By Elena Voropay 

Night sweats can be linked several diseases, but many healthy people are experiencing this uncomfortable phenomenon. Doctors and scientists know little about the effect of exercise on the occurrence of night sweats. But new research is finding that men and younger women are having the same symptoms that were once associated only with menopausal women. This may be of prime importance if you try to take care of your health and well-being by exercising. 

Physical activity brings about certain hormonal changes in your body. And your night sweats indicate that your system, specifically the thyroid gland, may be adjusting to the changes brought about by earlier exercise.

Even though night sweats may be just a reaction to your intense training, it may also be due to one of the following:

• Tuberculosis
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma or other tumor
• HIV
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Gastro-esophageal reflux disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Hyper-thyrodism
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Diabetes
• Hypoglycemia
• Reaction to medications:aspirin, acetaminophen, blood pressure medications, anti-anxiety medications
• Anxiety
• Catecholamine excess
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Andropause
• Alcohol
• Recovery from intense exercise
  

Viera, A.J., et al. American Family Physician 67 (5):1,019-1,024, 2003.

Find out more on the Australian Fitness:

Science of Sweat I - Smell and Origin
Science of Sweat II - Immunity, Heat and Hormones
Science of Sweat III - How To Stop The Sweat
Testing Sweat