Men’s health
Night sweats in men: common causes and when to get checked
Waking up drenched in sweat is uncomfortable and can be worrying. Here are the common causes of night sweats in men, and when they need attention.
In short: Night sweats in men are often caused by a warm room or heavy bedding, alcohol, spicy food, anxiety, some medicines or low testosterone. They can also be a sign of infections such as TB or HIV, sleep apnoea, thyroid problems, low blood sugar or, rarely, cancer. Night sweats with fever, weight loss or cough should be checked promptly.
Common, often harmless causes
- A hot room, heavy blankets or synthetic bedding
- Alcohol, especially in the evening. See beer and testosterone.
- Spicy food or caffeine late at night
- Exercise close to bedtime
- Anxiety and stress
Hormonal causes
- Low testosterone: can cause hot flushes and sweats in some men. See low testosterone symptoms in men.
- Overactive thyroid. See thyroid and erectile dysfunction.
- Low blood sugar in men on diabetes medicine.
Medicines
Antidepressants, some diabetes medicines, steroids and fever-reducing medicines can cause sweating.
Infections
In South Africa, tuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of night sweats, often with cough, weight loss and fever. HIV can also cause night sweats. See HIV and erectile dysfunction.
Sleep apnoea
Snoring, gasping and daytime sleepiness. See lack of sleep and erectile dysfunction.
When to get checked
See an appropriately registered medical professional if night sweats:
- Happen regularly without an obvious cause
- Come with fever, cough, unexplained weight loss or swollen glands
- Disrupt your sleep
Natural tips
- Keep the bedroom cool and use cotton bedding.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and spicy food in the evening.
- Manage stress with slow breathing before bed.
- Stay hydrated.
How we can help
Our naturopaths can support sleep, stress and hormone health naturally, and refer you for tests when night sweats suggest an underlying condition.
Why men choose our natural approach
Walk in or consult remotely
Walk in at Buccleuch, Sandton, with parking available, or consult by phone or video from anywhere in South Africa.
Natural and non-surgical
Herbal remedies and practical guidance, with no injections or surgery.
Faster appointments
Enquiries answered 24/7, with same-day appointments often available.
Transparent pricing
Consultations are R2,500, with any remedy costs confirmed before you commit.
Private self-check: 5 quick questions
Answer these honestly before you try anything new or book. They help you describe what is happening and get more from your first consultation.
- Has your interest in sex dropped noticeably over the past year?
- Do you feel tired most days, even after a full night in bed?
- Has your weight around the middle increased?
- Have stress, low mood or poor sleep become more common?
- Have you noticed weaker erections or fewer morning erections?
Two or more yes answers suggest that energy, sleep, stress or weight may be affecting your drive. These are areas where natural, practical support often makes a real difference, and a naturopath can help you work out where to start.
What happens at your first consultation
- Walk in or book online, call +27 10 205 9855 or WhatsApp +27 81 823 1313. In Gauteng, walk in at 199 Vanessa Street, Buccleuch, Sandton, where parking is available. Outside Gauteng, choose a confidential phone or video consultation. Enquiries are answered 24/7.
- Talk privately with a naturopath about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and goals.
- Receive a personalised natural plan, with any remedy costs confirmed upfront.
- Follow up in person or remotely so your progress is reviewed and your plan adjusted.
Your health and safety
Our naturopaths use natural remedies and lifestyle support, and always check your health history and current medicines first. If anything needs medical attention we tell you honestly and refer you to an appropriately registered medical professional. Avoid unregistered “enhancement” products sold online or at markets, as SAHPRA has warned that some contain hidden ingredients.
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden weakness or other sudden symptoms.
Consultation price
A consultation is R2,500, in person or remote, and your naturopath confirms any further costs before you go ahead. See our men’s clinic prices for details.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I sweat at night as a man?
Common causes include a warm room, alcohol, anxiety, medicines and low testosterone. Infections and other conditions are possible too.
Can low testosterone cause night sweats?
Yes, some men with low testosterone experience hot flushes and night sweats.
When are night sweats serious?
When they come with fever, cough, weight loss or swollen glands.
Can TB cause night sweats?
Yes. TB is an important cause of night sweats in South Africa.
How much does a consultation cost?
A consultation is R2,500, and any remedy costs are confirmed with you before you go ahead.
Book your consultation today
Get personalised, natural support from a naturopath. Walk in at our Sandton practice, or book a remote consultation if you live outside Gauteng.
References and further reading
- Mayo Clinic: Male hypogonadism
- Mayo Clinic: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- HIV.gov: HIV basics and living well with HIV
Reviewed by George Mulaudzi, Naturopath. This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. If you have chest pain, sudden symptoms or a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.
