How To Deal With Pelvic Pain When Sleeping At Night?

Pelvic pain, as the name implies, refers to the pain in the pelvis and the lowest area of the stomach.

The causes for pelvic pain can vary from individual to individual as the pain can stem from issues in the reproductive system, digestive system, urinary system and even the musculoskeletal system.

The severity of the pain also depends on the root cause of the pain. This means that there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to pelvic pain.

Pelvic pain when sleeping at night can be especially disturbing, as it can mess up one’s sleep cycle. As such, we will be going through the causes and the solutions for pelvic pain when sleeping at night today.

What causes pelvic pain when sleeping at night?

Before we get to the solutions for pelvic pain, let’s first explore why and pelvic pain manifests for different people. Below are the most common causes associated with pelvic pain.

Pelvic pain at night can be caused by various underlying conditions. Here are some common reasons why you might experience it while sleeping:

1. Musculoskeletal Issues

Some musculoskeletal issues that cause pelvic pain are as follows:

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Weak or tight pelvic floor muscles can cause pain which specifically gets worse when lying down. This means pelvic floor dysfunction is the most likely culprit for pelvic pain at night.
• Hip Problems: Hip problems like labral tear, bursitis and arthritis can cause pain in the pelvic area.
• Sciatica: Sciatica is caused by a pinched nerve in the lower back and while the pain is typically felt on the back and the leg, it can also radiate into the pelvis.

 

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2. Gynecological Causes and Pregnancy:

Some gynecological issues that can cause pelvic pain can be found below:

• Endometriosis:Endometriosis, a condition where a tissue similar to uterine lining grows outside the uterus causes deep pelvic pain.
• Ovarian Cysts:Enlarged ovaries or cysts can lead to pelvic pain, particularly when lying down.
• Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP):Pelvic Girdle Pain is common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes and looseness of joints, and as the name suggests, it causes pelvic pain.

3. Urinary or Digestive Conditions

Some urinary or digestive conditions that can cause pelvic pain are as follows:

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Urinary Tract Infection or UTI causes discomfort that worsens at night which also affects the pelvic area.
• Interstitial Cystitis: Interstitial Cystitis, defined as the inflammation of the bladder wall, also leads to pelvic pain.
• Constipation: Constipation which lessens the frequency of bowel movements, also puts pressure on the pelvis, causing discomfort.

4. Infections, Inflammation and Nerve Related Causes:

Infections, inflammations and nerve related issues also lead to pelvic pain. Some of these are listed below:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Defined as the infection in the reproductive organs in women, PID can be a reason for your pelvic pain.
• Hernia: Hernia is characterized by an organ pushing through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. It usually occurs in the abdomen and the groin. A hernia in either of these locations causes pressure in the pelvic area, causing pain.
• Pudendal Neuralgia: Pudendal Neuralgia is caused by the compression of a nerve in the pelvis and it results in pain that worsens when sitting or lying down.

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Solutions for dealing with pelvic pain when sleeping at night-

Now that we’ve gone over the causes for pelvic pain, let’s look at how to deal with pelvic pain when sleeping at night. 

1. Adjust Your Sleeping Position

Adjusting your sleeping position can go a long way in preventing pelvic pain at night. There are three particular positions that lessen pelvic pain:

Side Sleeping with a Pillow: Placing a pillow between your knees to align your hips can reduce strain.

Back Sleeping with Support: Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees eases pelvic pressure.

Fetal Position: Curling up slightly can relieve tension, especially if your pelvic pain is caused by conditions like endometriosis.

2. Use Heat or Cold Therapy:

Heat or cold therapy are very effective in relieving pelvic pain. Applying a heating pad or warm compress for heat therapy to relax muscles and using an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for cold therapy are solutions that have an immediate impact in reducing pelvic pain.

3. Stretching & Gentle Movement:

Stretching exercises like pelvic tilts and child’s pose can ease discomfort in the pelvic area. Similarly, doing hip stretches and yoga poses before bed can loosen tight muscles and relieve pelvic pain when sleeping at night.

 

If your pelvic pain persists or worsens, you should immediately consult a medical professional.

 

You can do so by booking an appointment here.