Sweating excessively, especially at night, is common among individuals with an alcohol use disorder. After excessive beer, wine, or liquor consumption, a person may sweat as their body processes alcohol. They might also experience excessive perspiration caused by alcohol withdrawal overnight.
If you or a loved one struggles with night sweats and alcohol withdrawal, contact Promises Behavioral Health by calling 844.875.5609. Our alcohol detox center offers a safe, comfortable environment where clients can progress through early recovery. We also provide inpatient and outpatient rehab to facilitate long-term sobriety.
The Link Between Night Sweats and Alcohol Withdrawal
Since alcohol can warm the skin, many believe it raises body temperature. However, this is a myth. Following beer, wine, or liquor consumption, vasodilation occurs. During this process, blood vessels dilate and push hot blood closer to the skin’s surface, creating a sense of warmth. In response, the body perspires to cool the skin, causing heat to dissipate and leading to core body heat loss.
Due to this phenomenon, people who binge drink or consume large amounts of alcohol throughout the day may sweat excessively at night. Overnight perspiration can also occur if a person who drinks heavily has not had an alcoholic beverage in several hours or days. Those who experience night sweats may wake up with soaking wet clothing or bedsheets.
It’s also possible for a person to experience night sweats after having a single drink. Generally, this occurs in people with a genetic disorder that causes alcohol intolerance or prevents the body from processing it. More often than not, however, acute alcohol withdrawal is the reason for night sweats.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawl
Withdrawal occurs when a person reduces alcohol intake or stops altogether following heavy or prolonged use. Symptoms may begin within several hours or days following their last drink. Night sweats during alcohol withdrawal are common. Other signs of acute alcohol withdrawal include the following:
- Sleep disturbances
- Dehydration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Restlessness and agitation
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
Withdrawal symptoms may severely impair a person’s ability to function socially or at work. In some instances, symptoms may be life-threatening. As soon as someone starts to experience night sweats during alcohol withdrawal, seeking treatment may prevent potentially dangerous complications.
Sweating Out Toxins: Fact or Fiction?
Sweat is 99% water; the remainder consists of salts, protein, and urea residues. The primary function of sweating is to regulate the body’s internal temperature. When the latter increases, the body perspires to cool down. More specifically, as sweat evaporates, the surface of the skin cools.
Enzymes in the liver metabolize the majority of alcohol that enters the body. A tiny percentage of toxins in alcohol may exit the body through sweat, urine, or breath. In short, night sweats do not signify the body eliminating toxins. Additionally, sweating does not expel toxins in alcohol any faster, nor does it reduce withdrawal symptoms.
How to Handle Night Sweats
Night sweats during alcohol withdrawal may cause the body to lose high volumes of fluid. As a result, individuals may experience dehydration, which can cause the following symptoms:
- Extreme thirst
- Less frequent urination
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Confusion
Replacing lost fluids with water can reduce the risk of dehydration. Generally, women and men who drink 2.7 and 3.7 liters of water daily have a decreased risk of getting dehydrated.
Those who experience alcohol withdrawal and night sweats may increase comfort with the following tips:
- Avoid using heavy blankets
- Change bedsheets frequently
- Take morning baths or showers to remove perspiration residue from the skin
Since night sweats may indicate acute withdrawal, getting professional help at an alcohol detox center may promote comfort and safety. Additionally, inpatient or outpatient treatment can stop night sweats and other symptoms associated with an alcohol use disorder.
Benefits of an Alcohol Detox Center
We use a combination of evidence-based and alternative therapies to promote recovery from an alcohol use disorder. The benefits of an alcohol detox center include:
- Safe medically monitored alcohol withdrawal
- 24/7 nursing care and supervision
- Education about the physical aspects of alcohol addiction
- Individualized treatment plans
- Holistic treatments like yoga, massage therapy, and acupuncture
- Family support programs
- Aftercare plans to maintain sobriety
Our team of addiction specialists can help individuals achieve lasting recovery.
Seek Treatment for Alcohol Addiction at Promises
If you experience alcohol withdrawal and night sweats, Promises is here to help. Our compassionate team provides support to ensure clients have the best chance of achieving long-term sobriety. We can answer any questions about alcohol detox and tailor a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
The alcohol detox center at Promises offers round-the-clock care to help clients break free from alcohol addiction. We feel passionate about facilitating a safe, comfortable environment to jumpstart recovery. Contact us at 844.875.5609 to learn more about our programs and how to get started.