"Granddaughter Sweats When She Sleeps"

Updated on July 11, 2008
L.H. asks from York, PA
15 answers

My 18 month granddaughter sweats really bad when she sleeps. I was babysitting her and layed her next me until she fell asleep, then i put her in her crib. I noticed as soon as she started to fall asleep her forehead became sweaty and her back was clammy. She sweats so bad her hair and clothes are very wet. Also, I believe this is why she doesn't sleep through the night. Has anyone experienced this when their children or grandchildren sleeps?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Lancaster on

Just keep her lightly covered at night with minimal nightclothes; i.e., a diaper, a sleeveless PJ shirt, and light blanket. Don't let the A/C blow directly on her to keep her from getting chilled when she sweats. A light fan in her room may help. My son was the same way - his little body and clothing would be soaked. He is now nine years old, perfectly healthy, and still sweats more than anyone I know!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from York on

I had the same issue with my son, and sometimes still do. It was a little bit worse when he was younger, I think. He still gets kinda hot when he sleeps, but doesn't sweat as badly as he used to. He's three this month, btw. Maybe it's something they'll just grow out of? I don't think it's anything to worry about, but if you're honestly concerned, maybe check with the pediatrician?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.D.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hello,

I had a similar problem with my daughter. I know this may be a dumb question, but did you try putting her in minimal clothing and washing her face with cool water before putting her down for a nap?
I also have a fan on in the room (which the noise, blocks other household noises and actually helps her sleep longer).

But she does not get the fan wind directly on her, b/c of the bumper in the crib.

Anyway, I would sometimes in the summer wet her hair alittle first, then put her down for a nap. With the light clothing, fan and damp hair, it helped us. If not, check with your doctor.
good luck
T.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

HI L.,
My son is kind of like that. Sometimes he is so sweaty during the middle of the night when I check on him, I think he has a fever or something. But he's fine...just sweaty! I try not to bundle him up too heavily (even in the winter--he's not a "blanket sleeper with feet kind of kid"!) In winter, I put long pant/sleeve jammies on him but not too heavy (flannel, fleece etc.) I think some kids just sweat more than others. He's now 5 and has recently discovered a love of sleeping naked! He strips down after we put him to bed & leave the room. Funny!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.P.

answers from Philadelphia on

There is actually a name for the condition of extreme sweating, called "hyperhydrosis". I don't know whether it is ever seen in children, or whether this could be your grandchild's issue, but it's worth having in the back of your mind as a possibility.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.L.

answers from Philadelphia on

Both of my daughters, ages 3 and 1, sweat a lot. They always feel like they have a fever, but if you take their temp it's normal even though they feel hotter than that. I end up needing to have the air on in their room when they sleep or they won't sleep well. Sometimes the 3 year old will come in my room to sleep because her sister wakes her up. She'll sleep right in front of the fan since we don't have an AC in our bedroom.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.F.

answers from Pittsburgh on

It might just be normal for her. It was for my younger cousin. However, sweating with cold clammy skin can also be side effects of thyroid problems and diabetes.

While I am sure she is probably fine, it wouldn't hurt to give the pediatrician a call and let him know what is going on. He may have other questions that can rule out thyroid or diabetes problem or he may order some blood work just to be sure.

One thing you didn't mention is whether or not the house is air conditioned or uses fans, what the temperature of the house is or other things that could be affecting her. Like I said though, the best thing would probably be to call the pediatrician and tell him what she is doing (the sweating) and any other things that seem a little abnormal and just double check to make sure he doesn't think it warrants further investigation. Please don't hesitate to call them. Most offices are happy to take your call even if it seems like a silly question. Sometimes the things that seem just like they are strange quirks with us can actually be symptoms of something. Sometimes, they are just the way we are.

Good luck. Hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from York on

Hi L. - my daughter was the same way when she was small and still is today at age 6. I bought one of those real small table top fans for her room and run it just slightly over her every night while she sleeps. She sleeps wonderfully now. I was at first worried because her skin felt so cool to the touch, but she sleeps so much better and doesn't seem to be bothered by it. By dressing her in cooler pj's and running the fan I have much better nights!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

Y.Z.

answers from Philadelphia on

My 4 year old was like that too as a baby...used to wake up soaked, hair, pillow and all. He kind of outgrew it, though he's still not one of those kids that tolerates summer heat well, he gets all red and sweaty pretty quickly.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi L.!
My husband's, his family & my 2 kids all sweat really bad when they sleep. I figured it was a genetic thing!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.R.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi L., My four yr old has done the same thing his whole life. When he was an infant, I always knew when he was getting sleepy because his feet would instantly be hot to the touch. There must be a hormone that the body released associated with sleepiness. He will soak a pillow from it. My husband and I are not like that, but my father-in-law is and my husband has a girl cousin that does this. I really don't think there is any concern medically. Hope all this input gives you peace of mind. God bless!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Scranton on

Hi L.! Hope you and your family a nice Holiday! Just to let you know - my son, who is now 4 1/2 sweat terribly when he would sleep also - I think this lasted until he was 2 or 2 1/2. he doesn't do it anymore. He only did it when he napped though. I don't think you have any reason to worry! She will outgrow it!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi!
My now 16 year old daughter used to sweat like that, too. To this day, she's warmer than the rest of us, and likes to partially block the heating vent in her room with a piece of furniture so that she stays cool at night.
Some things that helped when she was little: Turn the thermostat down to 68,avoid plastic mattress covers,switch to onesies instead of PJs in the summer, and lightweight cotton jammies in the winter. Stay away from synthetic clothing,since it doesn't breathe. Hope this helps.
A.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi L.,

I'm am a mom of 3 children ages 16, 14, and 5. My son who is the youngest is a terrible sweater. He sweats when he sleeps and when he plays. Now, I know children sweat when they play, but he really sweats. He looks like he just got out of the shower, he is so sweaty. I spoke to my mother-in-law about this and she said that my husband was the same way when he was little. He still sweats a lot, both when he is working outside, and sometimes when he is sleeping. I don't really have any words of wisdom, or some kind of miracle cure I could advise of. The only thing I can say is, expect a lot of baths and sheet changes.

Good luck!
Kristin

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from Harrisburg on

My daughter is a heavy sweater. So was I! Two of my other boys sweat but not as much as my daughter. I dress her lightly and use a light blanket or sheet. It's just the nature of the beast. Nothing wrong with it. It just happens.

K. B
mom to 5 including triplets
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HarrisburgPAChat

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions