Cold Sweats: Causes, Treatment, And Prevention

Unlike sweating caused by heat or physical exercise, cold sweats are the body’s response to protect itself from stressful or dangerous situations. The sensation is similar to sweating and being cold. They are common at night. But what causes cold sweats?

What are cold sweats, and why do I get them?

Cold sweats (also called diaphoresis) are a sign of stress in the body. They sometimes occur as a result of infection or illness. They are associated with conditions such as low blood pressure, anxiety, or episodes of hypoglycemia.

One of the signs that differentiates sweating from heat or exertion is that the latter are localized. They are common in the armpits , palms of the hands , or feet . Some people experience the sensation of cold sweats while sleeping.

Cold sweats can also occur when the body responds to alcohol intake or upon waking up during a nighttime fever episode.

Causes of cold sweats

Why do I get cold sweats? We’ll tell you the main causes of this body reaction.

Common causes of cold sweats in adults

Among the causes of cold sweat in adults, we find:

Hypoglycemia. This occurs when blood sugar levels fall below 70 mg/dL. It is common in people with diabetes.
Hypoxia. Oxygen depletion affects the entire body. It can occur in people with anemia, lung disease, or in areas with low oxygen levels.
Hypotension . Also called low blood pressure. This results in decreased oxygenation of the brain and other organs. Along with sweating in the cold, palpitations or weakness may also occur.
Stress . This is a common trigger. Sweating usually occurs in the armpits, forehead, hands, and feet.
Shock . When faced with a shocking event, people experience increased heart rate, weakness, and cold sweats. This translates into the body’s fight-or-flight response.
Infection. The presence of bacteria, viruses, or fungi can produce a reaction of fever, vomiting, cold sweats, and dizziness.

Causes of cold sweats and chills

Shivering and sweating are a symptom of dehydration . This occurs when the body loses more fluids than it can replace.

Cold night sweats: what causes them?

Cold sweats while sleeping are common in some people. They can occur as a result of severe nightmares. Fever can also cause cold sweats that occur after waking up unexpectedly .

Cold sweat and dizziness

When we experience cold sweats and dizziness, we could be suffering from hypoglycemia. In people without underlying health conditions, this can occur during high-intensity sports. It may be accompanied by tremors.

Cold sweat and tiredness

What causes cold sweats? Severe lack of sleep, coupled with an activity that requires intense attention, dynamism, or stress, can cause cold sweats. The sensation will be one of weakness. It can appear when we sleep for a couple of hours, and our rest hasn’t been restorative .

Back pain and cold sweat

Some conditions, such as abdominal aortic aneurysm, cause a sharp, continuous pain in the lower back. The main symptoms are a racing heart, shallow breathing, back pain, and cold sweats.

Why do my hands sweat and my feet feel cold?

Some people wonder why their cold hands and feet sweat. Sometimes it’s a response to a physically or mentally threatening situation . It often occurs in situations of stress.

Facing an important exam, stage fright, or a bout of severe anxiety can be triggers.

Why do I sweat a lot at night, even when it’s cold?

Breaking into a cold sweat while sleeping can be a symptom of a condition called hyperhidrosis . This is a condition where the sweat glands secrete more water than usual.

Surprisingly, these episodes occur even when it’s cold. This is because sweating isn’t associated with a hot environment.

The causes of cold night sweats are also related to alcohol or drug use. It could be a side effect of a medication. It’s even a symptom of menopause in some women. It’s recommended that you consult a specialist about the reasons for cold night sweats .

Treatments for cold sweats

If you suffer from them, you know they can be uncomfortable. Here are some treatments for cold sweats.

Medical treatments

For people with sweat gland disorders, there is an intervention that can control sweating . It is always recommended, depending on the source of the cold sweat. However, a specialist may recommend it.

From a psychological perspective, there are also medical treatments that can control the anxiety symptoms that cause them.

Home remedies

There are deodorants available at specialized pharmacies that can repel excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. It’s also advisable to wear light, breathable clothing . Lightweight clothing prevents sweating and helps keep the body cooler.

If you’re going to be exposed to stressful situations at work, remember that caffeine boosts the nervous system and can accelerate cold sweats. It’s also recommended to avoid spicy or heavy foods.

Finally, control sudden temperature changes. This forces your body to regulate itself more quickly, sometimes causing sweating to combat them.

How to prevent cold sweats

The truth is that not all causes of cold sweats can be prevented. However, there are some tips to prevent them:

Stay well hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
Control your stress levels. Activities such as meditation, physical exercise, or psychological therapies can help you manage your anxiety levels.
Wear breathable fabrics. Lightweight clothing prevents sweating and helps keep your body cooler.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet and avoid nutritional deficiencies to prevent cold sweats.
Avoid alcohol consumption, excessive caffeine, or narcotics.
Review the side effects of medications. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to consult a specialist.