Does metformin cause night sweats?
Are you a night owl? Do you enjoy the nighttime hours more than any other time of day? Well, if you’re reading this article, chances are you’re a little restless during that time. There can be many reasons why someone might experience night sweats. But we all know that nothing is more annoying than waking up drenched in sweat. As anyone suffering from them knows; they can leave you feeling miserable and frustrated. One culprit for causing these sweats is the medication Metformin.
What Is Metformin?
Before diving too deeply into whether or not metformin causes night sweats, it’s essential to understand what it is and how it works.
Definition
Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic agent used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (bet you didn’t see that coming).
Mechanism Of Action
It works by reducing glucose production in the liver while increasing sensitivity to insulin in muscle tissue.
Pretty straightforward right? Well, just when things start looking up, there’s always a catch!
The Ultimate Question?
So does taking Metformin lead to night sweats and damp sheets?
According to research findings and anecdotal reports:
Yes
Some people have indeed reported increased incidents of sweating at nighttime thanks to the medication.
### And No
On the other hand, others haven’t experienced any significant difference with their nocturnal temperature regulation.
But why???
Why Would Someone Get Night Sweats From Taking Metformin?
The exact reason for this response isn’t entirely clear at present. However, several theories abound about why possible mechanisms behind documented cases include:
– Menopause-associated hot flashes: Women who already experience hot flushes during menopause may become more susceptible after starting on this drug
– Blood sugar variations: Fluctuations in blood sugar levels are common in diabetic people, leading to abnormal sweat production
– Internal thermoregulation: This medication might have an effect on the body’s internal heat regulating system
To sum it up, it varies from person to person. There is no concise explanation.
Who Is More At Risk?
Are you asking yourself whether or not there exist certain groups of individuals who are more susceptible between night sweats after taking Metformin? That makes two of us!
Interestingly enough, a study conducted by The American Diabetes Association found that:
People Over 65
Those over the age of 65 were more likely to be affected adversely.
### Women
Females had a higher incidence rate than male counterparts.
So ladies and gentleman; if you’re skeptical about starting this drug as part of your treatment plan., then at least take comfort in knowing that women older than 65 may experience adverse effects from using metformin.
What Can You Do About It?
Now, suppose you’re already on this medication and experiencing night sweats regularly. Keep reading because I’m light years ahead ya!
### Talk To Your Doctor
That goes without saying; discuss any unwanted side effects with your doctor before taking matters into your own hands!
### Eat Something Before Bed
Eat something rich in fiber before sleeping. Ensure you’ve eaten well but avoid eating anything within three hours before bed.
### Be Well Hydrated
Drink water throughout the day early—enough fluids for optimal hydration so that the nighttime sweating doesn’t leave you parched and thirsty afterwards.
### Dress Cool
Opt for wearing loose-fitting attire made from moisture-wicking materials like cotton or bamboo.
Conclusion
The idea behind medications is supposedly always to work towards making our lives better instead of worse off; however, nothing seems straightforward these days.
As seen earlier, some patients reported excessive perspiration during sleep as a side effect of taking Metformin. Yet, this is not the case for everyone. Additionally, while there are no concrete theories about why some individuals experience night sweats after starting on this drug vs others who don’t; research points to several possibilities.
More commonly seen in women above 65 years than men and affects diabetic people whose blood sugars fluctuate significantly more than non-diabetics.
Though some tips such as talking to your doctor or eating fiber-rich meals may not guarantee full relief from this nocturnal dilemma, they still offer an opportunity for trying to manage it. Nonetheless, if your symptoms persist and/or become unbearable despite trying lifestyle changes mentioned above, seek medical attention immediately!
Note: Before making any significant dietary or medication change/adjustment/consumption be sure to consult with a registered healthcare practitioner ensure that what you want is the perfect recommendation tailored towards your unique health needs.