CLL and Night Sweats: Why They Happen and How to Find Relief

“CLL-related night sweats may be drenching enough to soak pajamas or bedding, even when the room is cool,” says Benjamin Heyman, MD, a hematologist at City of Hope Orange County in Irvine, California. “If night sweats are new, persistent, or getting worse, let your care team know so they can help determine what’s causing them.”

Why CLL Causes Night Sweats

“Night sweats happen when the immune system reacts to leukemia cells by releasing inflammatory chemicals called cytokines,” says Juan Alderuccio, MD, associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami. “These substances act on the brain’s temperature-control center and trigger sweating, even when the body isn’t overheating.”

• Hormone-related issues, such as menopause
• Metabolic conditions, such as overactive thyroid
• Infections
• Medications, including antidepressants, steroids, some migraine drugs, narcotic and other pain relievers, and some drugs for managing blood pressure

Treating CLL-Related Night Sweats

If your doctor rules out other causes, the most effective way to deal with night sweats is to treat the CLL itself. “There’s no medication that specifically addresses night sweats caused by leukemia or lymphoma,” says Dr. Alderuccio. “However, once the disease is controlled, disease-related night sweats typically resolve.”

• Unexplained fevers
• Unintentional weight loss
• Extreme fatigue

“New or worsening drenching night sweats are especially important to report if you’re being monitored without treatment,” says Dr. Heyman. “Your healthcare team will then look at whether your CLL is becoming more active, and if initiation of therapy is warranted.”

Several treatment options are available for CLL, including:

• Targeted therapies
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy

Optimizing Your Bedroom for Better Sleep

• Keep your bedroom cool.
• Use a fan.
• Choose lightweight, breathable pajamas and bedding.
• Sleep under layers you can easily remove as your temperature changes.
• Try pillows or mattress covers that contain cooling gels.
• Have cold water at your bedside to drink when you wake up in the night.
• Keep dry sleepwear handy to change into.

Daily Habits and Nighttime Routines

Night sweats in CLL are usually driven by the disease itself, but certain lifestyle factors can act as triggers. Diet, activity, and stress may cause night sweats to happen more frequently or make them more severe.

• Avoid spicy food, large meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime.
• Take a cool shower before bed.
• Avoid vigorous exercise right before bedtime.
• Stay well hydrated during the day.

• Counseling or therapy
• Regular light physical activity
• Relaxation techniques, such as massage therapy, yoga, and meditation
• Support groups

When to Call Your Doctor

While night sweats are a common symptom of CLL, you should let your doctor know if they are new, becoming more frequent or severe, soaking your clothing or bedding, or regularly interfering with your sleep, Heyman says.

In addition, Heyman says CLL makes you more vulnerable to infections, and fever and sweating can be symptoms.

He recommends that you also contact your doctor if you’re having night sweats along with:

• Fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Worsening fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Other new symptoms