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Published on: 8/18/2026

What could be the causes of waking up drenched in sweat in the middle of the night?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Night sweats—waking up drenched in sweat—can sometimes be linked to abnormal sweating patterns, and in certain cases, these episodes may occur alongside itching. Possible causes range from hormonal shifts and infections to skin conditions, medication side effects, or underlying medical issues that affect the body's temperature regulation.

Because night sweats and itching can point to many different conditions, identifying the root cause is key to finding relief. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly narrow down possible explanations, understand what your body may be signaling, and guide your next steps—whether that's home care, lifestyle changes, or seeing a doctor. It only takes a few minutes and could save you hours of uncertainty.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

Waking up drenched in sweat can be concerning, and one possible reason is abnormal sweating patterns. According to the medical literature, these patterns can sometimes be linked with itching.

Abnormal Sweating Patterns

  • Excessive Sweating: This can happen even when you are not too warm.
  • Itching: Sometimes, the sweating comes with itching, which can make it even more uncomfortable.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it might be helpful to check your symptoms with a free online assessment to better understand what could be causing the sweating and itching. If you are worried or it is affecting your sleep, you might want to talk to a healthcare professional for further guidance.

(References)

  • Flores S, Davis MD, Pittelkow MR, Sandroni P, Weaver AL, & Fealey RD. (2015). Abnormal sweating patterns associated with itching .... The British journal of dermatology, 25597261.

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