Do you wake up at night because of Hip Pain? Does your hip hurt when you sit, sleep, or move around? Many adults suffer from hip pain at night, which can severely affect sleep quality and overall well-being. There are many ways to treat it, from simple exercises and pain relief methods to more advanced options like injections or surgery if needed. In this blog, we’ll talk about why hip pain happens, how to sleep better with it, and the best ways to find long-term hip pain relief.

Why Does Hip Pain Get Worse at Night?

Hip pain often feels worse at night, making it hard to sleep. But why does this happen? Here are three simple reasons:

• Less Movement — When you sleep, your body stays still for hours. This can make your hip stiff and more painful.

• Inflammation Builds Up — Lying down slows blood flow, so swelling and soreness increase.

• Pressure on the Joint — Some sleep positions can hurt your hip more, making hip pain while sleeping.

• You Notice It More — At night, there are no distractions, so you feel the pain more than during the day.

Common Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain can result from various causes, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Here are some causes:

• Arthritis — joint wear and tear, common in older adults

• Bursitis — swollen cushioning pads near the hip

• Injuries — falls, fractures, or overuse in sports

• Pinched nerves (like sciatica) can cause sharp pain that shoots down your leg.

• Muscle strains — from heavy lifting or sudden movements

Effective Hip Pain Treatments

Effective hip pain treatment depends on the underlying cause, but here are some of the most recommended approaches:

1. Treatments Without Surgery

1. Physical Therapy & Stretching

• Gentle exercises can make your hip stronger and more flexible.

• A therapist can teach you the right moves.

2. Medicines for Pain & Swelling

• Over-the-counter pills like ibuprofen can help.

• Always check with a doctor first.

3. Steroid Shots (Injections)

• If pain is bad, a doctor may give a special shot to reduce swelling.

2. Surgery Options (If Needed)

1. Hip Replacement Surgery

• For very damaged hips, doctors can replace the joint with an artificial one.

• Helps people walk and move without pain again.

2. Arthroscopic Surgery

• A small surgery with tiny cuts to fix problems inside the hip.

• Faster recovery than big surgeries.

Best Sleeping Positions for Hip Pain Relief

Hip pain while sleeping can make it hard to rest well. How you sleep can make your pain better or worse. Here are the best sleeping positions:

1. Side Sleepers (Most Common)

If you sleep on your side, you might notice hip pain more. But you can make it better:

• Place a pillow between your knees to help keep your hips in line.

• Use a firm mattress to support your hips.

• Try sleeping on the side that doesn’t hurt.

2. Back Sleepers

Sleeping on your back can help hip pain because it spreads your weight evenly:

• Place a small pillow under your knees to take pressure off your hips.

• Use a medium-firm mattress for better support.

• Avoid thick pillows that lift your head too much.

3. Stomach Sleepers (Not Recommended!)

Sleeping on your stomach can make hip pain worse because it strains your back and hips:

• If you can’t change, put a thin pillow under your hips to help.

• Try switching to your side or back slowly.

4. Extra Tips for Better Sleep

• Stretch before bed — Gentle stretches can relax your hips.

• Use heat or ice — A warm bath or ice pack can reduce pain.

• Stay active — Light exercise during the day helps hip pain at night.

• Check your mattress — If it’s too soft or old, it might be causing pain.

When to Consider Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip pain might seem small at first, but it can get worse over time. It may make it hard to move, sleep, and enjoy daily life. While some hip pain can be treated with rest, medicine, or therapy, sometimes surgery is the best way to fix it for good.

Signs You May Need Hip Replacement:

• Severe pain that disrupts daily activities (walking, climbing stairs).

• Chronic stiffness limiting mobility (difficulty bending or rotating the hip).

• Failed relief from painkillers, therapy, or lifestyle changes.

• Arthritis or joint damage visible on X-rays/MRI.

Conclusion

Hip pain can make it hard to sleep and move easily, but there are ways to feel better. Try changing how you sleep to reduce discomfort. If the pain doesn’t go away, see an orthopedic doctor for help. Dr. Vaibhav Jain is an expert who can find the right treatment for your hip pain. Don’t let pain stop you, book an appointment today and start feeling better.

FAQs for Hip Pain

1. Why does hip pain get worse at night?

Hip joint pain often feels worse at night. This happens because when you don’t move much, your hip can get stiff and swollen.

2. What exercises help with hip pain at night?

Gentle stretches before bed can improve flexibility and reduce night time pain.

3. When should I see a doctor for hip pain?

See an orthopedic specialist like Dr. Vaibhav Jain if your hip pain lasts more than a few weeks, causes swelling, or makes walking difficult.

4. What are the most common causes of hip pain?

Common causes include arthritis, bursitis, sciatica, hip labral tears, and injuries. Age, obesity, and overuse can also contribute.

5. How long does it take to recover from hip pain treatment?

Recovery depends on the treatment. Physical therapy may take weeks, while surgery (like hip replacement) requires 3–6 months for full recovery.