The Basics Of Why You Suffer From Excessive Perspiration

By Author: Tim Clark
Total Articles: 12
Comment this article

Excessive sweating at night is called sleep hyperhidrosis, more commonly known as "night sweats." An individual suffering from night sweats may also experience excessive sweating during the day, although this is not always the case.

Sleep hyperhidrosis can affect anyone regardless of age, but it is more commonly seen in early adulthood (when sweat glands have become more active). Generally, sleep hyperhidrosis is safe, except that it causes distress and discomfort during sleep. It disrupts normal sleep patterns when one is frequently awakened due to drenched sleepwear and sheets.

Research shows that occurrence of excessive sweating is due to some genetic factors. Biology plays a role as well. For instance, women over 40 affected by menopause (or perimenopause) related hormonal changes, can suffer from night sweats. Similarly, pregnant women can experience night sweats due to hormonal changes. In both cases, excessive sweating shouldn't be a cause for alarm, or be seen as a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

How does one know if excessive perspiration is actually caused by an underlying medical condition? ...
... Obviously, one sweats more in a warm environment, during exercise or in response to situations that elicit strong emotions - situations that make them nervous, angry, embarrassed or anxious. Thus, diligent efforts should be taken in keeping the place cool, well ventilated, and clean. Wearing of cool, comfortable sleepwear is also important. Certain foods and drinks that trigger the body to perspire more should be avoided. It also helps to reduce stress, or if at all possible, stay away from stressful situations. Try to control or eliminate all these external factors first. If severe hot flashes still occur then, it should be wise to seek medical attention.

Sweat glands release salty liquid through the process of perspiration. It's a normal and essential body process controlled by the sympathetic nervous system to remove toxins from the body and to regulate body temperature. Perspiration usually occurs under the arms, on the feet, and on the palms of the hand. In some cases, sweating may occur around the face, or worse, all over the body. One is born with about two to four million sweat glands, and not until puberty do these glands become fully active. Interestingly, women have more sweat glands. Men may have fewer sweat glands than women, but their glands are more active.

If sweating gets out of control and become a source of distress and discomfort, several treatment options are available. There are some oral medications to choose from, but patients sometimes complain of certain side effects. Some experience dry mouth, drowsiness, and urinary retention. In the case of "hot flashes" caused by menopause, hormonal treatment will suffice to control the condition. There are also medical procedures that could help relieve the patient from this condition for more lasting results. A unique treatment is the use of electrical current (iontophoresis) to control the activity of the sweat glands. A device known as Drionic is used daily for seven days and results of the procedure last for up to one month. For chronic cases, surgical procedure will have to be done to remove some of the overactive sweat glands.