Sweaty Palms at Night: Causes, Solutions & When to Worry

At-a-Glance

• Sweaty palms at night can result from room temperature, anxiety, hormonal changes, or medical conditions
• Primary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating without an underlying cause) commonly affects the hands
• Secondary causes include medications, infections, hormonal disorders, and neurological conditions
• Most cases are benign and can be managed with environmental changes and lifestyle adjustments
• See a doctor if night sweats are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever or weight loss

What It Feels Like

Sweaty palms at night can range from mild dampness to hands that are soaking wet. You might:

• Wake up with clammy or dripping hands
• Notice your hands feel cold and sweaty
• Find moisture on your sheets or pillowcase where your hands were resting
• Experience sweating that disrupts your sleep
• Have sweating that occurs even when your room is cool

The sweating may be constant throughout the night or come in waves. Some people experience it every night, while others notice it only occasionally or during stressful periods.

Common Causes

Room Temperature and Bedding

The simplest explanation is often environmental. If your bedroom is too warm or you're using heavy blankets, your body tries to cool itself through sweating. Your hands, with their high concentration of sweat glands, may sweat more noticeably.

Signs it's environmental:

• Sweating improves when you cool your room
• Other parts of your body also feel warm or sweaty
• Sweating correlates with warmer nights or heavier bedding
• No sweating during the day or in cooler environments

Primary Hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that occurs without an underlying medical condition. It often affects specific areas like the palms, feet, underarms, or face. The condition typically starts in childhood or adolescence and may run in families.

Signs it might be primary hyperhidrosis:

• Excessive hand sweating that occurs during the day too, not just at night
• Sweating on both hands (usually symmetrical)
• No other symptoms like fever or weight loss
• Family history of excessive sweating
• Sweating that interferes with daily activities

Anxiety and Stress

Emotional stress and anxiety can trigger your body's "fight or flight" response, which includes increased sweating. If you're experiencing stress, worry, or anxiety—even subconsciously during sleep—your hands may sweat more.

Signs it might be anxiety-related:

• Sweating during stressful periods or after stressful dreams
• Other anxiety symptoms like racing thoughts, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping
• Sweating that improves during calm, relaxed periods
• Daytime sweating in stressful situations

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations can affect your body's temperature regulation and sweating patterns.

Menopause and perimenopause: Women going through menopause often experience night sweats and hot flashes, which can include sweaty palms.

Thyroid disorders: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) increases metabolism and can cause excessive sweating, including at night.

Signs it might be hormonal:

• Women in their 40s-50s experiencing other menopausal symptoms
• Heat intolerance, rapid heartbeat, or unexplained weight changes (thyroid)
• Sweating that affects your whole body, not just your hands

Medications

Certain medications can cause increased sweating as a side effect, including:

• Antidepressants (especially SSRIs)
• Some blood pressure medications
• Diabetes medications that can cause low blood sugar
• Hormone therapies
• Some pain medications

Signs it's medication-related:

• Sweating started after beginning a new medication
• Sweating improves when you miss a dose (don't stop medications without consulting your doctor)
• Your pharmacist or doctor confirms sweating is a known side effect

Infections

Infections can cause night sweats as your body fights off illness. While this typically causes sweating all over, you might notice it more in your hands.

Signs it might be infection-related:

• Fever or chills
• Other symptoms like cough, fatigue, or body aches
• Recent illness or exposure to infection
• Sweating that resolves when the infection clears

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

If your blood sugar drops too low during the night, your body releases stress hormones that can cause sweating, including in your hands.

Signs it might be low blood sugar:

• You have diabetes or take diabetes medications
• Sweating accompanied by shakiness, rapid heartbeat, or confusion
• Symptoms improve after eating
• Sweating occurs in the early morning hours

Sleep Disorders

Conditions like sleep apnea can cause night sweats. When breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, your body experiences stress that can trigger sweating.

Signs it might be sleep apnea:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Daytime fatigue despite sleeping
• Morning headaches
• Partner notices you stop breathing during sleep

Self-Care & Next Steps

Environmental Adjustments

Optimize your sleep environment:

• Keep your bedroom cool (60-67°F or 15-19°C is ideal for sleep)
• Use a fan for air circulation
• Choose breathable, moisture-wicking sheets (cotton or bamboo)
• Use lighter blankets or layer them so you can adjust easily
• Wear lightweight, breathable sleepwear or sleep without heavy pajamas

Bedding solutions:

• Try moisture-wicking mattress protectors
• Use a cooling pillow
• Keep a towel nearby to dry your hands if needed
• Consider keeping an extra set of sheets for quick changes

Lifestyle Modifications

Before bed:

• Avoid heavy meals, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime
• Don't exercise vigorously within 2-3 hours of sleep
• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
• Take a lukewarm (not hot) shower before bed

Stress management:

• Practice stress-reduction techniques during the day
• Try progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery before sleep
• Consider journaling to process worries before bed
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule

Hydration:

• Stay hydrated during the day
• Limit fluids 1-2 hours before bed to reduce nighttime bathroom trips
• Avoid alcohol, which can disrupt sleep and increase sweating

Hand-Specific Solutions

Antiperspirants:

• Apply clinical-strength antiperspirant to your palms before bed (look for products with aluminum chloride)
• Let it dry completely before getting into bed
• Start with every other night to see if it helps

Moisture management:

• Keep a small towel or absorbent cloth near your bed
• Wear lightweight, breathable cotton gloves if sweating is severe
• Wash your hands with cool water before bed

When Home Remedies Aren't Enough

If environmental changes and lifestyle modifications don't help after 2-3 weeks, or if sweating significantly impacts your quality of life, consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend:

• Prescription-strength antiperspirants
• Oral medications to reduce sweating
• Iontophoresis (a treatment using electrical currents)
• Botox injections for severe hyperhidrosis
• Treatment for underlying conditions (anxiety, thyroid disorders, etc.)

When to See a Doctor

Schedule an appointment if:

• Sweaty palms persist despite environmental and lifestyle changes
• Sweating is severe enough to disrupt your sleep regularly
• You notice other symptoms like weight changes, anxiety, or rapid heartbeat
• Sweating started suddenly or has worsened significantly
• You're taking medications and suspect they might be the cause
• Sweating affects your quality of life or daily functioning
• You have risk factors for conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease

What to expect at your appointment:

Your doctor will likely:

• Ask about the pattern, severity, and duration of your sweating
• Review your medications and medical history
• Ask about other symptoms
• Perform a physical examination
• May order blood tests to check for thyroid problems, diabetes, or infections
• Discuss treatment options based on the underlying cause

Frequently Asked Questions

References

This article is based on information from the following reputable sources:

1. International Hyperhidrosis Society - Night Sweats: https://www.sweathelp.org/where-do-you-sweat/other-sweating/night-sweats.html

2. Mayo Clinic - Hyperhidrosis: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperhidrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20367152

3. MedlinePlus - Sweating: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003218.htm

4. Cleveland Clinic - Night Sweats: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/16562-night-sweats

5. National Institute on Aging - Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause/what-are-signs-and-symptoms-menopause