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Real members of MyLeukemiaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does anyone have any suggestions for night sweats? Mine are terrible, they wake me every 45 min to an hour or so.

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Albia, IA
August 24
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A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I use a fan to keep myself cool. At night I open a window after it is cool outside to bring cool air into the bedroom. This keeps me cool all night and I do use blankets when it gets down to 70 outside with the fan making the air feel like it is 55. My wife sleeps with 3 blankets all night. I live in an area that is both hot and dry every summer.

August 28
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I only have mild night sweats every once in a while. But I had the drenching night sweats when I was going through breast cancer treatment. I would have to get up and change night gowns and move to a dry place to sleep as the bed dried out.

For the sweats I have now I discovered large incontinence bed pads are great. I suggest you try a package of the washable type to save a little money. Hope that helps soak up the sweat.

August 26
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Hi, I have noticed that when I sleep facing the door I'm cooler, might be my imagination.

August 26
MyLeukemiaTeam

Night sweats are one of the most commonly reported struggles among people with leukemia — so know that you're definitely not alone in this. Waking up every 45 minutes to an hour sounds absolutely exhausting, and it's worth talking to your oncologist about it, as they can help identify whether it's the leukemia itself or a Show Full Answer

Night sweats are one of the most commonly reported struggles among people with leukemia — so know that you're definitely not alone in this. Waking up every 45 minutes to an hour sounds absolutely exhausting, and it's worth talking to your oncologist about it, as they can help identify whether it's the leukemia itself or a treatment side effect causing it.

Here are some practical tips that have helped others manage night sweats:

Bedroom environment:
- Keep your room between 60–67°F
- Use a fan or air conditioning
- Switch to cotton or sweat-wicking sheets and lightweight, layered blankets

Lifestyle adjustments:
- Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine, especially in the evening
- Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing

Medical options your doctor might consider:
- Adjusting or switching your current leukemia treatment
- Medications specifically for night sweats, such as certain antidepressants, hormone therapy, or clonidine A MyLeukemiaTeam member shared that a good fan and AC really helped them stay dry through the night. Another member noted that their night sweats improved over time as their body adjusted to treatment — so there is hope!

Definitely bring this up with your care team soon, as waking that frequently is seriously disrupting your rest, which is so important for your overall wellbeing.

August 24

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