How is this different from sweating due to heat?

If sweating occurs repeatedly regardless of the bedroom temperature or blankets, to the extent that clothes or bedding must be changed, it is described as night sweats.

When to seek prompt medical evaluation

If accompanied by unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, severe fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes, please visit a medical institution first for evaluation.

Is this the same as cold sweats?

Cold sweats is a common term for sweat that feels damp and cold even when it is not hot, whereas night sweats describes significant sweating that recurs during sleep based on the time of occurrence. While the two terms may overlap, they are not used to determine the cause.

What additional factors are considered in heat-cold (Han-yeol) medical evaluation?

After necessary checks for infections, thyroid issues, menopause, or medications, we examine nighttime heat sensations, dry mouth, times of waking during sleep, daytime fatigue, and digestive status. Rather than self-diagnosing as simple deficiency heat or Yin deficiency, the overall pattern is distinguished during a medical evaluation.

Night sweats are distinguished by room temperature and the extent to which bedding becomes wet

Night sweats refer to a condition where sweating during sleep recurs to the point that pajamas or bedding must be changed. Sweating caused by a hot room or thick blankets is different from sweating that recurs even at an appropriate temperature; various causes such as the menopausal transition, infection, medication, and thyroid issues must be checked together.

Commonly confused terms and their differences: Sweating caused by temporary heat may decrease if the environment is changed, but for night sweats, it is important whether it disrupts sleep and recurs. In Korean medicine, while it may be examined in connection with patterns such as internal heat due to Yin deficiency, the term 'dohan' (night sweats) alone is not used to exclude medical causes or determine the direction of treatment.
Information to record before your visit: Record your sleep and wake times, room temperature, bedding, the areas that became wet, and the number of times you changed clothes for 1 to 2 weeks. Also note any fever, cough, pain, weight loss, menstrual changes, palpitations, alcohol consumption, and new medications, and measure your actual body temperature. You should also report any suspected symptoms of snoring or sleep apnea.
Scope of this material: MedlinePlus data was used to explain the normal function of sweat and night sweats occurring during the menopausal transition. This page is not a criterion for diagnosing night sweats as Yin deficiency or for choosing health functional foods. If accompanied by unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, swollen lymph nodes, or shortness of breath, or if sweating suddenly worsens, you must be evaluated at a medical institution.

Official References

Medical staff who wrote and reviewed this article

Choi Yeon-seung

Chief Director of Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic

The meaning of night sweats, the scope of differential diagnosis, and patient guidance expressions have been reviewed. The last review date was August 25, 2026.

Graduated from Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine
Providing Korean medicine treatment since 2010
Symptom treatment from the perspective of heat-cold balance and constitution

Check medical evaluation criteria for my symptoms View full profile

Check the guides where these terms are used

Symptom and Disease GuideDohan (night sweats)

Symptom and Disease GuideHyperthyroidism

Heat and Cold ColumnNight sweats: sweating every night despite normal test results, why does this happen?

When night sweats recur even though no specific abnormalities were found in tests, we provide guidance on the criteria for night sweats, symptoms to re-examine, and the aspects considered in Korean medicine treatment.

Heat and Cold ColumnI sweat every night and feel heat in my body; what are the causes of night sweats?

We provide guidance on the Korean medicine perspective on the causes of night sweats and heat rising to the hands, feet, or face despite normal test results, as well as criteria for self-assessment.

Medical GuideHow do I distinguish between sweat on the hands, feet, armpits, face, or night sweats?

Sweating that has occurred symmetrically in specific areas such as the hands, feet, and armpits since childhood and decreases during sleep requires a different verification process than sweating that has recently developed across the whole body or at night. You should organize the affected areas, onset timing, sweating during sleep, medications being taken, and how it interferes with your daily life.

Medical GuideWhat should I record before a consultation for heat or cold sensations?

Even if the cause was not revealed in tests, you can describe your discomfort in detail. By noting the onset time, location, times when symptoms worsen, and changes in sweating, numbness, dry mouth, or sleep, and by preparing previous test results and medications, we can more accurately examine the patterns of heat and cold and the direction of Korean medicine treatment.

Comparison of similar terms

Korean Medicine ConceptHeat syndrome

Heat syndrome refers to a tendency where various body signals converge toward a 'hot' direction. It is not a disease name referring to fever caused by infection or thyroid disease, so necessary differential diagnosis is required first.

Conditions requiring differential diagnosisAutonomic Nerves

The autonomic nervous system regulates sweat, heart rate, digestion, and the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels. While it may be related to feelings of heat or cold, a 'problem with the autonomic nervous system' cannot be confirmed by symptoms alone.

Conditions requiring differential diagnosisHyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can cause heat sensations, sweating, palpitations, hand tremors, and weight loss. It should not be judged by symptoms alone; blood tests and medical evaluation are required.