We all wake up occasionally feeling too warm, with tangled sheets and damp skin. Most of the time, it’s nothing more than a heavy blanket or a restless night.
But for some, those unexplained sweats could be a sign that something deeper is happening in the body — a signal often dismissed until it becomes impossible to ignore.
A warning that shows up overnight
According to experts from Cancer Research UK and the American Cancer Society, excessive sweating at night can sometimes be linked to cancer or its treatments.
While the symptom can also appear with infections, hormonal changes or medication side effects, recurring night sweats that soak clothes or bedding warrant closer attention.
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The body produces sweat as a way to regulate rising temperatures, and in some cancer patients, this response becomes more pronounced.
Cancers such as lymphoma, leukaemia, kidney cancer, bone cancer, prostate cancer and certain tumours are known to interfere with the body’s temperature control.
Recognising the difference
The Mayo Clinic defines night sweats as repeated episodes of intense perspiration during sleep — not just mild overheating.
If you frequently wake up with soaked sheets or damp hair, it could be worth speaking with your doctor, especially if other symptoms accompany it, such as:
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- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing cough or shortness of breath
- Easy bruising or changes in appetite
While these signs can appear in many conditions, experts stress that paying attention to their frequency and intensity can make a difference in early detection.
Why it matters
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year.
Yet the earliest signs are often the quietest — small shifts in how the body behaves. Recognising those changes, even something as simple as noticing unusual sweating at night, can prompt timely medical evaluation and potentially improve outcomes.
Healthcare professionals urge people not to panic but to stay aware. Night sweats are common and usually harmless, but when they persist without a clear reason, they deserve investigation.
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Listening to your body — even while you sleep — might just be one of the simplest ways to protect your health.
Article based on information from Cancer Research UK and NIH