How Long Do Night Sweats Last After Alcohol Detox?

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answered by Treatment X Evidence Based How Long Do Night Sweats Last After Alcohol Detox? Written by Dr. Anjali Talcherkar, Ph.D. Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D.

Updated on September 11, 2025

Sweating can be a symptom of alcohol use disorder and alcohol withdrawal. This can last through the acute detoxification period. Night sweats from alcohol detox may last days or weeks depending on biological and personal factors.

ON THIS PAGE:
  • Causes
  • Other Sleep Disturbances
  • Are Night Sweats Dangerous?
  • Managing Night Sweats
  • FAQ
  • Show More
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Night sweats are one of the most common and uncomfortable symptoms people experience during alcohol detox and withdrawal. While these episodes can be distressing and disrupt sleep, they are typically a temporary part of the body’s healing process as it adjusts to functioning without alcohol.

Most people experience night sweats along with other symptoms like flushing and elevated body temperature throughout the acute withdrawal period, which generally lasts five to seven days. However, the duration and intensity can vary depending on factors like how much and how long someone has been drinking, their overall health, and whether they’re receiving medical supervision. If you or someone you know is dealing with severe night sweats during detox, it’s important to seek a medical detoxification program to ensure safety and comfort.

What Causes Night Sweats During Alcohol Detox?

Night sweats can be a side effect of alcohol consumption, alcohol intolerance, or alcohol withdrawal, largely because alcohol affects the central nervous system. The central nervous system (CNS) helps to regulate body temperature, blood pressure, and heart function. Alcohol, and alcohol withdrawal, can disrupt normal CNS activity.

Furthermore, night sweats can also be influenced by factors such as the use of certain medications (e.g. steroids, antidepressants), menopause, and other health conditions.

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Other Possible Sleep Disturbances During Alcohol Detox

There are several common signs of alcohol withdrawal that can disrupt a person’s sleep and cause physical discomfort after their last drink during the detox process.

Common side effects of alcohol detox include:

  • daytime sweating
  • hot flashes
  • goosebumps
  • chills
  • insomnia
  • high body temperature
  • anxiety

Fever can also occur during alcohol detox, although this is a more serious side effect that can be a sign of a life-threatening form of withdrawal known as delirium tremens (DTs).

Are Night Sweats Dangerous During Alcohol Detox?

Night sweats aren’t inherently a sign of danger. Excessive sweating, however, may contribute to dehydration in conjunction with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Excessive sweating can also be a sign of certain medical conditions, a mental health issue such as anxiety, and severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Signs of severe alcohol withdrawal include:

  • very rapid heart rate
  • abnormal heart rhythm
  • confusion
  • agitation
  • seizures
  • high blood pressure
  • hallucinations

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be safely and effectively managed within an inpatient detox environment, such as a detox facility or addiction treatment center.

Managing Night Sweats During Alcohol Detox

Night sweats during detoxification may not be avoidable. However, there are ways that you can help reduce its intensity and the discomfort it may cause.

Tips for managing night sweats include:

  • staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
  • avoid using very heavy blankets
  • change your sheets regularly while detoxing
  • keep your bedroom at a reasonable temperature
  • showering to remove excess salt from the skin
  • wearing light clothes to bed

Anyone who is alcohol-dependent and undergoing withdrawal should seek medical advice from a healthcare provider prior to attempting alcohol detox at home. While night sweats are not one of the more serious symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, alcohol dependence may require additional treatment from a substance use treatment provider.

Night Sweats And Alcohol FAQs

Find answers to common questions about how alcohol causes night sweats during withdrawal, how long they last, and alcohol abuse treatment options.

Are Night Sweats Normal After You Stop Drinking Alcohol?

Night sweats are a common sign of alcohol withdrawal, which is a condition that can develop when a person with alcohol dependency stops drinking alcohol.

Does Alcohol Contribute To Night Sweats?

Alcohol can contribute to sweating due to its effects on the circulatory and central nervous systems.

Consuming alcohol can speed up heart activity, which in turn can lead to dilated blood vessels and symptoms such as flushed skin, warmness, and sweating.

What Are Symptoms Of Night Sweats During Alcohol Detox?

Night sweats can generally be described as unusual or excessive sweating during the night hours.

This may be accompanied by additional symptoms such as:

  • high body temperature
  • flushed skin
  • hot flashes
  • difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • restlessness

Additional contributors that can cause you to experience night sweats include the use of certain prescription drugs, low blood sugar, and other alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

For more information about alcohol detox and how to find an alcohol detox program near you, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or browse our directory.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff

This page does not provide medical advice. See more Article resources

Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.

These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.

  • U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus — Alcohol Withdrawalhttps://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000764.htm
  • U.S. National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA) — Complications of Alcohol Withdrawalhttps://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh22-1/61-66.pdf
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