Caring for your HIV-related problem: Night Sweats 
PROBLEM: Sweating that is not related to exercise. Night sweats occur during the day or at night when you are sleeping. When you wake up your clothes and bed sheets are soaking wet.

Night sweats are associated with HIV itself and typically are not associated with fever and infection.
>TREATMENT:  There are many ways to treat this problem. One way to treat this problem is to address the cause of the sweats. The first step is to contact your physician or nurse. By working together, a treatment plan can be developed for you. This plan may include prescription or non-prescription medications, vitamins, changes to your diet, or other treatments.
>SELF CARE:  Here are some strategies you may try to help you feel better:
  • Keep skin warm and dry.
  • After you wake up, change your clothes, towel dry, and apply lotion to your skin.
  • Wear light cotton clothing.
  • Have a change of clothes or dry linen nearby especially when sweats occur at night.
  • Drink plenty of fluids (at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses per day).
  • Talk to your doctor or nurse about taking TylenolTM (acetaminophen) before going to bed at night.
  • Place a towel over your pillow in case of profuse sweating.
>Guidelines for the symptoms of
>Anxiety >Depression >Diarrhea >Fatigue >Fever
>Forgetfulness >Insomnia >Lipodystrophy >Nausea >Neuropathy
>Night Sweats >Shortness of Breath >Skin Rash/Dermatitis >Unplanned Weight Loss >Vaginal Problems
Home|Symptom Management Strategies|Resources Online|Email the Nurse        ©Dean Wantland MS, RN, MSN
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