• Support groups
• 12-step programs
• Inpatient or outpatient programs
• Residential rehabilitation programs

Seeking help not only improves an individual’s physical health and safety but also offers them new tools to cope with the origins of compulsive drinking.

Rehabilitation programs like ours at Gatehouse Treatment can help those experiencing drinking and night sweats by providing a safe and supportive atmosphere for recovery, typically lasting 30-90 days. These residential treatment facilities offer additional structure and the ability to focus on recovery from addiction by limiting distractions and offering a comprehensive support network around the clock.

Finding Sobriety After Life with Drinking and Night Sweats

Fortunately, understanding the relationship between night sweats and drinking can be a crucial step toward achieving long-term wellness and lasting sobriety. By recognizing the signs, managing symptoms, and seeking help for alcohol misuse, individuals can improve their quality of life and the quality of life for those who love them most.

While night sweats can be a challenging symptom to cope with, fortunately, remission is possible for many with the proper support and resources. So don’t give up hope; keep taking steps toward a healthier future!

More about Feeling Better with Gatehouse Treatment

At GateHouse Treatment, located in Nashua, NH, we commit to helping individuals struggling with various forms of addiction overcome their challenges and navigate what led to their active use to prevent a future of more chaos and substance misuse.

Our compassionate and expert addiction recovery team provides personalized, varying levels of care to our patients on their journey toward recovery from drinking and night sweats.

We understand the complex nature of SUDs and offer a comprehensive range of services, including:  

• Addiction Therapy
• Group Counseling
• Holistic Treatments
• Psychiatric Care
• Aftercare Planning

We believe that every individual deserves a chance at living a life free from addiction, and we provide them with the tools and support to make it a reality.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and seeking professional help, please do not hesitate to reach out to GateHouse Treatment. We are here for you every step of the way.

Contact us via this online link or by calling (855) 448-3588.

Remember: You are not alone. There is always hope and help available.