Though anyone can sweat at night, night sweats are somewhat less common and they are far more severe. An episode of night sweats is characterized by an increased heart rate, a feeling of chilliness, and repeated sweating at night that completely soaks nightclothes and bedding. There are many potential causes of night sweats, but a few are more common among seniors. The following are some common causes hourly Dallas caregivers should watch out for.
1. Menopause
Though most women go through menopause in their 50s, some symptoms of menopause can continue to last for years. Night sweats among postmenopausal women occur because fluctuating levels of estrogen confuse the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature. This is particularly common among women who are using some sort of hormone therapy regimen.
2. Medications
Certain common medications that seniors take can include night sweats as a side effect. Drugs that may cause night sweats include antidepressants, drugs that lower blood sugar, and nitroglycerin. Any medication that lowers fevers, such as aspirin or acetaminophen, can cause seniors to have night sweats.
3. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system and one of the early warning signs of this condition is night sweats. Being over the age of 55 is a huge risk factor for developing Hodgkin’s lymphoma, so it is important to see a doctor if your senior loved one is experiencing other symptoms, including weight loss, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, itching, and fevers.
4. Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are one of the most common causes of night sweats. For a long time, seniors were not diagnosed with anxiety disorders because they did not show the psychiatric symptoms of the condition. However, doctors are learning that anxiety disorders among the elderly are more likely to manifest physical symptoms instead. Even if your elderly loved one does not seem upset, they may still be living with an anxiety problem.
If you notice your loved one has developed night sweats, schedule an appointment with his or her doctor. A medical professional may recommend any number of solutions depending on the underlying condition. He or she may even suggest Dallas, TX Home Care Assistance to monitor your loved one throughout the night. We provide flexible live-in care and hourly home care that meets each client’s individual needs. Whether your loved one requires safety monitoring throughout the night or more permanent live-in assistance, our dedicated caregivers are always available to help. Schedule a no-obligation consultation over the phone when you call an experienced Care Manager at (214) 363-3400 today.