Simply defined, night sweats are a symptom of your body changing temperature. Although if you have experienced them, you know it is a bit more complicated than that. This initial change in temperature can be caused by many things, including fever, response to inflammation, and medication. In a study conducted several years ago, nearly 40% of IBD patients experience night sweats in some capacity. That’s an estimated 64,000 Americans alone! Night sweats are something I wanted to discuss, as I have personally dealt with them over the course of my UC journey. So why is this your body’s response, and how can we manage this uncomfortable side effect? Â
First let’s take a look at the different reasons for night sweats in IBD patients. The most common; fever. It is thought to be caused by the body’s inflammatory response and can also signal complications like abscesses. It’s best to check with your doctor if you have fever and other symptoms. They can test your inflammation levels, and reassess your treatment options or dosage if needed. Take this signal from your body seriously, as it can help you know what’s going on inside.  Â
Normally your body is comfortable within the thermoneutral zone (your body’s comfortable range of temperature for survival). However, for those with IBD, inflammation changes this. For example, you are normally comfortable at 70° F, but as inflammation moves this temperature upward, you become cold. Now, your core temperature is signaling that you need to warm up, so you will start to shiver. This will raise your temperature, however, when your inflammatory response calms down, you will suddenly be hot. Your body’s reaction to being too hot is to sweat. This often leads to waking up in a puddle of wet pajamas and sheets.
Another reason for night sweats for those with IBD is medications. Commonly prescribed; sulfasalazine, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, and infliximab all have night sweats as a side effect. If you take one or more of these, like I do, you have probably been woken up from night sweats. Constantly waking up from night sweats can cause more fatigue. Try laying out a change of pajamas and a fresh towel before you go to bed. This way, you don’t have to turn lights on or search for anything. You can change, and replace your towel. Limiting your light during your normal sleep cycle can help you fall back asleep faster, and laying on a towel can help keep your sheets dry.               Â
In the same study mentioned above, researchers also found that 24% of patients with Chron’s experienced night sweats versus 15% of those with UC. This makes night sweats a slightly more common side effect in patients with Crohn’s. Interestingly enough, for those that cycled between flares, only about 18% had night sweats. While those in remission, only showed experiencing night sweats at 6%. There have not been very many studies on night sweats, and more research will need to be done to pinpoint and understand their true cause.Â
For now, you can wear light pajamas, sleep on a towel, keep a change of pajamas and a clean towel next to your bed, and use light sheets and covers. All these things will help ease this side effect, and help you get more consistent sleep. Remember to speak to your health care provider if you think your night sweats are related to fever, as it can be a sign of active disease. While night sweats don’t have a cure and may be frustrating, by taking these extra steps you can lessen the impact of your changing temperature.
Want to check out the research for yourself? Click HERE!
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