Symptom 10: Excessive Sweating, Especially at Night
For most, night-time is a realm of rest, recuperation, and rejuvenation. But for individuals with ALL, nights can be dampened – quite literally – by bouts of excessive sweating. These aren’t your regular night sweats caused by a heavy blanket or a warm room. They are profuse, recurrent, and almost inexplicable episodes that leave the individual drenched.
One might wonder, why the night? While the exact cause remains elusive, it’s theorized that the body, in its attempt to combat the escalating leukemia cells, might raise its temperature, leading to these nocturnal sweat episodes. This isn’t about a thermostat gone awry; it’s the body’s alarm system signaling disruption.
Beyond just damp sheets and disrupted sleep, these night sweats can cascade into a series of complications. Persistent dampness can make one prone to chills, given the wet skin in a cool environment. Moreover, disrupted sleep can lead to fatigue, mood fluctuations, and a general sense of malaise.
Excessive sweating might not always be an isolated event. Individuals might also experience fever, weight loss, or even localized pain. These associated symptoms, combined with recurrent night sweats, create a symptom mosaic that’s too significant to overlook. (10)
