Arthritis, a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints, affects millions of people worldwide. One of the most common complaints from those with arthritis is that their pain increases at night. So, why does this happen? Let’s take a look at what research has to say about this phenomenon.
The Role of Stress and Anxiety
One possible explanation for increased arthritis pain at night is stress and anxiety. Stress can cause muscles to tense up, leading to an increase in pain. Additionally, when we’re stressed out or anxious, our bodies produce cortisol—a hormone that can worsen existing inflammation in the body. This leads to more intense arthritis symptoms and may make it hard to sleep through the night.
Hormones
Another potential reason why arthritis flares up at night is hormones. According to research published in The Journal of Rheumatology, our circadian rhythms are closely linked with joint swelling and pain caused by diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and gouty arthritis. Furthermore, our bodies also tend to produce fewer endorphins —chemicals that help reduce pain—at night than during the day, meaning that we feel more discomfort when we lie down for bed each evening than when we’re awake during the day.
Temperature Changes
Finally, another factor influencing increased arthritis symptoms at night could be temperature changes that occur as the sun sets each day. Cold weather often triggers joint pain because colder temperatures tend to narrow blood vessels near your joints which leads to decreased circulation in those areas and an increase in stiffness and soreness throughout your body. Additionally, barometric pressure changes due to shifts in weather can also cause inflamed tissues to swell which causes further discomfort for those dealing with arthritis-related pain.
Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world every year—and one very common complaint is increased joint pain at night time. While researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes this phenomenon, there are several theories including stress/anxiety levels, hormones impacting our circadian rhythm patterns, as well as temperature changes associated with changing weather patterns throughout the day/night cycle. It’s important for those living with arthritis to identify individual triggers so they can work towards better managing their condition over time!
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
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