Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Body temperature is monitored and regulated by a part of the brain called hypothalamus. It acts as a thermostat by altering the balance of heat production and loss through the nervous system. In this article, we will discuss whether fever comes at night and the reason of its spikes during the nighttime.
Can fever come at night?
Fevers can occur at any time of day, including at night. However, it is common for fevers to be higher in the evening and at night compared to the morning. This is because circadian rhythm (body’s natural sleep-wake clock) can cause body temperature to fluctuate throughout the day, with a peak in the late afternoon and early evening. Additionally, when a person is lying down and resting at night, the body is not expending as much energy as it does during the day. This can cause your body temperature to rise slightly. So, if a person has a fever, it can worsen at night. However, it’s important to note that fevers can occur at any time of day and can have a variety of causes. So, if a person is experiencing a fever, they must consult a doctor if the symptoms worsen, or the fever persists for a long.
Why does a fever spike at night?
Normally, core body temperature is low in the morning and increases by a few degrees by the evening. So, a low fever during the day can easily spike by night. Although there is a lack of understanding of the exact reason behind fever spikes at night, there are a few possible explanations.
Firstly, the body’s natural circadian rhythm can cause body temperature to fluctuate throughout the day, with a peak in the late afternoon and early evening. This means your body temperature is already slightly elevated in the evening, which can contribute to a fever feeling worse at night.
Secondly, when you lie down to sleep, your body is not expending as much energy as it does during the day. This means that your body may be less efficient at dissipating heat, which can cause your body temperature to rise slightly.
Thirdly, Due to the circadian rhythm, the inflammatory response mechanism of the immune system is amplified. During fever, the immune system deliberately raises your body temperature as part of its strategy to kill the virus attacking you. It can also trigger hot flashes and chills along with the fever. Certain hormones regulate body temperatures, such as cortisol and interleukin-6. These hormones can stimulate the immune system and contribute to a fever.
Lastly, certain diseases and infections that cause fever, such as tuberculosis, etc. may follow a circadian pattern, with symptoms worsening at night.
It’s important to note that fever spikes at night are not always a cause for concern. However, if you are experiencing other symptoms in addition to night sweats or fever, or if your fever is persistently high, then it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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