Alcohol Withdrawal and Night Sweats: What to Expect and How to Cope
When a person stops drinking after a prolonged period of heavy alcohol use, the body begins to go through a process known as alcohol withdrawal. This phase can be both emotionally and physically challenging, with symptoms that can range from mild unease to serious, potentially life-threatening issues. One particularly surprising symptom is night sweats, which can be distressing and confusing for those unaware of their cause. Experiencing night sweats during alcohol withdrawal is not unusual, but they can add to the discomfort of the experience.
These episodes of excessive sweating typically arise as the body learns to operate without alcohol and may be accompanied by other withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, or a racing heart, complicating the situation further. Gaining insight into the reasons behind night sweats, how to cope with them, and when to seek professional assistance for long-term alcohol detox can help make this transition smoother and safer.
If you or someone you know is facing severe night sweats during alcohol withdrawal, there are effective strategies to alleviate discomfort and aid in recovery.
Are Night Sweats a Symptom of Detox?
Night sweats can be a symptom of alcohol detox. As the body begins to clear alcohol from the system, it undergoes a range of physiological changes. One of these responses is excessive sweating, especially at night, which is often linked to overactivity in the nervous system and fluctuating body temperature regulation.
When a person frequently consumes significant amounts of alcohol, their body becomes accustomed to its presence and develops dependency. This adaptation essentially rewires the body’s functioning to rely on alcohol, so its absence disrupts the balance.
Over time, the brain strives to maintain this altered state that includes alcohol, attempting to counteract the constant sedative effect by adjusting neurotransmitters to keep the body more alert. Once alcohol is removed, the brain enters a hyperactive phase, resulting in various withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Tremors or shaking
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Irritability or mood swings
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep
- Increase heart rate and blood pressure
- Sweating, both during the day and at night
- Hallucination
- Seizures
- Delirium Tremens (DTs)
Night sweats can indicate withdrawal and detox, but they might also arise from binge drinking or even a single drink. Therefore, they aren’t exclusively linked to alcohol detox. According to Healthline, if you’re experiencing night sweats without recent alcohol consumption and you regularly drink, along with other symptoms, it could suggest withdrawal.
How Long Do Night Sweats Last After Quitting Drinking?
The length and severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as night sweats, can differ based on various factors. These include the person’s level of alcohol dependence, the duration of their drinking habits, their overall health, and any previous experiences with withdrawal.
According to WebMD, while individual experiences may vary, mild withdrawal symptoms typically begin 6 to 12 hours after the last drink, including night sweats. For many, these night sweats reach their peak during the first 72 hours, which is considered the acute withdrawal phase, and can persist for several days to a few weeks.
However, in cases of heavy or prolonged alcohol consumption, night sweats may last for 2 to 4 weeks. This is often linked to Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), where lingering symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and temperature regulation issues can continue for months as the body and brain recover.
If night sweats last longer than a month, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is crucial. While they are commonly seen during withdrawal, they may also indicate other health issues such as hormonal imbalances, infections, or complications related to withdrawal.
Some ways to cope with night sweats include:
- Staying hydrated, including electrolyte-rich drinks.
- Optimizing your sleep environment by keeping your bedroom cool and wearing light, breathable sleepwear.
- Have extra bedding and pajamas ready to change into if you wake up drenched quickly.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation before bed.
- Avoid caffeine and nicotine, especially before bed.
- Eat a balanced diet and engage in regular exercise.
Why Does Withdrawal Cause Night Sweats?
Experiencing night sweats during alcohol withdrawal is quite common, as the body struggles to recalibrate its functions after becoming dependent on alcohol. This phenomenon is influenced by several interconnected factors:
- CNS Hyperactivity – When alcohol is eliminated from the body, the brain enters a state of heightened activity as it seeks to restore equilibrium. This heightened state impacts the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which governs involuntary bodily functions such as temperature control, heart rate, and perspiration. The resulting overactivity can lead to an elevated heart rate and blood pressure, producing internal heat that prompts the body to sweat to cool itself down.
- Hormonal Imbalances – Alcohol interferes with the balance of several hormones in the body, including cortisol and adrenaline. During withdrawal, the fluctuations in hormone levels can raise body temperature and induce sweating, particularly at night.
- Stress and Anxiety – The process of withdrawal can be both physically and emotionally taxing, triggering the body’s “fight or flight” response, which includes an increase in body temperature and sweating.
- Metabolic Changes and Detoxification – The body exerts significant effort to metabolize and expel alcohol and its toxic byproducts. This heightened metabolic activity can elevate body temperature, leading to sweating, especially at night when the body is resting.
- Fever and Temperature Dysregulation – Some individuals may experience mild fevers or difficulty regulating body temperature during detoxification. This can result in hot flashes followed by chills and night sweats.
- Dehydration – The diuretic properties of alcohol can lead to dehydration. Although it may seem counterintuitive, low fluid levels can disrupt the body’s temperature regulation, resulting in night sweats.
When Should You Seek Professional Help for Withdrawal Symptoms?
Alcohol is one of the few substances that can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens. According to the National Center for Biotechnology, alcohol withdrawal delirium, previously referred to as delirium tremens, represents the most extreme form of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, characterized by symptoms like fever, rapid heartbeat, agitation, hallucinations, confusion, and high blood pressure. Patients may begin to experience alcohol withdrawal delirium anywhere from 3 to 8 days after they stop drinking.
Even if symptoms do not seem severe enough to require immediate medical attention, it is crucial to seek professional help when detoxing from alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms can start mild but can escalate significantly within the first 72 hours. Professional interventions for alcohol abuse are highly recommended for the following individuals, as they are more likely to experience severe withdrawal symptoms:
- History of heavy or prolonged alcohol use.
- Have experienced alcohol withdrawal in the past, especially if it was complicated or severe.
- Those with co-occurring medical conditions, including liver disease, heart problems, diabetes, or mental health issues.
- They are unable to manage mild symptoms on their own, which can lead to relapse.
Attempting to detox from alcohol alone can be dangerous and even fatal. Anyone thinking about quitting alcohol after heavy use should consult a medical professional to ensure a safe and effective withdrawal process.
Medical detox programs offer continuous monitoring and can provide medications to lessen the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, prevent seizures, manage anxiety and agitation, and reduce night sweats. Detoxification also lays a secure groundwork for individuals to move into long-term rehabilitation programs that tackle the underlying psychological issues related to addiction.
Overcome Night Sweats From Alcohol Withdrawal at WhiteSands Treatment
WhiteSands Treatment offers comprehensive detox programs that can address night sweats from alcohol withdrawal as well as more severe symptoms. Our programs include around-the-clock medical supervision by a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and psychiatrists who monitor your health and provide necessary medications to ensure your safety and comfort during detox.
After detox, individuals can smoothly transition into our inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs, where they will explore the root causes of their addiction and develop effective coping strategies for long-term sobriety.
If you or someone you care about is thinking about quitting alcohol, needs help avoiding the triggers for alcoholics, and wants to consult with one of our admissions specialists to determine if a detox program is suitable, contact WhiteSands Treatment Center today at 877-855-3470.
External Sources
- Healthline – Night Sweats and Alcohol
- National Center for Biotechnology Information – Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
- WebMD – What is Alcohol Withdrawal?
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
