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My husband says he is sweating at night and waking up with clothes and bedding is damp. This is new. I suggested maybe it was an accident? "Oh, no accident. It’s from sweating."


There is no strong odor of urine but a slight odor. He has an Alzheimer's and vascular dementia diagnosis. 4 years since diagnosis. The house temperature has not been changed. I’m not sure if this is the beginning of incontinence.

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Night sweats can be brought on by medications or even eating too close to bedtime. I know if I eat anytime closer than about two hours before I go to bed, I get terrible night sweats.

Does he have any new medications?
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cherokeegrrl54 Mar 2022
MJ. You must love spicy foods!! Just kidding with you but it can effect your quality of sleep. Blessings to you…Liz
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A nephew had sudden night sweats. It was an early warning for cancer.
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Talk to your doctor. Night sweats are a side effect of many medications and are also a symptom of thyroid problems and diabetes, among other diseases. Wear breathable cotton pajamas, fold a top sheet to sleep on ( saves time changing sheets). There are all kinds of waterproof pads, mattress covers etc. The newer styles of adult pull-ups look and feel like underwear and are not as embarrassing as the old school diapers.
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Night sweats are reportable to a doctor. Can be nothing at all but can indicate heart problems. Do report to doctor this new development.
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JanBro Mar 2022
He had to have a pacemaker in December. Sick Sinus Node with Bradycardia symptoms. Pulse Rate in the 30’s. Could night sweats be related to this heart condition? I will contact doctor.
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It may be incontinence issues DH is having now, 4 years into AD, which is common. If he's bedwetting, the odor is unmistakable however, vs sweat which has an entirely different odor to it, imo. In any event, it may be time now for incontinence briefs if he's not already wearing them. And if he doesn't fight you tooth & nail over it :( That can be a bad thing, if he fights you on the briefs, b/c you'll be facing a large laundry load every single day, not to mention a wet mattress, etc. Now is the time for a waterproof mattress pad and at least large chuck pads between him & the sheets, whether he's releasing sweat or urine, to sop it up.

Here is a link to an excellent product called Extrasorbs that soak up a LOT of fluid:

https://www.amazon.com/Medline-EXTSB3036A350-Extrasorbs-Disposable-DryPads/dp/B00BL6FUX4/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2BR9XC08H72FA&keywords=medline+extrasorbs+premium+underpads&qid=1646165031&s=industrial&sprefix=medline+extrasorbs%2Cindustrial%2C234&sr=1-7

A doctor's appointment is a good idea, as has been recommended, b/c if it's really night sweats DH is having, that can be caused by a wide variety of things you're best of eliminating asap.

Good luck!
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If you have already fitted a good mattress protector, it’s waterproof and I’ve found that mine leads to more sweating. I’ve been waking up with my nightie very damp, and I’ve now switched to cotton nighties only. The other issues already raised certainly need to be checked, but this can make a small problem worse.
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Isthisrealyreal Mar 2022
Get a cotton mattress pad cover to cover the water proof cover, that will stop it from being hot.
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I agree that night sweats need to be evaluated.They are frequently the first symptom of a more severe problem such as cancer.Night sweats are totally different than an incontinence issue.If his tee shirt is damp or wet especially the neck and chest area.Check the pillow for dampness.The use of a moisture proof mattress pad will show if it is urine or a more generalized sweating.
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Other causes of mild incontinence include BPH and new onset diabetes, which can also cause night sweats. Get a mattress protector with a washable, absorbent pad over top. Contact his doctor and go from there.
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JanBro: Turn down the thermostat at night. It's best to have a cool house for sleep. If this doesn't remedy the issue, perhaps he should see his physician/neurologist.
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Happens to me about once a week now. Mine from chemo years ago. Talk to his doctor about it.

I put a towel over the damp sheet and change nightie. Usually the top sheet isn't too bad. Sometimes, I put my fan on the folded back top sheet for a minute. It makes the bed cold, but my electric blanket and body will rewarm it quickly.
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