Your joints might hurt more at night due to a combination of factors related to your body's natural processes and how you're positioned while sleeping.
Here's a breakdown of the common reasons:
Hormonal Fluctuations
- Cortisol Levels: Cortisol, an anti-inflammatory hormone, naturally decreases at night. Lower cortisol levels can lead to increased pain and inflammation in your joints.
Fluid Pooling and Stiffening
- Inflammatory Chemicals: When you lie down, inflammatory chemicals pool in the fluid cushioning your joints. This pooling effect can cause joint stiffness and increased pain throughout the night.
Lack of Activity
- During the day, movement helps to circulate fluids and reduce stiffness in your joints. At night, inactivity can lead to increased stiffness and discomfort.
