Night Sweats After 60: It’s Not Always Hormones — Here’s What Else to Check

Night Sweats After 60: It’s Not Always Hormones — Here’s What Else to Check

Waking drenched at 2 a.m.? While hormones (estrogen/testosterone) can play a role, night sweats after 60 often have multiple contributors—blood sugar swings, thyroid shifts, medications, infections, sleep environment, and more.

“Treat night sweats like a detective: identify triggers, stabilize physiology, and support recovery.”

Common Non-Hormonal Causes

  • Glucose variability: Evening sugar/alcohol can spike then crash blood sugar, triggering adrenaline and sweating.
  • Thyroid imbalance: Hyperthyroidism and some thyroid dose changes increase heat production.
  • Medications: Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs), steroids, opioids, and hypoglycemics can provoke sweating.
  • Infection or inflammation: Even low-grade illness or reflux can elevate nighttime sympathetic activity.
  • Alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods: Vasodilation and sympathetic arousal near bedtime.
  • Sleep environment: Heavy bedding, foam mattresses, and poor airflow trap heat.
  • Stress/cortisol rhythm: Elevated evening cortisol or early-morning spikes (2–4 a.m.) can drive awakenings and sweats.
  • Mineral insufficiency: Low magnesium may impair temperature regulation and sleep depth.

A Simple Checklist to Pinpoint Triggers

  1. Track for 7 nights: Note dinner time/contents, alcohol/caffeine, meds, bedroom temp, bedding, stress level, and episodes.
  2. Stabilize evenings: Finish dinner 3 hours before bed; favor protein/fiber; limit alcohol; hydrate earlier in the day.
  3. Cool the cave: Bedroom 60–67°F, breathable sheets, light pajamas, fan/airflow.
  4. Wind-down routine: 30–60 minutes without screens; dim lights; breathwork or gentle stretches.
  5. Review meds & labs with your clinician: Thyroid panel, CBC, CRP, ferritin, fasting glucose/HbA1c.

Young Again Support (Education-First)

  • Young Again Magnesium Glycinate: Supports relaxation, deep sleep stages, and temperature regulation.
  • Young Again Curcumin: Calms inflammatory pathways that may contribute to nocturnal arousal or discomfort.

If night sweats are new, severe, accompanied by weight loss, fever, or persistent cough, seek medical evaluation promptly.

The Takeaway

Night sweats aren’t always “just hormones.” Start with a week of tracking, cool the sleep environment, stabilize blood sugar, and address stress. Layer targeted nutritional support as needed—ideally alongside your healthcare provider.

References

  • Mold, J. W., & Holtzclaw, B. J. (2012). Night sweats: A systematic approach. J Am Board Fam Med, 25(6), 878–893.
  • Hyland, K. A., et al. (2016). Thermoregulation and sleep in aging. Sleep Med Clin, 11(4), 487–501.
  • Wurtman, R. J. (2006). Effects of light and evening habits on circadian rhythms. Sleep Med, 7(Suppl 2), S17–S19.
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