Why Do My Hips Hurt When I Sleep On My Side?

TLDR

Hip pain during sleep is often caused by pressure on the joint or inflammation. Small changes in sleep position and early care in our New York offices can help ease discomfort.

Table of Contents

Hip pain at night can make it difficult to get restful sleep. Many people notice the discomfort more when lying still, especially on one side.

Our experienced doctors in Long Beach, Hempstead, and Brooklyn, New York, evaluate the underlying cause of hip pain during sleep and provide simple, effective treatments to improve comfort and mobility.

Why Does My Hip Pain Seem Worse At Night?

Pain often feels worse at night because the body is at rest and there are fewer distractions. Lying on your side places direct pressure on the hip joint, which can irritate surrounding tissues.

Limited movement during sleep can also lead to stiffness, making hip pain more noticeable at night.

What Causes Hip Pain When Sleeping On My Side?

Several underlying conditions can contribute to hip pain when sleeping, especially those that affect the joint and surrounding tissues.

Poor Sleep Position

Sleeping on your side without proper support can place direct pressure on the hip joint. Over time, this can irritate surrounding tissues and lead to discomfort, especially if your mattress or pillow does not provide proper alignment.

Hip Arthritis and Hip Bursitis

Hip arthritis causes inflammation in the hip joint, leading to stiffness and pain. Hip bursitis occurs when the cushioning sacs around the hip become inflamed. Both conditions may feel worse at night, especially when lying on the affected side.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that develops over time. As cartilage breaks down, the joint loses cushioning, leading to stiffness and pain that can be more noticeable at night.

Gluteal Tendinopathy

Irritation or inflammation of the tendons around the hip can cause pain, especially with pressure from side sleeping, and may worsen at night.

Referred Pain

Not all hip pain starts in the hip joint. Sometimes, issues in the lower back or spine can send pain to the hip area.

How Can I Relieve Hip Pain From Sleeping On My Side?

Simple changes in how you prepare for sleep can help reduce hip pain:

Applying a warm or cold pack may reduce pain and inflammation.
A warm bath before bed can relax muscles and improve comfort.
Gentle stretching before sleep may reduce stiffness and improve mobility.
A pillow between the knees can reduce pressure on the hip joint.
A supportive mattress and avoiding pressure on one side can improve sleep alignment.

When Should You See A Doctor In New York?

Our doctors in Brooklyn, Hempstead, and Long Beach, New York, provide care for patients with hip pain.

If your pain does not improve with home care or begins to affect your daily routine, it may be time to seek a professional evaluation. Our pain management services in Brooklyn, Hempstead, and Long Beach help address the source of your pain and improve sleep quality.

Schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Key Takeaways

Burning hip pain at night is often linked to pressure on the joint, inflammation, or underlying joint conditions.
Side sleeping can increase pressure on the hip and worsen discomfort.
For persistent pain, our doctors at Hadi Pain Associates provide evaluation and care in Brooklyn, Hempstead, and Long Beach, New York.