An analysis of the efficacy of reducing daily spices and simple carbohydrates intake on treating night sweats in toddlers

Background

Night sweats (NS) are very prevalent in children. While numerous studies focus on NS in adults, there is a dearth of information on this condition addressing mainly children.

Methods

In this pre-post intervention study, 18 to 20-month-old subjects with severe NS but no medical conditions were assigned to a two-week sugar-and-spice-free diet. After the intervention, the prevalence, severity, frequency, and accompanying symptoms of the subjects' NS were determined in both the compliant and less compliant subjects.

Results

The population's prevalence rate of severe NS was 13.8% with no statically significant difference in age, gender, and weight. There was a positive correlation between the severity and frequency of NS. Of 29 subjects, 12 (41.4%) were completely treated, 15 (51.7%) were partially treated, and five (6.9%) experienced no change. Concerning the frequency of NS, 15 (51.7%) experienced a significant reduction, four (13.7%) a slight reduction, and 10 (34.6%) experienced no change. Also, 18 (62.1%) subjects reportedly experienced a promotion in their sleep quality.

Conclusion

Higher consumption of sugar and spices is associated with both a greater magnitude of night sweats and their frequency. Cutting down on sugar and spices, on the other hand, can result in not only a significant reduction in both the severity and frequency of night sweats but also a promotion in sleep quality.

IRCT2014020516432N1.