Sweating is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which is the part of the nervous system that operates without conscious control. Specifically, the sympathetic nervous system activates the sweat glands through the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
When your body's internal temperature starts to rise, a small region in your brain called the hypothalamus signals your eccrine sweat glands to release sweat. Eccrine sweat glands are the most common type of sweat glands and are located throughout your body. They release a clear, odorless fluid that helps to cool the body through evaporation.
While the autonomic nervous system primarily controls sweating, other factors can influence how much you sweat, such as:
- Exercise: Increased physical activity raises your body temperature, prompting your body to sweat more.
- Hormones: Some hormones, like adrenaline, can trigger sweating.
- Stress: Emotional stress can also trigger sweating.
- Spicy food: Spicy foods can stimulate the sweat glands, leading to increased sweating.
- Medications: Some medications, like antidepressants, can cause increased sweating as a side effect.
