So what can you do to sleep better with hip pain? Try these simple strategies to soothe your achy hips and get better rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider the underlying cause<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are several underlying reasons why you might be experiencing hip pain while sleeping. Sometimes the best treatments vary accordingly, so it’s smart to figure out the source before jumping into solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arthritis:<\/strong> The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, in which a breakdown of cartilage in joints like the hip cause stiffness, dull aches, or a feeling of grinding or burning. Trouble within the joint like this tends to cause pain on the inside of the hip or in the groin area<\/a>. (Learn more about the relationship between sleep and arthritis<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Soft-tissue issues: <\/strong>You’re more likely to feel achy around your buttocks, upper thigh, and outer hip if a strained or inflamed ligament, tendon, or muscle is the cause of your achy hips. Rest and ice will help if it’s a recent injury, but if it’s chronic (like from repeated bending or squatting at work or in a sport) you may need physical therapy<\/a>, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nerves:<\/strong> Nerve pain usually affects just one hip, and it can feel dull or very sharp\u2014usually radiating from your low back through the hip and butt area. Regular exercise and good posture<\/a> often help with this kind of hip pain, both during the day and at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bursitis:<\/strong> You may feel sudden, shooting pain or notice swelling or redness if the jelly-filled sacs (bursae) surrounding your hip joint become inflamed. Pressure makes bursitis pain worse<\/a>, so experts say it’s smart to avoid sleeping on the affected hip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back sleeping<\/a> is typically best if you have sore hips, but it can be disruptive to try to change your default sleep position, admits Smith. If you’re a side sleeper<\/a>, tuck a cushion or pillow between your legs. This will relieve pressure on the ligaments in the top hip, which get stretched and tugged at all night long by the weight of an unsupported leg, Smith explains. (A regular bolster or pillow could work, or you can get specialized between-the-knee cushions for around $20 at Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related: What’s the best mattress for back pain?<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A cushioned mattress that conforms to the shape of your body, such as one made with memory foam<\/a> or latex<\/a>, will reduce pressure on your joints. That said, heavier folks want to make sure the mattress is still fairly firm, to better support areas of the body like the hips. If your hip pain or stiffness also makes it tough to get out of your bed in the morning, a thicker mattress or taller bed frame can make that part easier. Not ready for a new mattress? A mattress topper<\/a> like one made of memory or latex foam could help reduce joint pressure in the meantime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Physical activity reduces both joint pain and inflammation, says Smith. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which reduces strain on your knees and hips. Exercise<\/a> also protects your joints and muscles by getting your body “used to” being in many different positions, he says. “Inflammation in general is one of the body’s responses to what it perceives as abnormal movements,” explains Smith. “So if you’ve trained your body to exist in a certain position by sitting for nine hours a day with your hips bent at a particular degree, being in a different position can set off that alarm.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regularly doing different types of physical activity like strength training and stretching can condition your joints and muscles to be comfortable in a variety of positions. Other low-impact activities like biking, walking, and aquatic exercise<\/a> also helps with sore hips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The heat and the moisture of a warm bath<\/a> or Jacuzzi soak can help loosen the muscles around your hips, and then you can stretch and get a little bit of extra flexibility there,” says Smith. “The combination of moist heat and stretching is very useful for decreasing inflammation.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related: 10 nighttime activities to help you relax<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n “Joint pain involves some irritation to the body, but the other half of it is how the body responds, which is with inflammation,” says Smith. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers\u2014over-the-counter NSAIDS like ibuprofen or naproxen\u2014will help calm that response and help you rest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Relieve your hip pain at night with a comfortable mattress<\/p>\n \n Our flagship luxury mattress is expertly engineered with coil-on-coil construction for durability, a layer of memory foam for enhanced back support, and a cushiony Euro pillow top for extra comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n \n \n Shop Now\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n Luxurious body-hugging feel and pressure relief with 3\u201d of ultra-premium, high-density 5-lb memory foam. <\/p>\n\n\n \n \n Shop Now\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n Natural latex responds to every curve for pressure-free support and responsive comfort. Natural latex is supple, resilient, and durable, for the ultimate in elevated sleep. (It’s naturally hypoallergenic too.)<\/p>\n\n\n Adjust your sleep position<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Check your mattress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Move your body regularly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Go for a warm soak<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ask your doctor about pain relievers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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