Night Sweats and Mesothelioma: What Patients Need to Know

Night Sweats in Mesothelioma Patients

Night sweats could be a mesothelioma symptom or treatment side effect. These episodes can disrupt sleep and heighten health-related concerns. Patients may worry that hot flashes point to something like treatment problems or disease progression.

Understanding why night sweats happen and how they affect the body may help reduce anxiety.

What Do Night Sweats Feel Like?

Night sweats can feel different from person to person, but they usually have some common traits. In general, they're more intense than simply feeling hot at night. Mesothelioma patients may describe suddenly waking up, drenched in sweat. These hot flashes can occur even if the room is cool. Night sweats are often uncomfortable and disrupt sleep, leaving you awake and fatigued.

Patients with night sweats may experience:

• Feeling hot or flushed during sleep
• Heavy sweating that soaks pajamas or bedding
• Increased heart rate and chills
• Sudden waking during the night
• Trouble falling back asleep

Some patients may have frequent night sweats – this can affect rest, energy and overall quality of life.

Why Do Night Sweats Happen With Mesothelioma?

Night sweats can be both a symptom of the cancer and a side effect of mesothelioma treatment. Mesothelioma may cause inflammation and immune responses that may disrupt the body’s temperature control.

Cancer treatments can also trigger sweating or hot flashes. Common culprits are chemotherapy, immunotherapy and certain medications. In some cases, night sweats may be linked to infections, fevers or other cancer-related changes.

It's important to note that night sweats can also occur for other reasons. They don't necessarily mean someone has mesothelioma or another type of cancer. But you should still discuss these with a medical provider to rule out a serious cause.

5 Things You Can Do to Help Manage Night Sweats

With your care team’s approval, consider these at-home tips to ease night sweats:

1. Keep the bedroom cool and use an additional bedside fan.
2. Limit spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol – especially in the evening.
3. Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
4. Try lightweight, cooling and breathable bedding. Cooling pillows may also help.
5. Wear loose, moisture-wicking pajamas. Natural fabrics, like cotton, are key.

It’s also key to talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing night sweats. Along with at-home management, they can make medication adjustments or suggest supportive treatments.

How Long Do Night Sweats Usually Last?

Night sweat episodes usually stop on their own and can vary in length. Some last a few minutes, while others continue long enough to soak clothing or bedding. The intensity can also change from episode to episode.

For many mesothelioma patients, night sweats may occur off and on for weeks or months. They can be more common with certain treatments or when tumor activity spikes. These episodes may improve if treatment plans change or symptoms are better managed.

Remember to Talk With Your Care Team

Because patterns can vary, it is important to keep your care team updated. This is especially true if night sweats are frequent, worsening or interfering with sleep. Night sweats may not be preventable, but some steps can help ease them. Your care team can ensure they’re managed as well as possible.