Why Do Young and Middle-Aged People Frequently Experience Night Sweats?
In recent days, patients visiting the TCM department with “night sweats” have shown a clear upward trend, accounting for about 30% of daily outpatient visits, mostly aged 30–50.
Mr. Wang, 37, previously in good health, began waking up nightly since late February, drenched in sweat upon waking, feeling dry and thirsty. Initially, he thought it was due to too thick bedding—“sweat from overheating.” After switching to thinner bedding, symptoms persisted, affecting sleep quality, causing dizziness and fatigue during the day, severely impacting work and study. After “inspection, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking,” doctors diagnosed him with “moderate night sweats.”
Dr. Pan Ruiliang, head physician at the TCM Department of Nanjing First Hospital, explained that “night sweats” is a TCM term characterized by abnormal sweating during sleep, stopping upon waking. Night sweats in young and middle-aged adults differ from those in children caused by low blood calcium. Spring-to-autumn transitions are peak periods for such cases, primarily due to “yin deficiency.” In simple terms, after a long winter, stored “essence and energy” in the body becomes depleted. When constitution declines, night sweats appear—accompanied by symptoms like hot flashes, flushed cheeks, irritability, night sweats, insomnia, and fatigue. Middle-aged and young adults face heavy work and family pressures, leading to significant physical and mental exhaustion, likely causing autonomic nervous system imbalance. If they neglect replenishing “qi” in daily life, they inevitably fall victim to night sweats.
Experts warn that those with weaker constitutions should, after spring arrives, consider spring tonification under medical guidance. Diet-wise, consume more yin-nourishing and qi-replenishing foods such as red dates, black beans, walnuts, black sesame, glutinous rice, and longan. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, limit spicy foods. Maintain a cheerful mood and regular lifestyle. When night sweats occur, observe the cause carefully—seek medical advice if necessary. Avoid self-medication or random tonification to prevent adverse outcomes.