How Long Do Night Sweats Last After Alcohol Detox?

Night sweats are one of the most common and uncomfortable symptoms people experience during alcohol detox and withdrawal. While these episodes can be distressing and disrupt sleep, they are typically a temporary part of the body’s healing process as it adjusts to functioning without alcohol.

Most people experience night sweats along with other symptoms like flushing and elevated body temperature throughout the acute withdrawal period, which generally lasts five to seven days. However, the duration and intensity can vary depending on factors like how much and how long someone has been drinking, their overall health, and whether they’re receiving medical supervision. If you or someone you know is dealing with severe night sweats during detox, it’s important to seek a medical detoxification program to ensure safety and comfort.

What Causes Night Sweats During Alcohol Detox?

Night sweats can be a side effect of alcohol consumption, alcohol intolerance, or alcohol withdrawal, largely because alcohol affects the central nervous system. The central nervous system (CNS) helps to regulate body temperature, blood pressure, and heart function. Alcohol, and alcohol withdrawal, can disrupt normal CNS activity.

Furthermore, night sweats can also be influenced by factors such as the use of certain medications (e.g. steroids, antidepressants), menopause, and other health conditions.

Other Possible Sleep Disturbances During Alcohol Detox

There are several common signs of alcohol withdrawal that can disrupt a person’s sleep and cause physical discomfort after their last drink during the detox process.

Common side effects of alcohol detox include:

• daytime sweating
• hot flashes
• goosebumps
• chills
• insomnia
• high body temperature
• anxiety

Fever can also occur during alcohol detox, although this is a more serious side effect that can be a sign of a life-threatening form of withdrawal known as delirium tremens (DTs).

Are Night Sweats Dangerous During Alcohol Detox?

Night sweats aren’t inherently a sign of danger. Excessive sweating, however, may contribute to dehydration in conjunction with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Excessive sweating can also be a sign of certain medical conditions, a mental health issue such as anxiety, and severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Signs of severe alcohol withdrawal include:

• very rapid heart rate
• abnormal heart rhythm
• confusion
• agitation
• seizures
• high blood pressure
• hallucinations

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be safely and effectively managed within an inpatient detox environment, such as a detox facility or addiction treatment center.

Managing Night Sweats During Alcohol Detox

Night sweats during detoxification may not be avoidable. However, there are ways that you can help reduce its intensity and the discomfort it may cause.

Tips for managing night sweats include:

• staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• avoid using very heavy blankets
• change your sheets regularly while detoxing
• keep your bedroom at a reasonable temperature
• showering to remove excess salt from the skin
• wearing light clothes to bed

Anyone who is alcohol-dependent and undergoing withdrawal should seek medical advice from a healthcare provider prior to attempting alcohol detox at home. While night sweats are not one of the more serious symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, alcohol dependence may require additional treatment from a substance use treatment provider.

For more information about alcohol detox and how to find an alcohol detox program near you, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or browse our directory.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff