What are Common Causes of Fatigue and Night Sweats?

Fatigue and night sweats may be caused by many conditions, including hormonal changes or imbalances, especially during menopause. Certain medical conditions or illnesses may also cause these symptoms, including influenza or other respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Some forms of cancer may also cause such problems. These symptoms may also be caused by Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Sometimes the most obvious causes for symptoms are easily overlooked. If a bedroom is overheated or the room is particularly warm and humid, night sweating may be a common issue. Fatigue will generally follow from fluid loss, therefore causing the body to lose essential electrolytes.

Overly dressing in uncomfortably heavy nightclothes can also lead to fatigue and night sweats. The best way to avoid problems caused by a warm environment is to use air conditioning when necessary, or circulate the air with a fan and open window for proper ventilation. Wearing loose, cool night clothes can help as well.

When a person has recurring nightmares or frightening dreams, this too can lead to fatigue and night sweating. Certain individuals may experience a raise in heart rate during a bad dream and break out into a sweat. This may cause sleep deprivation or interrupted sleep, which can lead to fatigue.

Tuberculosis is a very serious bacterial lung disease known to cause fatigue and night sweats. This illness is contagious and transmitted through human contact, coughing, and sneezing. If not treated, the disease can progress and cause irreversible damage or death. Most patients can be cured with medications.

There are several medications that may cause these symptoms. Acetaminophen, Advil, and aspirin can cause them in certain individuals. Antidepressants are also known to cause fatigue and night sweating. Some antibiotics can produce these symptoms as well.

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause night sweats and fatigue. Weakness and fatigue are especially common for individuals suffering from hypoglycemia. Ensuring the body's sugar levels are balanced and returned to an acceptable or normal range can help control these symptoms.

High blood pressure (hypertension) may cause these symptoms. Hypertension may also lead to other more serious complications if left untreated. The best way to control this condition is by monitoring blood pressure and taking medication as prescribed by a physician. Occasionally, medication for hypertension may cause night sweats.

In certain individuals, participating in strenuous exercise late in the day or evening may produce fatigue and night sweats. This can generally be prevented by exercising earlier in the day and cooling down. A positive step in fatigue management may be finding time to relax before bedtime.