Why Does My Shoulder Hurt at Night?

If your shoulder pain seems to get worse at night or keeps you from sleeping comfortably, you’re not alone. Many people notice shoulder pain from sleep, especially when they sleep on their side, and this discomfort often signals irritation or injury in the shoulder joint.

At The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, we frequently see patients who struggle with nighttime shoulder pain, and most are surprised to learn how common it is and how treatable it can be. Understanding the causes and knowing when to seek care can make a major difference in your sleep and overall shoulder health.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain at Night

Nighttime shoulder pain can be triggered by several conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, and joints around the shoulder. Common causes include:

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries

Small tears or inflammation in the rotator cuff can make pressure from lying down extremely painful.

2. Shoulder Bursitis

Inflamed bursae can become compressed when you sleep, causing sharp or aching pain.

3. Shoulder Impingement

When shoulder tendons are pinched between bones, sleeping on your side can increase irritation and stiffness.

4. Arthritis or Degenerative Changes

Arthritis can make nighttime pain worse as inflammation builds during rest.

Why Shoulder Pain Gets Worse When You Sleep

When lying flat, the shoulder joint experiences changes in pressure and circulation. For side sleepers, body weight compresses the shoulder, intensifying pain. Many people also curl their arms while sleeping, which tightens the surrounding tissues.

If you often experience shoulder pain when sleeping on your side, this positioning is likely contributing to your symptoms.

Ways to Reduce Shoulder Pain While Sleeping

• Avoid sleeping on the painful shoulder

• Try back-sleeping with a pillow under your arm for support

• Use a supportive pillow to maintain spinal and shoulder alignment

• Perform light stretching before bedtime

• Use heat or ice to reduce inflammation

If pain continues over several nights, it may be time to see a specialist.

When to See a Shoulder Specialist in San Antonio

If nighttime shoulder pain is affecting your rest or daily routine, seeing a shoulder specialist in San Antonio can help you pinpoint the cause and get the right treatment. Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• Targeted injections

• Non-surgical therapy and guided exercises

• Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures

At The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, our fellowship-trained surgeons provide advanced care for shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand conditions. We help patients find relief from nighttime shoulder pain and return to pain-free sleep.

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Sleep Better With Stronger Shoulder Health

If you're beginning to notice shoulder pain at night, stiffness when waking up, or discomfort when you sleep on your side, don’t ignore these symptoms. Even mild nighttime pain can be an early sign of irritation, inflammation, or injury that deserves professional attention.

Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio for a thorough evaluation and personalized care. Our team will identify the root cause of your shoulder pain and develop a treatment plan designed to restore comfort, improve mobility, and help you get back to restful sleep.

Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand services and how our fellowship-trained team can help you maintain strength, function, and confidence in your daily life.