Identification

• Doctors should conduct a complete physical examination of a patient, including medical tests if deemed necessary, before deciding upon a cause of night sweats and determining whether they are harmful to the patient.
  
  

Potential Risks

• People who awaken drenched in sweat numerous times each night might find that they develop insomnia. Electrolyte imbalance, due to the excessive sweat lost during the night, can be a potentially fatal condition if left untreated.
  
  

Warning

• In specific cases, night sweats might be an indication of serious underlying medical conditions such as cancer, tumors and infection.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Limit the potential dangers of night sweats by keeping the room cool, using light bed coverings and staying well hydrated.
  
  

When to Seek Medical Advice

• The Mayo Clinic recommends seeking a doctor's advice for night sweats if they occur regularly, cause sleep interruption and if you notice a sudden weight loss or unexplained fever.