The 14 Overlooked Symptoms That Could Be Pointing to an Autoimmune Disorder

5. Persistent Trouble with Temperature Regulation

If you’re always reaching for a sweater when others aren’t, or feeling flushed and sweaty without a clear reason, you might be experiencing more than ordinary weather woes. Persistent trouble regulating temperature—like frequent chills, hot flashes, or unexplained sweats—can signal immune system imbalance. It’s an easy symptom to write off, since everyone’s cold or hot from time to time. But if these swings are new, worsening, or disruptive to your comfort, they deserve a closer look. Autoimmune activity can affect the nervous system and hormone balance, both key players in how our bodies handle temperature. Even if no fever is present, these patterns aren’t just “in your head” or quirks of getting older—they can be real signs your body wants support.

6. Sleep Disturbances

A restless night or two is part of life for most people—but ongoing trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up unrefreshed is a different story. For many living with autoimmune issues, broken or poor-quality sleep isn’t just frustrating, it becomes a cycle that intensifies every other symptom. Even after enough time in bed, you can wake feeling like you’ve barely rested at all. Sleep problems are frequently blamed on stress, caffeine, or disruptions in routine. While those play a part, persistent sleep difficulties may point to underlying inflammation or immune system signaling run amok. If you’re struggling to get restful, restorative sleep despite your best efforts, it might be time to gently wonder about your immune health with your provider.