Postpartum Night Sweats: Causes & Remedies

By Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, OBGYN

Women experience many changes during the postpartum period. For some women, one of those changes could be postpartum night sweats.

You might be thinking, “Why is this happening to me? I thought night sweats were a symptom of menopause?” But rest assured, postpartum night sweats are completely normal. In one study of postpartum women, 29% of women reported experiencing postpartum night sweats.[1]

What Are Postpartum Night Sweats?

Postpartum night sweats are significant and sometimes severe hot flashes that occur at night, usually drenching clothes and sheets. Sweating is the body’s natural way of cooling itself off. But, during the postpartum period, the body can produce far more sweat than is necessary. [2]

If you’re currently in your postpartum period and are experiencing night sweats, you may be able to relieve or eliminate some of your symptoms by taking postnatal vitamins from Natalist. Postnatal vitamins ensure you are getting the necessary vitamins and minerals to support your body during this time of change and transition.

How Long Do Postpartum Night Sweats Last?

Fortunately, postpartum night sweats are short-lived and usually peak within the first two weeks following delivery. Most postpartum night sweats resolve themselves within six weeks. However, they may sometimes last longer. Less than 14% of women studied still reported night sweats after 12 weeks.[1]

Causes of Postpartum Night Sweats

Postpartum night sweats are thought to be caused by hormonal fluctuations. Postpartum women experience significant hormonal fluctuations in the first few weeks following delivery.[1,2]

The significant dip in hormones, estrogen, and progesterone is a likely cause of night sweats, along with the increased oxytocin levels in breastfeeding mothers. Hormonal changes are thought to alter how the body regulates heat, but science doesn’t yet have a solid explanation for why some women experience postpartum night sweats while others don’t.[3]

Postpartum night sweats may also occur as a way for the body to relieve excess fluids immediately following birth. The average pregnant woman retains an additional 6.5 liters of water, and the body needs to release it somehow.[3]

According to research, risk factors for postpartum night sweats include [1]:

• Being a smoker
• Being unemployed
• Having a pre-pregnancy history of mania
• Experiencing multiple symptoms of depression
• Having less than a college education
• Eating spicy foods
• Experiencing the postpartum period during hot weather

How to Manage Postpartum Night Sweats

While postpartum night sweats can be aggravating, they are rarely a sign of anything serious. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help manage postpartum night sweats.

• Drink plenty of water. Be sure to stay hydrated to avoid dehydration both from breastfeeding and excessive sweating. Drinking a small, cold glass of water before bed may help to reduce night sweats.
• Wear loose-fitted clothing. Breathable, loose-fitting pajamas will keep you much more comfortable if you do end up sweating at night.
• Choose breathable bedding. Be sure to choose cool fabrics for your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets to help keep you as cool as possible.
• Keep your bedding covered. You may want to invest in a mattress cover to help protect your bedding.
• Open your window or sleep with a fan. Sleeping with a fan on or opening up the windows at night can also help keep you cool throughout the night and reduce night sweats.
• Eat less spicy food. Spicy foods can increase the body’s internal temperature which can make night sweats worse.
• Cool your body with a cold washcloth. When you do experience night sweats, try cooling your body off with a cold washcloth.
• Utilize relaxation techniques before bed. Sometimes, sweating can be a symptom of anxiety. You can reduce anxiety-related sweating by practicing deep breathing and other relaxation techniques before bed.
• Be patient. Remember to remain patient with the postpartum journey. Night sweats won’t last forever, so do what you can to make yourself as comfortable as possible.

When to Seek Professional Help

Most of the time, night sweats are harmless and will resolve on their own without medical treatment. However, if night sweats are severe and last longer than six weeks or are impacting your sleep, you may want to talk to your qualified health professional.

You should also seek medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms with your night sweats:

• Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or pain
• Joint or back pain
• Weight loss beyond normal pregnancy weight
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Wheezing
• Intense itching
• Bruising easily

These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, such as nervous system disorders, infection, or cancer.[2]

Postpartum night sweats have also been linked to postpartum depression.[2] If you are experiencing night sweats along with depressive symptoms, you may want to consider seeing a mental health professional to talk about treatment options.

Natalist's Role in Your Postpartum Journey

Natalist helps support women throughout their journey of motherhood. We offer education and resources as well as science-backed supplements and self-care products to support women with fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care.

Resources

1. Thurston, R., Luther, J,F., Wisinewski, S.R., Eng, H., & Wisner, K.L. Prospective evaluation of nighttime hot flashes during pregnancy and postpartum. Fertility and Sterility, 100(6): 1667-72. December 2013.
2. Pachecho, D. & Nambisan, M. Postpartum Night Sweats. Sleep Foundation. June 2, 2023. Accessed February 14, 2024. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/night-sweats/postpartum-night-sweats.
3. Cunningham, F., Leveno, K. J., Bloom, S. L., Dashe, J. S., Hoffman, B. L., Casey, B. M., & Spong, C. Y. (Eds.). (2018). Maternal physiology. Williams Obstetrics, 25e. McGraw Hill.