Why Am I Shivering or Sweating at Night? Here’s What Your Body Might Be Telling You

Waking up drenched in sweat or shaking from the cold—even when your bedroom is cozy—can be confusing and uncomfortable. While occasional night chills or sweats (1) aren’t unusual, persistent symptoms could hint at something more profound. Let’s break down the common causes and what you can do about them.

What’s Causing My Body to Freak Out at Night? Understanding Shivers and Sweats

Why Am I Shivering at Night?

Shivering isn’t just a sign that your blanket slipped off. It may also stem from:

• Low blood sugar: This is especially true in people with diabetes or those fasting. Hypoglycemia (2) can cause the body to react with shivers.
• Infections or fever: Even low-grade infections can trigger nighttime chills (3) as your body tries to regulate temperature.
• Anxiety or panic attacks: These can occur during sleep and manifest as trembling or chills (4).
• Thyroid imbalance: An underactive thyroid (5) slows metabolism, making you feel cold more often, even under blankets.

Why Am I Sweating at Night?

If you’re waking up in a sweat, these might be the culprits:

• Hormonal shifts: Common during menopause (6), pregnancy, or even menstruation.
• Medications: Antidepressants, steroids, and fever reducers can cause sweating as a side effect.
• Sleep disorders: Issues like sleep apnea or parasomnias may provoke night sweats (7).
• Infections like tuberculosis or HIV: These may produce recurring night sweats, especially in early stages (8).

Exploring the Reasons Behind Sweating and Shivering at Night

Sometimes, the body simply struggles to maintain a balanced internal thermostat at night. This can be triggered by:

• A warm sleeping environment paired with a stressed nervous system.
• Lifestyle habits, like consuming caffeine or alcohol before bed, impact body temperature (9) regulation.
• Autoimmune conditions and chronic illnesses that cause fluctuating body responses.

When these responses become regular, it’s time to dig deeper.

Finding Nighttime Comfort: Solutions, Concerns, and When to Seek Help

How To Stop or Reduce Shivering and Sweating While Asleep

Try these simple solutions to balance your night temps:

• Adjust room temperature: Keep it between 60–67°F (15–19°C) for optimal sleep.
• Moisture-wicking sleepwear: These fabrics help regulate body heat.
• Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, or alcohol before bedtime.
• Layer your bedding: Easy to remove or add depending on body temperature.
• Stay hydrated, especially before sleep.

Is This Dangerous?

Occasional night sweats or chills usually aren’t serious. But consistent episodes may be signs of:

• Underlying infection
• Endocrine or hormonal disorder
• Neurological condition

Don’t panic—but don’t ignore patterns either.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Nighttime Shivering or Sweating

See a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Night sweats or chills lasting more than two weeks
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fever or fatigue
• Shortness of breath or chest discomfort at night

They might recommend tests to rule out thyroid issues, infections, or sleep disorders.

Your body has its rhythm, and nighttime shivering or sweating can be a sign it’s out of sync. While most causes are harmless, persistent symptoms deserve attention. Don’t ignore your body’s nighttime whispers—they might be telling you something important.