Many parents are worried about why a child sweats during sleep. 2 years to the baby or 1 month, the answer is usually one - the poor climate in the room. However, besides this simple factor, such a reaction can be a symptom of a particular disease.
Main problems
Sweat is secreted in the body through the work of the autonomic nervous system. But in addition to removing salt water from the body, it also regulates blood circulation, respiration, digestion of food and body temperature. All these processes are closely interconnected. The glands responsible for sweating begin to function normally only in 3-4 years. They are finally formed up to 5 years. In young children, this process is only at the developmental stage, and sometimes sweat can be released very intensely.
Among the reasons why a child sweats during sleep can be:
- The increased temperature in the room, the baby is just hot.
- Synthetic or overly warm pajamas.
- An individual feature of a small organism.
- A temporary malfunction in the autonomic system also manifests itself in this way.
- Heredity, if one of the parents also suffers from excessive sweating.
- A small amount of vitamin D in the body (usually a symptom of rickets).
- Cold or viral infection.
Doctor's comment
However, it should be noted that excessive sweating at night cannot be the main symptom of a disease.
Typically, this process occurs if the room is too hot. This is the main reason why the baby sweats while sleeping. Komarovsky Evgeny Olegovich, a well-known pediatrician, knows the answers to all questions of parents. He is sure: if you set the correct thermal regime, this problem will disappear. But when the child is really sick, then usually this reaction of the body occurs in combination with other ailments, says the famous pediatrician.
Other causes of excessive night sweats include overeating. In this case, the body needs a lot of energy to digest food.
The right microclimate in the room
Very often, parents, especially young and inexperienced, try to recreate the "conditions of Africa" in the children's room. If the thermometer is above 22 ° C, the bedroom will be constantly stuffy and hot. Adults are so afraid that the baby may freeze, that they deliberately put him in an artificial bath. However, few people think that one should fear not only hypothermia, but also overheating.
The body produces a large amount of heat, so the need arises in the body to get rid of heat. This can be done with the help of the lungs or through the skin. This is why the baby sweats while sleeping. In the process, the baby loses water and salt, the supply of which is very small. On the parts of the body where the fluid was released, a red rash occurs - diaper rash. Also, the baby's stomach begins to hurt. Due to lack of water, gastric juices become thicker and are not able to digest food. Thrush appears in the mouth - white marks on the tongue. Saliva also does not cope with its task. It’s hard to breathe with your nose. Therefore, the child is uncomfortable sucking.
Night clothes
Many pediatricians note that normal temperature should fluctuate between 18-19 ° C. Other factors should not be forgotten. Now in almost all apartments, due to heating, air humidity is two times lower than normal. The optimum mark is 50-70%.
Another reason why a child sweats heavily during sleep can be excessive parental care. Often, mothers and fathers dress the baby too warmly for the night. In addition to thick pajamas, relatives also wrap a heavy blanket. Naturally, under such a layer, the body begins to produce sweat. Doctors say that in summer it is better to put daughters and sons in light T-shirts and panties. When the cold season comes, pants and blouses made of natural materials are suitable.
In this night outfit, the baby will feel comfortable. Movement will become more free, and sleep - stronger. Parents should buy quality items because cheap fabrics are not able to let in air. Then the question does not arise about why the baby sweats during sleep.
Many experts note that excess heat harms children more than cold.
Active day and good sleep
Another external factor should be taken into account. In particular, the excitement of the nervous system crumbs. During the day, the baby can be loaded with work. He must be active, run a lot, play and have fun. However, just before bedtime, it is better to remove the child from vivid impressions and a noisy, emotional company. If you do not adhere to this rule, the baby may sweat in a dream.
Before putting the baby to bed, it is better to read him an hour, calm him down with an inactive game, drawing or modeling. You can watch TV or learn a poem. Otherwise, there is a possibility of a nightmare. And this is one of the reasons why a child sweats during sleep.
In order for the child not to wake up in wet pajamas, you should bathe him in the evening. The bath can be filled with water with the addition of sea salt, mint or valerian. Helps to combat perspiration and chamomile with a string. Another option: after an emotional day, give your son or daughter a cup of herbal tea. But there are different types of drinks, and they are selected by age category. Therefore, you should consult your doctor.
Vitamin D deficiency
Another disease that is manifested by excessive sweating is rickets. However, in addition to this symptom, the disease proceeds with other symptoms. So, for example, sweat has a specific unpleasant odor and an unusual texture. It causes skin irritation and itching. The wet head constantly touches the pillow and a bald spot forms. Usually the hair disappears on the back of the head.
Rickets is a very dangerous disease, and it can give an answer to why the baby sweats during sleep. 1 year is usually the limit of a sore. However, vitamin D deficiency is very common in older children.
Another sign that your child is sick is a bad dream. A child can tremble and often wake up at night. Also, a clear symptom of rickets, in combination with the above symptoms, is a fear of sounds and light. These problems should immediately contact specialists.
Other factors
It is worth paying attention to the peculiarity of the body. Sometimes the autonomic nervous system works in a unique mode. If it is not completely formed, then fears are in vain. This is one of the common reasons why a child sweats while sleeping. 6 years is the age at which the vegetative system is fully formed.
The factor of heredity should not be excluded. In this case, all the organs that produce a particular fluid are vulnerable. If relatives have such problems as phenylketonuria (a violation of the metabolism of amino acids) or cystic fibrosis (failure of the secretion glands), then, accordingly, this will be transmitted to the baby. With the last disease, the sweat of the baby will be very salty. Sweating in a dream can be one of the symptoms of a viral disease. But the release of fluid happens both during and after the ailment.
Expert Advice
In order for the baby not to have to change his pajamas wet with sweat at night, it is better to eliminate the factors that lead to such a reaction. Put a humidifier in the nursery. Make sure that the temperature in the bedroom is not too high. If the baby opens at night - this is also a sign that he is hot.
If from 25 ° C you immediately go to 18-19 ° C, then dress the baby in thick pajamas. Out of habit, the child will still open up over the next few nights, and then get used to the fresh atmosphere. You should also ventilate the room at least three times a day.
After these rules are fulfilled, the question of why the child sweats during sleep will disappear by itself. The house is not hot, but rather cool - in this case, the reason should be sought in other factors.
Dr. Komarovsky and other leading experts say that the main thing is not to look for non-existent diseases in the child. High-quality pajamas, a blanket and a pillow, a moderately cool and moistened room - and sweating will disappear at night.