Relief for Night Sweats From CLL Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Leukemia Relief for Night Sweats From CLL By Dr. Vijayakrishna K GadiReviewed: April 16, 2009Fact-CheckedQ1. I have chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and experience night sweats brought on by my disease. Do you have any tips for relieving these night sweats? Night sweats are one of the common complications of CLL. Although the exact mechanism by which these occur is unknown, we suspect that the cancer cells release certain hormones, only during sleep, that cause patients to sweat. Because we don’t know exactly why this happens, it is hard to target the symptom with any known medicine. Finding relief can be a challenge. The obvious method is to treat the CLL directly. However, if the CLL is not very severe and is progressing very slowly, such that you have no life-threatening complications, treatment could potentially be put off for years. Because night sweats in and of themselves are not considered dangerous, they are rarely a reason to initiate treatment for the CLL. I can offer only basic advice. Leaving a window open or having a fan blowing on you or nearby could help. Wear a thin nighttime shirt or gown that you can easily remove if necessary. Also, make sure that you talk to your doctor about whether you might be experiencing menopause or andropause (the male equivalent), because these two conditions are also associated with hot flashes and night sweats. Talk to women who are going through or have gone through menopause to see what has worked for them — those techniques could also work for you. Q2. My night sweats at times are severe. When this happens, should I drink an electrolyte solution or would regular water suffice? Night sweats are a common problem for persons with CLL or lymphoma. However, severe dehydration or electrolyte abnormalities are unusual with night sweats. If you feel dehydrated, either regular water or an electrolyte solution is fine. Learn more in the Everyday Health Leukemia Center. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Cancer Care Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Leukemia Leukemia Survivorship and Care Information, support, and resources can help survivors cope with any long-term effects of treatment.By Julie Lynn MarksAugust 25, 2022 Leukemia Treatments Chemotherapy Targeted Therapy Radiation and MorePeople diagnosed with leukemia have many options for treatment, including new targeted drugs. By Julie Lynn MarksAugust 25, 2022 What Is Hairy Cell Leukemia Treatment Symptoms and CausesBy Pamela KaufmanAugust 8, 2022 What Is Myelofibrosis Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and PreventionBy Julie Lynn MarksJune 12, 2022 What Is Acute Myeloid Leukemia AML Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and PreventionBy Pamela KaufmanDecember 2, 2021 What Is Leukemia Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and PreventionLeukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood cells and bone marrow, a soft spongy tissue inside the bones where blood cells are made.By Julie Lynn MarksAugust 13, 2020 What is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia CLL Symptoms Stages and Treatment CLL is the most common leukemia that occurs in adults.By Julie Lynn MarksJune 16, 2020 Leukemia Rashes Infections and Bruises People with leukemia are prone to a range of skin-related problems, from rashes and bruising to infections and bleeding into the skin.By Nicol NataleMarch 27, 2019 Chemo-Free Drug Combination Tops Standard Chemotherapy for Treating Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia CLL Nearly 85 percent of patients survived for two years without disease progressing.By Paul RaeburnJuly 31, 2018 Types of Leukemia There s More Than One Variety of This Blood DiseaseNot all leukemias are the same. The cancer is divided into different types, depending on the blood cells it affects and how fast it progresses.By Julie MarksMay 29, 2018 MORE IN Coping With Hot Flashes and Other Menopausal Symptoms What 15 Celebrities Said 7 Tips for a Good Night s Sleep in the Summer Heat and Humidity Treating Menopausal and Perimenopausal Symptoms