Health Preservation: Prevent Night Sweats During Winter-Spring Transition
37-year-old Mr. Wang, previously healthy, began experiencing nightly awakenings due to heat since February. He’d wake up drenched in sweat, thirsty, initially blaming heavy bedding. Switching to thinner covers didn’t help—sleep quality declined, causing daytime dizziness and fatigue, severely affecting work and study. Doctors diagnosed him with “moderate night sweats.”
Night sweats are a TCM condition characterized by excessive sweating during sleep, stopping upon waking. Unlike childhood night sweats caused by low blood calcium, adult night sweats stem from “yin deficiency.” Simply put, after a long winter, stored “essence” is depleted. When constitution weakens, night sweats appear—accompanied by tidal fever, flushed cheeks, irritability, night sweats, insomnia, and fatigue. Middle-aged and young adults face high work and family stress, leading to exhaustion and likely autonomic nervous system imbalance. Without timely “qi” replenishment, night sweats are inevitable.
Experts advise: Weak individuals should begin spring tonic therapy under medical guidance. Include nourishing yin foods like red dates, black beans, walnuts, black sesame, blood glutinous rice, longan. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, limit spicy foods. Maintain cheerful mood and regular routine. If night sweats occur, observe causes—seek medical help if needed. Avoid self-medication or random tonics, which may cause adverse effects.