Do you wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat-soaked pajamas?
If so, you’re not alone. Night sweats are a common symptom of Crohn’s disease.
What causes night sweats?
Although night sweats often occur with Crohn’s, it not always easy to pinpoint exactly what causes them. They tend to pop up with flares or changes in meds. Sometimes they accompany an infection of the ileum (the place where the small intestine joins the colon) or a rectal abscess. Sweating can also be a side effect of some medicines prescribed for Crohn’s.
Finally, night sweats may indicate another serious condition. Younger patients who take biologic TNF blockers like Remicade are at higher risk for both lymphoma and leukemia, and sweating can be a symptom of both diseases. It can also be a sign of a fungal infection – a greater risk if you take TNF-blockers.
Staying comfortable
Preparing ahead can help you get a good night’s sleep. Here are some suggestions to help you stay cool and dry so you can get your zzz’s.
- Keep your bedroom cool. Set your thermostat to a lower temperature at night. Keep a fan nearby for a quick shot of coolness.
- Fix your bedding. Replace a heavy comforter with layers of light blankets so you can your coverage throughout the night. Switch to either high-tech fast-dry or absorbent 100% cotton sheets. Keep an extra set handy for fast changes.
- Change your PJs. Treat yourself to a new nightgown or PJs made of moisture-wicking fabric. Prefer to go natural? Get loose-fitting nightclothes in breathable cotton. Keep fresh PJs nearby so you can make quick changes out of the soppy ones and get back to sleep.
- Hold something cold. Keep a cold gel pack or a cool, damp washcloth nearby on a dish or tray. Instant refreshment … ahhhh
- Drink. Keep a glass of ice water nearby. Stay hydrated and lower your body temp by drinking steadily throughout the day.
Addressing the Root Cause
As you begin to heal and your flares diminish, your night sweats may come to an end. Support the healing process with an anti-inflammatory diet. Explore supplements that lower inflammation and support your body’s ability to fight infection. Get exercise and surround yourself with supportive people. If you assertively support your body’s immune system now, you may be less likely to need drugs that disable it.
Be sure to speak with your doctor about any symptoms you’re experiencing, including night sweats. They could be signs of other complications that need to be addressed. And always remember that you are the person with the greatest influence over your own health.
What’s your night sweat strategy? Please share below in the comments.
Sources:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gastroenterology_hepatology/_pdfs/small_large_intestine/crohns_disease.pdf
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm250913.htm
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682167.html#side-effects
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