Progressively worsening bone and joint pain at night is common, not only causing discomfort but also reducing sleep quality, leading to fatigue and sluggishness the following day. Master of Science, Doctor, Level one Specialist Dinh Pham Thi Thuy Van, a specialist in Internal Medicine and Musculoskeletal diseases at Tam Anh General Clinic District 7, explains some causes of this phenomenon.

Lower temperatures at night cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood circulation to the joints, especially peripheral joints (upper limb joints like hands and lower limb joints like knees, ankles). This results in less oxygen and nutrients reaching the tissues around the joints, while metabolic waste products are harder to eliminate, leading to pain and joint stiffness. During sleep, a slower heart rate also contributes to reduced blood flow.

Setting air conditioning too low constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow and the lubricating fluid that nourishes joints. Direct cold air or significant temperature differences cause abnormal contraction of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to pain. This condition is particularly severe for individuals already suffering from musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis.

An imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory substances also plays a role. At night, melatonin, prolactin, and many other cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines, making patients feel more pain. Meanwhile, the concentration of the anti-inflammatory substance cortisol in the blood decreases, reducing the body's protective and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

A reduced pain threshold contributes to heightened pain perception. When the surroundings are quiet and there are no activities to distract attention, the brain focuses more on pain signals from the body, making patients perceive pain more acutely.

Doctor Van assesses the knee joint function of a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Clinic District 7.

Doctor Van suggests some methods to reduce bone and joint pain at night:

Gentle exercise before and after sleep helps increase blood and oxygen circulation to the muscles, promoting muscle relaxation, enhancing muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility, thereby effectively improving pain.

Adjust air conditioner usage. Do not set the room temperature more than 5 degrees Celsius lower than the outside temperature. Direct the air conditioner's airflow towards the ceiling, avoiding direct blasts to the head, face, neck, nape, and joints.

Applying warm compresses before sleep helps relax muscles and improve blood circulation, thereby reducing joint and periarticular muscle stiffness, supporting anti-inflammatory effects, and effectively alleviating pain. Patients can substitute this method with warm baths or steam baths; however, they should consult a doctor before doing so.

Gentle massage on the painful joint area can help relax muscles, improve blood circulation, and stimulate nerves, thereby reducing joint stiffness and supporting pain relief.

Applying warm compresses to the painful joint area before sleep effectively reduces nighttime pain. Photo: Tam Anh General Clinic District 7.

Not only causing discomfort and reducing sleep quality, which affects overall health, progressively worsening bone and joint pain at night can also be a warning sign of dangerous bone and joint diseases.

Doctor Van advises patients to seek medical attention if the condition lasts longer than one or two weeks, or if joint pain is severe and continuous for 72 hours without signs of improvement. Pain accompanied by signs such as swelling, redness, or warmth in the joint also warrants a visit. Patients should also seek medical attention if their mobility is limited; or if joint pain is accompanied by fever, fatigue, weight loss, nausea, and other symptoms.

Phi Hong