Headache and night sweats may be caused by a variety of different physical and mental conditions. A few of these include stress, anxiety, dehydration, menopause and HIV infection. Remedies for these symptoms are often helpful in alleviating symptoms. Such may include hormonal therapy, psychotherapy or traditional home remedies.
Individuals who are experiencing stress and anxiety may suffer from headache and night sweats as a result. Other symptoms associated with these conditions may also include mood changes, depression, attention deficits, unintended weight changes and a loss of appetite. Learning how to cope with stress and anxiety usually stops nighttime sweating and frequent headaches. For some, speaking to a therapist may help, as will building a network of individuals willing to help a person cope with stressful circumstances.
One of the most frequent causes of headache is dehydration. A person who is not taking in enough fluids is likely to experience this side effect. Hydrating with water, fresh fruits and vegetables will help alleviate this symptom. Temporary pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, will also help with pain management.
When headache and night sweats are experienced at the same time, this may be the sign of an underlying illness. Some illnesses likely to cause these side effects are flu, brucellosis, pneumonia or HIV infection. When an underlying illness is the cause, other symptoms are likely to exist, such as fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Certain medications may also cause these symptoms. For instance, duloxetine, a drug frequently prescribed for the treatment of depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia and certain types of urinary incontinence may cause headache and night sweats. Other antidepressant medications may also cause these symptoms. When a healthcare provider changes a prescription or dosage levels, they often disappear.
In women, menopause is the most common cause of headache and night sweats. As a woman matures, hormonal changes in her body cause her to experience sudden rises in body temperature. These symptoms are often referred to as hot flashes and will produce intense night sweats as well as intermittent daytime sweating. While headache is not a common symptom of menopause, women who are experiencing stress symptoms or who are not getting enough sleep due to the onset of night sweats may also experience headache symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy, vitamin supplements, acupuncture and meditation are all helpful in eliminating night sweats in women with menopause.
