Is it normal to sweat at night in a cool room when using an electric blanket after starting a new antidepressant?

Short answer

Why people ask this

In the past 4–6 weeks, you’ve had mild to moderate night sweating 1–2 nights a week after a bad cold and within two weeks of starting a new antidepressant. The room is cool, but you’re using flannel sheets and an electric blanket on medium, with late-evening HIIT workouts, spicy dinners, some caffeine, and a nightly beer. People wonder if this combination can explain damp chest/back, a wet pillow, and brief awakenings with vivid dreams, especially without daytime fever. They also want to know when sweating is a normal adjustment versus a sign to check in with a clinician.

When it might be safe

• Sweating started within a few weeks of beginning a new antidepressant and is improving or stable
• Happens 1–2 nights per week with mild to moderate dampness (T‑shirt change, sheets not soaked)
• Coincides with nights using flannel bedding and an electric blanket on medium
• Follows late HIIT sessions, spicy takeout, or an evening beer
• You’re recovering from a recent cold with mild lingering congestion and no daytime fevers

When it is not safe

• Drenching sweats that soak sheets or require multiple clothing changes
• Persistent high temperature or chills for several days
• Unintentional weight loss, ongoing cough, or new lumps that don’t go away
• New strong pounding heartbeat, chest pain, or shortness of breath at rest — seek urgent care now
• Heat intolerance with shaking, loose stools, and unexplained restlessness
• Shaking, nausea, or severe insomnia when cutting back after heavy alcohol use

Possible risks

• Overheating from flannel sheets and an electric blanket can trap heat, leading to night sweating and fragmented sleep
• A new antidepressant can increase sweating and vivid dreams, especially in the first weeks
• Late-evening HIIT elevates core temperature and adrenaline close to bedtime, prompting nighttime warmth and awakenings
• Spicy dinners, caffeine, and an evening beer can promote flushing, light dehydration, and overnight sweating
• Post‑cold recovery may temporarily affect temperature regulation and nasal congestion, which can disturb sleep

Safer alternatives

• Reduce or pause the electric blanket, switch to breathable sheets, and layer lighter blankets you can vent easily; follow the electric blanket manufacturer’s safety instructions
• Schedule HIIT earlier in the day; add a longer cool‑down, lukewarm shower, and allow wind‑down time before bed
• Limit late‑day caffeine and alcohol; choose milder dinners or earlier spicy meals
• Use a fan or open a window for airflow; wear moisture‑wicking sleepwear and keep a spare T‑shirt nearby
• Stay hydrated in the evening without large volumes right at bedtime; address lingering congestion with simple humidity and nasal rinsing
• If sweating remains bothersome after a few weeks, ask your clinician about options for managing antidepressant‑related sweating; don’t stop or change the dose without medical advice

Bottom line

Occasional mild night sweats can be normal when a cool room is offset by warm bedding, recent antidepressant start, late workouts, spicy food, and a nightcap—especially after a recent cold. Tweak the sleep setup and evening habits and monitor for change. If symptoms persist beyond 2–4 weeks, worsen, or red flags appear, contact a clinician. Seek urgent care for chest pain or trouble breathing. This page is general information and not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.

Related questions

Search something else