Why Does My Hip Hurt When I Sleep? Common Causes and What You Can Do About It

Few things are more frustrating than finally getting into bed—only to be kept awake by aching hip pain.

If you find yourself constantly changing positions, waking up in the middle of the night, or feeling stiff every morning, you’re not alone. Hip pain while sleeping is incredibly common, especially as we get older. The good news? It’s often treatable.

At Infinite Wellness Integrative Medical Center, we help patients throughout Troy, IL uncover the root cause of their hip pain so they can sleep more comfortably and get back to enjoying everyday life.

Why Does My Hip Hurt More at Night?

During the day, you’re constantly moving. Walking, standing, and changing positions help distribute pressure across your joints and muscles.

At night, however, you remain in one position for longer periods of time. That sustained pressure can aggravate irritated tissues and make existing hip problems much more noticeable.

For side sleepers especially, the hip that rests against the mattress absorbs much of your body weight for several hours at a time.

Common Causes of Hip Pain While Sleeping

There isn’t one single reason your hip may hurt at night. Some of the most common causes include:

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of hip pain.

As the protective cartilage inside the joint wears down over time, movement becomes less smooth and stiffness can develop. Many people notice their arthritis pain feels worse after lying still for long periods.

Common symptoms include:

• Morning stiffness
• Deep aching pain
• Difficulty getting out of bed
• Pain that improves after moving around

Bursitis

Small fluid-filled sacs called bursae cushion your joints.

When one becomes inflamed—a condition known as bursitis—it can cause sharp pain along the outside of the hip.

Many patients with bursitis say sleeping on the affected side is almost impossible because even light pressure causes significant discomfort.

Muscle Tightness

Tight muscles around the hips, lower back, and pelvis can pull on the joint and create pain while you’re lying down.

This is especially common in people who:

• Sit at a desk most of the day
• Drive frequently
• Exercise without stretching
• Have poor posture

Joint Misalignment

The hips don’t work alone.

Your spine, pelvis, knees, and ankles all work together as part of one movement system.

If your pelvis or lower back isn’t moving properly, it can place additional stress on one hip, making pain more noticeable at night.

Sleeping Position

Sometimes the problem isn’t your hip—it’s how you’re sleeping.

Sleeping on one side every night can place repeated pressure on the same joint.

Sleeping on a mattress that is either too soft or too firm may also contribute to discomfort by failing to support proper spinal alignment.

Could My Mattress Be the Problem?

Possibly.

An old or unsupportive mattress can create uneven pressure on your hips and shoulders.

If you wake up feeling stiff every morning but improve after moving around, your mattress may be worth evaluating.

That said, if the pain continues regardless of where you sleep, the issue is more likely coming from the joint itself.

Tips to Reduce Hip Pain at Night

Fortunately, there are several simple strategies that may help.

Try:

• Placing a pillow between your knees if you’re a side sleeper.
• Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees.
• Stretching your hips before bedtime.
• Avoiding sitting for long periods during the day.
• Applying heat before bed if muscle tightness is contributing to your discomfort.
• Using ice if your hip feels swollen or inflamed after activity.

Small adjustments can sometimes make a noticeable difference.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

If hip pain continues despite home remedies, it may be time to address the underlying cause.

At Infinite Wellness Integrative Medical Center, chiropractic care focuses on restoring healthy movement throughout the body—not just treating the painful area.

Because the hips are closely connected to the lower back and pelvis, restrictions in one area often affect the other.

Chiropractic care may help:

• Improve hip mobility
• Reduce joint stiffness
• Restore proper pelvic alignment
• Relieve muscle tension
• Improve posture
• Support natural movement and function

Many patients report sleeping more comfortably after improving how their hips and spine move together.

Don’t Forget About the Muscles

Healthy joints depend on healthy muscles.

Weak glute muscles, tight hip flexors, and limited flexibility can all contribute to hip discomfort.

As part of your treatment plan, your provider may recommend stretches and strengthening exercises designed to improve stability and reduce stress on the hip joint.

When Should You See a Healthcare Provider?

Occasional soreness after a busy day is common.

However, you should schedule an evaluation if your hip pain:

• Wakes you up regularly
• Lasts more than a few weeks
• Makes walking difficult
• Is getting progressively worse
• Is accompanied by swelling or significant weakness
• Doesn’t improve with rest

The sooner the cause is identified, the sooner you can begin working toward lasting relief.

Hip Pain Treatment Near Troy, IL

If you’re searching for hip pain treatment in Troy, IL, the team at Infinite Wellness Integrative Medical Center is here to help.

Whether your discomfort is caused by arthritis, muscle tightness, bursitis, joint dysfunction, or spinal alignment issues, we’ll perform a thorough evaluation to determine what’s contributing to your pain and create a personalized treatment plan.

You don’t have to lose sleep because of aching hips.

Schedule your consultation with Infinite Wellness Integrative Medical Center today and take the first step toward better sleep, healthier movement, and lasting relief.