{"id":24852,"date":"2026-06-24T14:22:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T14:22:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/?p=24852"},"modified":"2026-07-03T12:49:07","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T12:49:07","slug":"arthrose-et-sommeil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/arthrose-et-sommeil\/","title":{"rendered":"Osteoarthritis and sleep: why is the pain worse at night?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding the link between osteoarthritis and sleep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The relationship between\u00a0<strong>osteoarthritis and sleep<\/strong>\u00a0is complex. Many patients with\u2019<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ligues-rhumatisme.ch\/rhumatismes-de-a-a-z\/arthrose\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">osteoarthritis<\/a> report frequent nighttime awakenings, difficulty finding a comfortable position, or a greater feeling of pain at the end of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This situation often creates a vicious cycle. Pain disrupts sleep, while poor sleep can increase the perception of pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over time, this phenomenon can have a significant impact on quality of life, fatigue, and even mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee, hip or shoulder are particularly affected by this problem.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DZUh8v0DZV7\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DZUh8v0DZV7\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewbox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DZUh8v0DZV7\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Coulin Center of Movement (@coulinmedical)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why do the pains seem worse at night?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many patients wonder why their osteoarthritis seems more bearable during the day but becomes more bothersome once they lie down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In reality, several mechanisms explain this phenomenon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, nighttime is a time when distractions disappear. During the day, the brain is occupied with many activities. In the evening, when the environment becomes calmer, joint pain is often felt more acutely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Furthermore, some joints become more sensitive after a full day of activity. The accumulated stress over several hours can contribute to the onset of pain during rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is one of the reasons why the link between osteoarthritis and sleep is so common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does inflammation play a role?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if <a href=\"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/larthrose-mieux-comprendre-cette-maladie\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"23049\">osteoarthritis<\/a> is primarily a mechanical disease; inflammation often contributes to the symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After a day of activity, some joints may experience local irritation, which can cause:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>of an increase in pain; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a feeling of warmth; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>of discomfort at rest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This low-grade inflammation contributes to the difficulties experienced by patients suffering from osteoarthritis and disturbed sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pain is then more present when the body is immobile and attention is focused more on joint sensations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does sleeping position influence pain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Certain positions can increase the stress on joints affected by osteoarthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hip osteoarthritis can become more painful when sleeping on the affected side; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Osteoarthritis of the knee can cause discomfort when the legs remain in the same position for a long time; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some arthritic lower back pains increase with prolonged lying down.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finding a comfortable position can sometimes be difficult, which explains the repeated awakenings observed in many patients affected by osteoarthritis and sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why does lack of sleep increase pain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sleep plays an essential role in the body&#039;s recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a person sleeps poorly for several nights, the nervous system becomes more sensitive to painful stimuli. The pain is then perceived as more intense, even if the condition of the joint has not actually changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Studies show that poor sleep can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>an increase in sensitivity to pain; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>more fatigue; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a decrease in recovery capacity; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a decline in the quality of life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This explains why osteoarthritis and sleep are closely linked and often need to be addressed together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the signs of sleep disturbances caused by osteoarthritis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common symptoms are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>difficulty falling asleep; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>nighttime awakenings related to pain; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a feeling of non-restorative sleep; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>fatigue upon waking; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a greater pain in the morning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some people wake up several times a night to change position or try to relieve their painful joint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to improve sleep when suffering from osteoarthritis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several simple measures can help improve sleep quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is particularly advisable to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>maintain regular physical activity throughout the day; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>avoid strenuous activity in the evening; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>adopt a comfortable sleeping position; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>use a suitable mattress and pillow; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>maintain a regular bedtime.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These habits often help to limit the impact of the link between osteoarthritis and sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can treatments for osteoarthritis improve sleep?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. When pain is better controlled, sleep quality generally improves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the situation, several solutions can be proposed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>physiotherapy; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>muscle strengthening exercises; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pain-relieving medications; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>infiltrations; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Orthobiological treatments such as PRP in certain indications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is not only to reduce pain during the day, but also to get more restful nights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should you consult a doctor?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is recommended to consult a doctor when nighttime pain becomes frequent or persistently disrupts sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early intervention allows for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>to identify the cause of the pain; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>to adapt the treatment; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>to avoid a decline in the quality of life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The earlier the problem is addressed, the easier it is to improve both joint symptoms and sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The link between osteoarthritis and sleep is very real. Osteoarthritic pain tends to be felt more at night due to immobility, the accumulation of stress during the day, and a greater focus on painful sensations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, sleep disturbances can themselves amplify the perception of pain, creating a vicious cycle. That&#039;s why it&#039;s essential to address not only the osteoarthritis itself, but also its impact on nighttime rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With appropriate care, good sleep habits and targeted treatments when necessary, it is often possible to significantly improve sleep and regain a better quality of life despite osteoarthritis.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The link between osteoarthritis and sleep is often underestimated. Yet, many people with osteoarthritis experience increased pain during the night. Why do symptoms seem more intense at bedtime, and how can you get better quality sleep?<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24853,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[104],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24852","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-comprendre-informer"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24852","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24852"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24852\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25167,"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24852\/revisions\/25167"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24853"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24852"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24852"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24852"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}