Why is my child sweating at night
Night sweats in kids can be a real nightmare for them (and also for us, parents!). Suddenly waking up drenched in sweat, disrupting their sleep and leaving them feeling uncomfortable and restless... Certainly not a nice feeling, is it? If you're wondering what's causing your little one to sweat at night, let's take a look at some possible reasons.
Fever
First off, let's talk about fever. It's one of the most common causes of night sweats in children. When a child has a fever, their body temperature rises, causing them to sweat in an effort to cool down. This is the body's way of fighting off an infection or illness. In this case, it's important to keep an eye on your child's temperature and seek medical attention if it's higher than usual or if they're showing other signs of being unwell.
2. Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes can also cause night sweats in children. During puberty, kids' bodies go through a lot of changes, including hormonal fluctuations. These fluctuations can cause night sweats as the body adjusts to the new levels of hormones.
On the other hand, smaller children's bodies might not be capable of controlling their temperature and might sweat even if they don't feel very hot to touch or aren't in a very warm room. So if you're worried they might be too warm, by removing the blanket or quilt, you might actually make them cold and wake them up.
3. Babies and toddlers
Babies and toddlers have immature nervous systems and are not able to regulate their body temperature. Although your child may be waking up in damp and sweaty pyjamas, they could still be perfectly content. However, it's also possible that your child is sweating because they're feeling too hot. So, how can you distinguish between an overheated child and a child experiencing regular night sweats? One way is to pay attention to their body temperature earlier in the night, before they enter the deep sleep stage, as an overheated child tends to feel warm at this stage.
4. Stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety can also cause night sweats in children. Kids may not always be able to express their feelings or worries, but the body's response to stress can manifest itself in physical symptoms such as night sweats. Regular chats with your child might help identify any troubles your child might be going through (and help eliminate the night sweats!).
5. Medication
Certain medications can also cause night sweats as a side effect. If your child has recently started a new medication, it's important to check with their doctor to see if night sweats are a known side effect.
6. Bedding
Let's not forget to check your child's bed. Plastic mattress protectors or disposable bed pads containing plastic can cause overheating, and therefore extra sweating. It's worth investing in PeapodMats, washable bed pads that are breathable and plastic free. They also stay in place all night with no straps or flaps, no matter how much your child wriggles. Additionally, they will protect the mattress from any accidents or sweat, saving you time and money.
It's worth noting that in some cases, the cause of night sweats in children may not be easily identifiable. If your child's night sweats persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, it's always best to consult with a paediatrician for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Night sweats in children can be caused by a variety of factors including fever, hormonal changes, stress and anxiety, certain medications and – in some cases – the cause may not be easily identifiable. Parents should keep an eye on their child's temperature and seek medical attention if the night sweats persist or are accompanied by other symptoms. It's also a good idea to talk to your child's paediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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