Why Do I Have Sleep Apnea Night Sweats?

At one time or another, most of us have woken up in a tangle of sweaty sheets. Sometimes it’s a nightmare; others, an overly warm room on a hot summer night. But abnormally nocturnal sweating may not be so simple. Sleep apnea night sweats are a common symptom of sleep disordered breathing, especially in women entering middle age. Here’s what you should know.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a type of sleep disordered breathing that affects an estimated 25 million people in the U.S. Characterized by long pauses in breathing followed by a gasping intake of breath, sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that is connected to other life-threatening conditions such as stroke, heart disease, and depression.

The three types of sleep apnea are:

1. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): Muscles in the throat relax back and block the airway during sleep
2. Central sleep apnea (CSA): The central nervous system “forgets” to breathe
3. Complex sleep apnea: A combination of OSA and CSA

In addition to long pauses in breath (apneas), sleep apnea comes with the following symptoms:

• Daytime fatigue and excessive sleepiness
• Snoring
• Fogginess and difficulty concentrating
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening
• Morning headache
• Loss of sexual drive
• High blood pressure

One of the lesser-known symptoms of sleep apnea that may actually lead to its diagnosis is also common in menopausal women: nighttime sweating.

What causes sleep apnea night sweats?

The majority of sleep apnea diagnoses are of men, but as women age, their incidence of sleep apnea changes to match that of men. In fact, as women enter menopause, their risk of developing sleep apnea increases.

Sleep apnea night sweats are a common symptom, but in women they may be mistaken for a symptom of menopause only and not treated as sleep apnea. In fact, for both men and women, nocturnal sweating is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, affecting just over 30% of men and just under 35% of women. This is three times the rate for those without OSA.

But what causes sleep apnea night sweats?

A variety of factors come into play. Certainly, hormonal changes due to menopause increase your likelihood of nocturnal sweating, but there other risk factors as well. A major risk factor for sleep apnea is obesity, so it’s no surprise that obese individuals are also at risk for sleep apnea night sweats.

Additionally, cardiovascular disease, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse are all risk factors for sleep apnea nights sweats. Some antidepressants, hormone replacements, and diabetes medications can increase the chances of nocturnal sweating as well.

It is hard to pinpoint the exact cause of sleep disorders night sweats, but one thing is clear. Nocturnal sweating is highly correlated to the incidence of sleep apnea and can itself alone be used to indicate increased risk of sleep disordered breathing.

Do I have sleep apnea?

Treatment of sleep apnea night sweats starts with a proper diagnosis. Women are often overlooked in this process because their symptoms are not as noticeable as men’s. Fewer women snore as a symptom of sleep apnea. Further, when they do, their partners are less likely to be disturbed by it.

Undiagnosed sleep apnea poses significant risks to health as women get older and face other health challenges.

Stephanie Faubion, M.D. , research faculty at the Mayo Clinic, noted that:

“..the risk for obstructive sleep apnea in women goes up in their menopausal years. The symptoms they face – headache, insomnia, anxiety, depression, in addition to the more common symptoms of snoring and fatigue – may not be as audible or visible to others, but they pose just as much risk to overall health…Hot flashes and night sweats may be overlooked as a risk of something more serious. The implementation of screening tools during evaluation can help determine what symptoms women are facing, and put us on track to detect and intervene with serious health issues, such as obstructive sleep apnea, sooner.”

If you are experiencing sleep apnea night sweats and other symptoms of sleep apnea, talk to your doctor. A sleep study may verify your diagnosis. In cases of central sleep apnea, an MRI may also be recommended.

How to treat sleep apnea night sweats

Once you have a diagnosis, the most common treatment recommendation for sleep apnea is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This device uses a mask fitted over your mouth and nose to deliver a steady stream of air. This air keeps blocked airways open.

When used properly, a CPAP machine is remarkably successful. A Japanese study found that use of a CPAP machine completely eliminated the OSA when sleep apnea night sweats was the only symptom.

This treatment relies on regular use and compliance, however. The device must be worn all night, every night. The noise and discomfort of the mask may be challenging for light sleepers. Additionally, the bulk of the machine can make traveling difficult.

For people who are unable to use a CPAP machine, a sleep apnea dental device may provide relief. This device holds the jaw open slightly and repositions the tongue to keep your airway free and clear. It is silent, portable, and comfortable for most patients.

Lifestyle changes

There are other holistic ways to help prevent sleep apnea night sweats. Plenty of regular exercise and a diet low in sugar help not only maintain a healthy weight but also regulate your body’s hormone fluctuations.

Get more comfortable at night in general to treat sleep apnea night sweats. Keep your bedroom cool and dress in light layers. A glass of water by the bed keeps you hydrated, and essential oils like peppermint can also help cool you down. Limit or eliminate alcohol consumption, as this can also increase sweating.

Avoiding spicy foods and eating no less than two hours before bed can keep you cooler at night as well. You might find that a small fan or air conditioning is necessary to circulate air in your bedroom. Finally, relaxing breathing exercises or meditation before bed can calm any anxiety that may be contributing to nocturnal sweating.

If you find yourself experiencing sleep apnea night sweats, a sleep apnea dentist in the greater Phoenix area can help. Give AZ Sleep a call today for a cooler night’s sleep tonight!