Shoulder pain at night or shoulder pain while sleeping is a common problem that can affect sleep quality, making it difficult to sleep comfortably, causing you to wake up during the night, or forcing you to change sleeping positions frequently.
Many people assume that shoulder pain is simply caused by sleeping in the wrong position. However, shoulder pain while sleeping can also be caused by problems involving the tendons, muscles, or structures within the shoulder joint, especially when the symptoms persist or gradually become worse.
Why Does My Shoulder Hurt Every Night When I Sleep?
There are many possible causes of nighttime shoulder pain, ranging from overuse of the shoulder to underlying conditions that may require medical evaluation.
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that helps control shoulder movement and stabilize the shoulder joint. Repetitive use, heavy lifting, or activities that require frequent overhead movements can cause irritation or inflammation of these tendons.
Symptoms may become more noticeable when raising the arm, reaching for objects, or lying on the affected shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition that causes shoulder pain and restricted movement. People with frozen shoulder may find it difficult to raise their arm or reach behind their back.
The pain may interfere with sleep, particularly when changing positions or lying on the affected shoulder.
Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Shoulder osteoarthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Symptoms are often related to shoulder use and, in some cases, may interfere with sleep.
Shoulder Bursitis
The shoulder contains small fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which help reduce friction between the structures around the joint. When a bursa becomes inflamed, it can cause shoulder pain, particularly when raising the arm or staying in certain positions while sleeping.
Why Is Shoulder Pain Worse at Night?
Some types of shoulder pain may become more noticeable at night because you remain in the same position for an extended period. Lying on an inflamed or injured shoulder can increase pressure on the affected area and make the pain more noticeable.
In addition, there are fewer daytime activities to distract you from discomfort, so you may become more aware of the pain at night.
Therefore, if you experience nighttime shoulder pain regularly and changing your sleeping position does not improve the symptoms, the problem may be more than just your pillow or sleeping position. An underlying shoulder condition should also be considered.
When Should You See a Doctor for Shoulder Pain?
If shoulder pain while sleeping occurs occasionally and improves after changing your sleeping position or resting the shoulder, you may initially try some basic self-care measures.
However, you should consult an orthopedic specialist if you experience any of the following:
- Shoulder pain that persists for several weeks
- Pain that gradually gets worse
- Pain that wakes you up during the night
- Severe pain when lying on the affected shoulder
- Pain when raising your arm
- Difficulty fully raising your arm
- Weakness in the arm or shoulder
- Shoulder pain following an accident or injury
A medical evaluation can help identify the underlying cause of the pain and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
What Can You Do If Your Shoulder Hurts While Sleeping?
You can initially try adjusting your daily habits and sleeping position to reduce irritation around the shoulder.
Avoid Sleeping on the Painful Side
If one shoulder is painful, avoid putting direct pressure on that shoulder while sleeping.
Use a Pillow to Support Your Arm
Placing a pillow under or between your arms can help keep the shoulder in a more comfortable position and may reduce pressure on the affected area.
Reduce Activities That Trigger Pain
Avoid activities that involve frequent overhead movements, heavy lifting, or repetitive shoulder use, particularly if they make the pain worse.
Do Not Force the Shoulder When It Hurts
If movement causes significant pain, reduce the activity and have the cause evaluated before returning to normal use.
Don’t Ignore Shoulder Pain That Disrupts Your Sleep
Shoulder pain every night while sleeping does not necessarily mean that you have a serious condition. However, if the pain occurs regularly, wakes you up at night, or limits your ability to raise or move your arm, it may indicate an underlying problem involving the shoulder joint or tendons that should be evaluated.
An accurate diagnosis can help identify the cause of the pain and allow the appropriate treatment to be selected for each individual.
If you experience chronic shoulder pain or regular nighttime shoulder pain, consult an orthopedic specialist for a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment advice.
Prach kamlangsinserm— Orthopedic Surgeon, Arthroscopic Surgery
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