Experiencing sweats at night during pregnancy can be a truly perplexing and even unsettling concern for expecting mothers. You’ve set the thermostat just right, and the room temperature is comfortable, yet you wake up feeling soaked. This unwelcome phenomenon can disrupt precious sleep and leave you feeling completely mystified.
Good news: we’re here to unravel this mystery and arm you with effective ways to manage those nighttime sweats.
What Causes Night Sweats During Pregnancy?
Studies suggest that up to 35% of pregnant women report experiencing these nocturnal hot flashes[1]. So, why exactly does pregnant sweating while sleeping become such a common experience?
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy triggers a substantial rise in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations can essentially confuse your hypothalamus, the part of your brain responsible for regulating your internal body temperature. As a result, your body might mistakenly believe it’s overheating, even when the room is perfectly comfortable, leading to those unwelcome sweats.
Physical changes
Beyond hormones, Your body undergoes significant physical changes. Increased blood volume warms your skin as more blood circulates to support the baby. Simultaneously, your metabolism accelerates, generating extra internal heat, and sweating is how your body effectively cools itself off[2]. These changes can place added strain on your body, making it more sensitive to even minor temperature shifts.
External factors
Don’t overlook your surroundings. Poor ventilation can trap heat and humidity, making your sleeping environment feel hotter than it actually is. An overly warm room can make you sweat more. The same goes for bedding materials; thick duvets or synthetic sheets can prevent proper cooling. Even personal habits like exercising or eating spicy foods close to bedtime might be culprits.
Impact of Night Sweats During Pregnancy
This night sweats while pregnant isn’t just uncomfortable; it can significantly affect your rest, mood, and overall daily well-being.
Frequent awakenings due to discomfort
Night sweats can lead to multiple awakenings throughout the night, disrupting the sleep cycle. The discomfort of being drenched in sweat can make it challenging to fall back asleep, causing fragmented rest and reduced sleep quality.
Disrupted hormone balance
Huge hormonal shifts during pregnancy, especially in estrogen and progesterone, mess with your body’s natural temperature regulation. This makes it tough to maintain a steady temperature. You’ll feel uncomfortably hot, struggling to cool down, leading to those very disruptive sleep episodes.
Increased fatigue during the day
Consistently losing sleep to night sweats directly translates to increased daytime fatigue. Your body doesn’t get the chance to fully recover and recharge. This leaves you feeling perpetually tired, low on energy, and finding even simple daily tasks much harder to manage.
Mood swings and irritability
Sleep deprivation from night sweats intensifies pregnancy mood swings. Combined with fluctuating hormones, this lack of restorative sleep can truly heighten irritability and emotional sensitivity. It becomes harder to feel like yourself or cope with daily stressors.
Lower immune function due to poor rest
Good sleep is vital for a strong immune system. When hot sweats in pregnancy interrupt your rest, your body misses crucial recovery time. This can potentially weaken your immune response, leaving you more vulnerable to getting sick – the last thing you need during pregnancy.
Effective Ways to Manage Night Sweats during Pregnancy
Sweating while sleeping and pregnant isn’t just uncomfortable; it can take a toll on your sleep and daily energy. Thankfully, there are effective ways to manage night sweats and support better rest during this unique time.
Keep the bedroom cool and well-ventilated
Transform your sleep space into a cool oasis. Use a fan, air conditioning, or open windows to allow for good airflow and lower the room temperature before bed. A refreshing environment can significantly reduce overheating and help you stay asleep more comfortably.
Use breathable, moisture-wicking sleepwear
What you wear to bed makes a big difference. Opt for pajamas made from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or specialized moisture-wicking materials. These help draw sweat away from your skin, keeping you drier and much more comfortable throughout the night.
Choose lightweight, cooling bedding materials
Just like your sleepwear, your bedding plays a crucial role. Ditch heavy duvets for lighter blankets made from natural fibers like cotton or linen. Consider layered bedding that you can easily adjust, or even a cooling sheet set, to better regulate your body temperature.
Stay hydrated throughout the day
Drinking plenty of water during the day is good for overall health and can also help with temperature regulation. While it’s important to stay hydrated, try to limit large fluid intakes right before bed to minimize nighttime bathroom trips that might interrupt your sleep.
Take a lukewarm shower before sleeping
A quick lukewarm shower or bath before bedtime can work wonders. It helps gently lower your core body temperature, signaling to your body that it’s time to cool down and relax. This can make drifting off to sleep much easier and more comfortable.
Practice relaxation techniques
Stress and anxiety can sometimes worsen night sweats. Incorporating calming activities like deep breathing exercises, gentle prenatal yoga, or meditation into your evening routine can help. These techniques promote relaxation, which may reduce the intensity or frequency of your night sweats.
Cooling Sleepwear and Sheet Sets for Night Sweats
While breathable bedding and moisture-wicking sleepwear offer some relief, they may not fully address the discomfort many moms-to-be feel when they sweat at night during pregnancy.
Understanding this, Dream Valley® focuses on delivering real relief through innovation. Using temperature-responsive fabrics, their bedding and sleepwear help regulate body heat in real time, offering more stable comfort and deeper rest for those who suffer from night sweats.
Dream Valley® Outlast® Women’s Long Pajama Set
Designed for those who experience night sweats, including women who sweat at night during pregnancy, the Dream Valley® Outlast® Women’s Long Pajama Set offers breathable, moisture-regulating comfort to keep you cool and dry all night.
Made with soft, comfortable fabric that gently adapts to your body, it helps minimize overheating and chills. Lightweight and non-restrictive, it’s one of the best pajamas for night sweats, providing restful sleep when you need it most.
Dream Valley® Aerocool™ Cooling Fitted Sheet Set
Experience cool, dry comfort all night with the Dream Valley® Aerocool™ Cooling Fitted Sheet Set.
Made from ultra-soft, breathable fabric, these sheets gently wick away moisture to reduce discomfort caused by night sweats during pregnancy. Certified safe with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, they are ideal for sensitive skin. Easy to care for and fully machine washable, this durable sheet set helps expectant mothers stay cool and comfortable, supporting deeper, uninterrupted rest.
Conclusion
Night sweats during pregnancy are a common but often uncomfortable experience led by hormonal changes and increased body temperature. If you sweat at night during pregnancy, it can make getting restful sleep a real challenge. Luckily, simple changes like choosing breathable fabrics, staying hydrated, and taking a lukewarm shower before bed can ease discomfort.
Dream Valley®’s specially designed sleepwear and sheet sets help regulate temperature and manage moisture so you can sleep more comfortably. Don’t let night sweats keep you up. Discover their products today and enjoy the restful nights you deserve during this special time.
Reference
- [1]. Why You Could Be Having Pregnancy Night Sweats — and What to Do About Them. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/night-sweats-pregnancy (Accessed on June 10, 2025 )
- [2]. Excessive sweating when pregnant. https://www.oviahealth.com/guide/10256/excessive-sweating-during-pregnancy/ (Accessed on June 10, 2025 )