Why Frozen Shoulder Gets Worse at Night and How to Improve Sleep Quality

When night falls, frozen shoulder night pain kicks in, robbing many adults and chronic pain sufferers of much-needed rest. Imagine tossing and turning, unable to find a position that brings comfort or relief. If this sounds all too familiar, you're not alone. The impact of frozen shoulder on sleep quality can be massive and crippling.

This guide sheds light on why frozen shoulder pain worsens at night and offers practical solutions to enhance sleep quality.

We'll explore why night-time is particularly challenging for those with frozen shoulders and present strategies to help you rest easier. From sleep positions and ergonomic pillow support to targeted product recommendations, here at Putnams we aim to improve your nightly sleep experience significantly.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder and Sleep Challenges

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, restricts shoulder movement due to stiffness and pain. It can last for months, sometimes years, significantly impacting daily life and sleep quality.

At night, when distractions fade away, the pain seems to intensify, disrupting sleep and leading to restless nights. This lack of rest can exacerbate shoulder stiffness, creating a vicious cycle of discomfort and fatigue.

The NHS highlights that shoulder pain can disturb sleep, making it hard to find a comfortable position.

Understanding why frozen shoulder is more painful at night is crucial to managing symptoms and improving sleep. By addressing these challenges with targeted strategies, you can take steps towards a restful night's sleep.

Why Frozen Shoulder Pain Gets Worse at Night

Ever noticed how your shoulder seems to ache more as soon as your head hits the pillow?

This phenomenon is tied to our body's natural processes. At night, blood flow slows, and water retention increases, causing heightened pressure and inflammation in the shoulder joint. This exacerbates the already painful inflammation associated with a frozen shoulder, leading to more intense discomfort.

Lying down can increase pressure on the shoulder, worsening pain and making it difficult to find relief. Understanding these physiological factors can help in devising effective strategies to manage night pain and enhance overall sleep quality.

Best Sleeping Positions for Frozen Shoulder Relief

Finding the right sleeping position is key to alleviating shoulder pain. Ideally, avoid sleeping on the affected shoulder and instead try these positions:

1. Back Sleeping: Lying on your back with your arms by your sides minimizes pressure on the shoulder joints. Adding a pillow under the knees can further align the body and distribute weight evenly.
2. Side Sleeping (on the unaffected side): Place a pillow between your arms to keep your chest open and a pillow between your knees for spinal alignment. This reduces pressure on the frozen shoulder.
3. Elevated Sleeping: Use a recliner or add wedge pillows to elevate the upper body, reducing the gravitational pull on the shoulder.

Experimentation with these positions can help find what works best, ensuring you wake up feeling less stiff and more rested.

(See - Your Guide to Healthy Sleep Habits and Finding Your Ideal Sleep Position.)

Pillows and Supports to Improve Comfort and Reduce Pain

The right pillow can make all the difference in managing frozen shoulder pain at night. Ergonomic pillows like those from Putnams provide tailored support to keep your shoulder in a neutral position. Their high-quality materials ensure durability and comfort, reducing pressure and promoting better posture.

For side sleepers, a body pillow can prevent rolling onto the affected shoulder while keeping the spine aligned. Using a specialised neck pillow can also enhance support, easing tension in the neck and shoulders.

By choosing supportive pillows, you create a sleep environment that aids in pain management and enhances overall comfort, contributing to a better night's sleep.

Additional Tips for Better Sleep with Frozen Shoulder

Beyond choosing the right sleep positions and supports, several additional strategies can help improve sleep quality for those with a frozen shoulder:

• Heat or Cold Therapy: Applying a heat pack before bed can relax muscles and reduce stiffness, while cold therapy can help soothe inflammation.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can offer temporary relief, making it easier to fall asleep. However, these should not be considered a viable long term solution.
• Sleep Hygiene: Establish a consistent sleep routine, avoid screens before bed, and create a calming environment to support restful sleep.

Incorporating these practices into your nightly routine can make a significant difference in managing frozen shoulder pain and improving sleep quality.

(See; Mastering the Art of a Restful Night's Sleep: How to Sleep Better in 8 Easy Steps.)

Putnams Product Recommendations for Frozen Shoulder Support

Putnams offers a range of  best pillows for frozen shoulder that are specifically designed to support those with shoulder pain, promoting better sleep quality:

• Ergonomic Pillows - Putnams' ergonomic pillows are designed to reduce pressure on the shoulder and neck, promoting proper alignment and comfort. These pillows cradle the head and neck, keeping your spine aligned, which is crucial for minimizing tension and pain during sleep. By maintaining a neutral position, these pillows help alleviate discomfort and support a restful night's sleep.
• Posture Cushions - Ideal for use throughout the day, Putnams posture cushions help maintain good posture, reducing strain on the shoulders and indirectly benefiting sleep quality. By encouraging proper spinal alignment, these cushions can relieve shoulder tension accumulated during daily activities, allowing you to settle into bed more comfortably.
• Body Support Pillows - For side sleepers, a body support pillow can prevent rolling onto the affected shoulder while ensuring the spine remains aligned. This support helps in distributing weight evenly and reducing pressure on sore areas, making it easier to find a comfortable sleeping position and thus allowing people sleeping with shoulder pain a good night's rest.
• Specialised Neck Pillows - Putnams offers specialised neck pillows that provide additional support to the neck and shoulders. By easing tension in these areas, these pillows can help reduce pain and stiffness, contributing to a more comfortable and uninterrupted sleep.

Investing in high-quality, supportive products like those from Putnams can transform your sleep experience, helping you manage pain and discomfort more effectively.

Frozen Shoulder Pain Doesn't Have to Dictate Your Nights.

By understanding the causes of increased night pain and implementing targeted strategies, you can significantly improve sleep with frozen shoulder. From choosing ergonomic supports to adopting optimal sleep positions, every effort counts towards a more restful night.

For personalised advice and product recommendations, consider reaching out to Putnams for support tailored to your needs.

With the right approach, you can reclaim your nights and enhance your quality of life, despite the challenges of a frozen shoulder.