Knees feel uncomfortable at night when trying to sleep, can't fall asleep, but fine during the day—what could be the cause?
Nov 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
It is difficult to sleep at night due to knee discomfort, although symptoms improve during the day. This is mainly caused by factors such as postural changes, circulatory system regulation, excessive fatigue, osteoarthritis, and lumbar disc herniation. When the body is lying flat or on its side, the physiological curvature and pressure distribution in the knee area may change, potentially placing nerves or muscles in a tense state and causing discomfort. Try adjusting your sleeping position.
Generally, knee discomfort at night that makes it difficult to fall asleep, while no issues occur during the day, is mainly caused by factors such as postural changes, circulatory system adjustments, excessive fatigue, osteoarthritis, and lumbar disc herniation. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Postural Changes
When lying flat or on one's side, the physiological curvature and pressure distribution in the knee area may change, possibly placing nerves or muscles in a tense state and causing discomfort. Adjusting sleeping posture, such as using a pillow to support under the knees, may help reduce pressure on the knees.
2. Circulatory System Adjustments
During nighttime rest, heart rate slows and blood pressure decreases, which may affect blood supply to the knee area, causing discomfort. During daytime activity, circulation improves, reducing this effect. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, such as moderate exercise and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can help promote blood circulation.
3. Excessive Fatigue
After excessive fatigue or strenuous exercise during the day, lactic acid may accumulate in muscles, fascia, and ligaments around the knee, causing soreness during rest at night. Applying heat compresses or massage therapy may help accelerate lactic acid metabolism and relieve discomfort.
4. Osteoarthritis
Pain from osteoarthritis can be triggered by weather changes, cold exposure, and fatigue. Arthritis causes cartilage wear and narrowing of joint spaces. At night, due to slower blood circulation, inflammatory factors may accumulate locally, intensifying pain and possibly causing symptoms such as stiffness and swelling. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, celecoxib capsules, or meloxicam capsules for treatment.
5. Lumbar Disc Herniation
Lumbar disc herniation is associated with pregnancy and accumulated injuries. Degenerative changes in the lumbar discs cause the nucleus pulposus to protrude and compress nerve roots, resulting in radiating leg pain. During nighttime rest, symptoms may worsen due to postural changes or overly soft mattresses, possibly accompanied by numbness or weakness in the lower limbs. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as mecobalamin tablets, Gentongping granules, or Tongluo Qutong plasters for treatment.
In daily life, it is recommended to reduce intense daytime activities and prolonged walking to avoid excessive knee strain.
