The connection between night sweats and alcohol can be attributed to the body’s response when liquor is introduced into the bloodstream. Alcohol is a vasodilator, which means when the drink is consumed, blood vessels dilate, or expand in size. When this occurs, it creates a warm sensation throughout the body. At night, the blood vessels continue to react, causing the person to sweat even though he or she is at rest. In addition to alcohol consumption, sudden abstinence — or alcohol withdrawal — may also lead to nighttime sweating.
A period of heavy drinking, or binging, doses the blood stream with an exorbitant amount of alcohol. This affects the mind in many destructive ways. In addition to other areas of the brain, it changes the way the hypothalamus, the portion of the brain that regulates temperature, responds. As a result of the signals sent by it, blood vessels dilate, which induces hot flashes.
Usually, a small amount of alcohol consumption does not cause this symptom. Many social drinkers do not wake up sweating in the middle of the night just because they enjoyed a glass of wine or a beer earlier in the day. Night sweats and alcohol consumption may be more prevalent when an individual is suffering from dependence. Intermittent binge drinking may also cause the symptom, even when addiction is not a factor.
When people are chemically dependent and decide to quit drinking, night sweats and alcohol withdrawal symptoms are quite common. Other uncomfortable side effects may also occur, such as tremors, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Some withdrawal symptoms may become apparent as early as six hours following the last time a dependent person consumed the substance. For this reason, effects of withdrawal, such as night sweats, can occur even if the individual is not intentionally trying to quit.
In those who drink daily, night sweats along with alcohol dependence indicate a serious condition that rarely resolves on its own. People who are addicted to controlled substances usually require professional treatment to overcome dependence. Inpatient rehabilitation centers, for example, specialize in detoxification, along with the many stages of recovery.
While not always necessary, medication may be prescribed to help combat the side effects of withdrawal that may occur when an addicted person stops drinking. Some patients are able to quit without medicine, but seek help from an outpatient rehabilitation facility for support. Group therapy, as well as one-on-one sessions with substance abuse counselors, can assist people who are battling addiction.