Have you ever experienced muscle aches and pains that seem to get worse as the day goes on, especially when you lie down at night? You’re not alone. Many people complain about experiencing increased muscle pain during the night, which can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. In this blog post, we’ll explore why general muscle aches hurt more at night and what you can do to alleviate the pain.
Changes in Circadian Rhythm
One reason why general muscle aches may hurt more at night is due to changes in your circadian rhythm. This is your body’s internal clock that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. During the day, your body produces cortisol, a hormone that helps reduce inflammation and pain. However, at night, cortisol levels decrease while other hormones like melatonin increase, which can make it harder for your body to manage pain and inflammation.
Poor Sleep Habits
Another reason why you may experience more muscle pain at night is due to poor sleep habits. If you’re not getting enough sleep or if your sleep quality is poor, you’re more likely to experience pain and discomfort throughout the day and especially at night when you’re lying still for long periods of time. Improving your sleep hygiene by going to bed and waking up at consistent times, avoiding screens before bedtime, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can help improve your overall sleep quality.
Overuse or Strain
General muscle aches can also be caused by overuse or strain from activities like exercise or heavy lifting. These activities can cause micro-tears in the muscles which lead to inflammation and soreness. Overuse injuries often worsen over time as the affected muscles are repeatedly used throughout the day leading up to bedtime.
Chronic Pain Conditions
If you suffer from chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders, you may be more likely to experience increased muscle pain at night. These conditions can cause widespread pain and inflammation throughout the body that can be exacerbated by changes in hormones and poor sleep quality.
Seeking Help from a Physiotherapist or Chiropractor
If you’re experiencing chronic muscle pain that is interfering with your daily life and sleep, it’s important to seek help from a professional. A physiotherapist or chiropractor can assess your symptoms and create a treatment plan to alleviate your pain. They may recommend exercises to strengthen weak muscles, manual therapy techniques like massage or manipulation, or other modalities like heat or ice therapy.
Muscle aches and pains are common, but they don’t have to interfere with your daily life and sleep. By understanding why general muscle aches hurt more at night, you can take steps to alleviate the pain such as improving your sleep hygiene habits, seeking help from a professional like a physiotherapist or chiropractor, and taking steps to manage any chronic pain conditions you may have. It is important to remember that everyone deals with muscle aches differently. Some people may experience muscle aches constantly, while others may deal with muscle aches when resting. Don’t suffer in silence – there are solutions available to help you feel better and get back to living your best life.
